Entering the 2024-25 school year, there have been five new additions to the Lemont High School staff. Among those is Josh Mander, a sixth-year educator and one of the two newest special education teachers.
Mander’s path into education was not a traditional one. Beginning as a journalism major, his passion for working with students who experience educational obstacles led him to pursue a master’s degree in special education.
“So that really became my goal,” Mander said. “Being able to make an impact being a mentor, showing students […] that they could accomplish their goals, and they could overcome obstacles within their academic and just daily life.”
Growing up, Mander experienced challenges of his own in his education.
“I have a health impairment,” Mander said. “Where I went to school, they didn’t have special education, so I never really had the opportunity to get support and have those things in place for me.”
At LHS, the school environment is more supportive. He recognizes how much the LHS community cares for their students’ needs.
“Through the programs, athletics, you know, the academics and just the involvement that all the students have […] within the different facets of schools,” Mander said.
Along with teaching students, Mander is heavily involved with football as the head sophomore football coach.
With a 1 year old at home, Mander doesn’t have a lot of free time, but when he does get a free moment, he enjoys reading, playing Xbox and playing the guitar and piano.
Refreshed and ready for his new position, Mander is excited to take on LHS, and we know he’ll do great!
