Joe Dan M. Lovato is a principal, former science educator, and musician originally from Roy, New Mexico (Class of 2003). He earned a BA in Education from ENMU in 2007, a MA in Education (Curriculum and Instruction) from ENMU in 2014. He possesses a Level III Administration license, a Level III-A K-8 Elementary license, and a Level III-A Pre K-12 Special Education license with endorsements in science and health. Joe Dan finished his 15th year teaching STEAM-H, newspaper/journalism, and leading the restorative justice program at Mark Armijo Academy a charter high school located near the South Valley of Albuquerque; where he lead his team to a 2021 Governor's STEM Challenge Statewide Championship. Previously, he taught middle school science; he also taught the 8th grade Next-Step class, the STEAM-H elective, and incentive electives in cryptozoology, extraterrestrial/paranormal investigations, intro to songwriting, and guitar workshop. Joe Dan is now the middle school principal at Turquoise Trail Charter School located in Santa Fe.

He is a 2018 NMPED Teacher of the Year Finalist and is the 2019 New Mexico Teach Plus Policy Fellow of the Year, where he and his team conducted research and advocated for Social and Emotional Learning. He served as a New Mexico Teach Plus Policy Senior Fellow for 2021 and 2022. He helped with the Phoenix Project (Teach Plus) and was an Along Fellow with CZI (Chan Zuckerberg Initiative). Joe Dan is also a board member for Solare Collegiate Charter School where he serves as the Secretary and is the Academic Excellence Committee Chair. Joe Dan is a singer, song writer, and guitarist who has played with a variety of musicians and shared the stage with many different bands throughout the years. He was a member of the local progressive rock band Blackwater Draw (2006-2015) and has since embarked on a solo career under the moniker “Joe Dan The Man”. He released his debut self-titled EP in 2015 with positive reviews and is currently working on a full-length album with two separate projects. Joe Dan and his wife Brandi (originally from Portales) are raising their very energetic 5 years old daughter, Joe Danna and 1 year old son Lathan. "Being a teacher and musician gives me the platforms necessary to invoke change in the most positive manner possible.”