History teacher Ben Mendelson was born in New Jersey, has lived in Chicago for 12 years and recently moved to La Grange Park to pursue his teaching career. With his dog Bagel by his side, he enjoys spending time with family and traveling when he’s not in the classroom.

Mendelson loved Naz from the moment he stepped foot on campus. He really loved the community and school itself because it felt like home. Mendelson said, “I knew about Naz from sports stuff and its good reputation, and I really thought that the values fit my values of who I am as a teacher. So I leapt at the opportunity to interview and thankfully, got the job.” 

To make teaching more interesting and fun, Mendelson uses skills from his experience as a comedian in the classroom, but is still very serious about his students’ learning. Mendelson said, “So, something interesting about me is that

Outside of school, Mendelson is a huge sports fan. Mendelson said, “I’m a diehard Philadelphia sports fan. So I watch most Phillies games. I watched most Eagles games, and most Sixers games.” He’s not just a sports fan, but likes to participate himself. During the summer months, Mendelson loves playing pickleball and tennis in his free time.

Mendelson recognizes the challenge of finding balance between school work and things outside of school. But, working as a teacher has made him realize that the balancing act is all part of the profession. Mendelson said, “Teaching is a great job, but it is tough when you have so much grading and work to get done, but also you have to balance that with connecting with students and all the other things in your life.” 

Through it all, Mendelson brings energy, humor, and dedication to the classroom: these are the qualities that help make Nazareth feel like home both for him and his students.