Trent Bender, Assistant Principal

I am so happy to be the Assistant Principal at Highland Park Elementary School! I am thrilled to support our students, staff, and families with joy and kindness! 

My journey in education started in 2007 where I was a band director, music teacher, and coach at the high school level for six years. I was also a previous elementary music teacher for 9 years and an administrator in Gilbert Public Schools since 2020.

Family is the beat to my drum. My family includes my wife Megan (former HPE teacher), my daughter Phoebe, and my son Colby! In our free time we love to swim, run/hike various trails/paths, catch a baseball game, and loudly sing every line of our favorite Disney songs (our house is never quiet!) You will often find me coaching various youth sports, supporting my daughters dance/musical theater’s activities, and playing in the Symphony of the Southwest!

The most important thing we can do as educators is to care for our students and each other. I am so excited to become a part of this amazing school community and to assist our Hornets each day as they strive to be Positive and Persevere, Accountable, Responsible and Kind.