Dr. Joel Rioux, brings over 30 years of distinguished experience in Montessori education and Indigenous teacher development across Australia. His career reflects a deep commitment to inclusive, culturally responsive pedagogy and educational leadership.
Dr. Rioux began his journey as a Montessori educator, working for 18 years in various urban settings throughout New Zealand and Australia. He later spent eight years at Wadja Wadja High School in Woorabinda, Central Queensland, where he established a pioneering Montessori program tailored for adolescent Indigenous students.
His dedication to Indigenous education continued at the Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education (BIITE) in Darwin, where he served for 11 years as a lecturer and researcher, supporting preservice Indigenous teachers in tertiary education. During this time, he completed his doctoral studies at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), focusing on science education—specifically zoological classification—and its integration with Indigenous and Montessori methodology.
Since January 2023, Dr. Rioux has served as Principal of Montessori Noosa, where he leads with vision, integrity, and a passion for nurturing lifelong learning. His leadership is grounded in the Montessori philosophy and enriched by decades of experience in research, curriculum development, and community engagement.