Brandon Bender

Teaching specialist

Greater Barcelona Metropolitan Area

About

With over 20 years of international teaching and community-based experience, I am a passionate, well-rounded educator committed to nurturing curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking in diverse learning contexts. I have lived and worked across Asia, Africa, South America, and Europe, collaborating with multilingual and multicultural communities and designing inclusive, holistic learning environments that support students as confident, compassionate global citizens. My work is grounded in a rich blend of creative, psychological, neuroscientific, and philosophical perspectives. Drawing on an array of qualifications that span the arts, psychology, educational neuropsychology, and Indic and Eastern philosophy, I integrate brain-based learning, trauma-informed practice, and contemplative traditions into meaningful, cross-disciplinary educational experiences. This allows me to teach across areas such as visual arts, art therapy, psychology, philosophy, and languages, while responding sensitively to the emotional, cognitive, and cultural needs of learners. Alongside formal education, I have been deeply involved in NGO and community projects worldwide, including art-therapy initiatives, community education, and creative development programs in underserved regions. These experiences have strengthened my commitment to healing-centered pedagogy, social equity, and education as a tool for personal and collective transformation. I enjoy connecting with educators, therapists, artists, and researchers who are interested in global education, trauma-sensitive and inclusive practices, and the intersection of creativity, neuroscience, philosophy, and learning.

Experience

  • International Baccalaureate Examiner at International Baccalaureate (IB)
    Mar 2024 - Present · 2 yrs 4 mos

    Visual Arts Examiner-English/Spanish Extended Essay Examiner

  • Teaching Specialist at Hamelin-Laie International School Barcelona
    Feb 2023 - Present · 3 yrs 5 mos

    IB Visual Arts teacher IB C.A.S Coordinator TOK teacher Head Of Arts Department Mindfulness Teacher

  • Teaching Specialist at La Miranda International School
    Sep 2020 - Feb 2023 · 2 yrs 6 mos

    IB Visual Arts Teacher Extended Essay Coordinator MYP Visual Arts Teacher

  • Teaching Specialist at Hamelin-Laie International School Barcelona
    Sep 2018 - Sep 2020 · 2 yrs 1 mo

    IB Visual Arts Teacher C.A.S Coordinator Thinking Skills Teacher

  • Teaching specialist/Educational program coordinator at Fundação Lemann
    2015 - 2018 · 3 yrs

    Educational coordinator supporting schools and educators to enhance learning outcomes in underserved communities around the Amazon basin. Designing and implementing innovative teaching strategies, mentoring educators to promote student wellbeing. Student Counselling.