HGSE Remembers Joel Monell

Harvard Graduate School of Education is mourning the loss of former administrator Joel Monell, Ed.M.'67. He passed away April 5, 2026, at the age of 86.

After completing his undergraduate studies at Dartmouth College, Monell went on to receive his master's in education from HGSE and his Ph.D. from Stanford. He spent his career working at all levels of education, including as headmaster of the Phoenix Country Day School in Arizona and as chairman of the Children's Montessori School in Beverly, Massachusetts.

Monell started his appointment at HGSE in 1986. He was dean for administration and academic services from 1986 to 2003, working closely with deans Patricia Albjerg Graham and Jerome Murphy, as well as interim deans Judith Singer and John Willett. In 2003, he took on the role as senior adviser to Dean Ellen Condliffe Lagemann until his retirement in 2005.

As administrative dean, Monell oversaw a period of growth for the school, often having to find creative solutions to space issues on campus. He also maintained positive relationships with the HUCTW, calling the union, after a period of negotiation in 1993, "good for the School of Education and good for the university." In 1995, he was appointed to a committee examining Harvard's central finances under President Neil Rudenstine. A supportive and valued collaborator and co-worker at HGSE, Monell was often tapped to offer his thoughts on the accomplishments of colleagues celebrating career milestones, as he did for both Graham and Murphy when they stepped down from their respective deanships.

Monell was a “live wire” and a “smart, sensible, and fun" person to work with, says Murphy, now Harold Howe II Professor of Education, Emeritus. "He loved the Ed School, and many here will remember his significant contributions."

After his retirement from HGSE, Monell remained involved in education by serving on several boards, including at the Waring School in Beverly.

Read Monell's obituary as it appeared in the Boston Globe.