Bio

Benjamin (Ben) Tellie is the president and principal consultant of Tellie Collaborative. He is a Visual Art and Graphic Design Instructor at the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School (CESJDS) in Rockville, MD, where he teaches high school elective courses. As a curriculum studies scholar with a background in art and art education, Ben is also a doctoral candidate at George Washington University, focusing on autobiography, currere, psychoanalysis and education, curriculum theory, difficult histories, qualitative research practices, and emotion and aesthetics in education. At Tellie Collaborative, Ben brings his diverse academic expertise and 14 years of experience as a full-time educator to the corporate sector for various clients. He has worked with Dr. Valaida Wise Consulting, LLC, from 2021 - 2024 where he provided his services as a DEI consultant, curriculum specialist, and theorist. In this capacity, he has worked with many K-12 school systems nationwide to conduct curriculum equity audits, created school board leadership models for building equity work, developed contemporary equity assessment models, and regularly facilitated focus groups and interviews for qualitative research projects.

In the past, Ben has partnered with many organizations, non-profits, universities, and individual scholars on various projects. Some universities he has taught at include Maryland Institute College of Art, George Washington University, Temple University, and Teachers College Columbia University. He has also worked as a Gallery Instructor in the National Gallery of Art's high school seminar program; a teaching assistant in the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s Accessible Programs Division; and as an art and occupational therapist assistant at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre, PA. 

Ben holds a Psychoanalytic Studies Certificate from the Psychoanalytic Studies Program at the Washington Baltimore Center of Psychoanalysis. He also holds an M.A. in Art and Art Education from Columbia University and a B.A. in Studio Art and Minor in Art History from Temple University’s Tyler School of Art. 

Ben has published work in the Journal of Curriculum Theorizing, Art Education Journal, School Arts Magazine, and the Maryland Art Education Association Gazette. He has presented his academic work at various conferences around the United States including the Journal of Curriculum Theorizing‘s annual Bergamo Conference on Curriculum Theory and Classroom Practice, The National Art Education Association (NAEA) National Conventions, Maryland Art Education Association (MAEA) State Conventions, Louisiana State University’s Curriculum Camp, The George Washington University, Teachers College, Columbia University, and the Association of Independent Maryland and DC Schools (AIMS).

Outside of work, Ben is a dedicated father who loves spending time with his wife, son, and dog. He studies Uechi Ryu, a traditional Okinawan style of karate, with his son Brighton at the Okinawan Karate Dojo in Catonsville, MD.

Portfolio

  • CONSULTING PUBLICATIONS 

    Tellie, B. (2024). Board roadmap to DEI governance: A user guide. Dr. Valaida Wise Consulting, LLC.

    Tellie, B. (2023). American Montessori Society DEI/ABAR assessment tools for Montessori TEPs and schools. Dr. Valaida Wise Consulting, LLC.

    PEER-REVIEWED PRINTED PUBLICATIONS

    Tellie, B. (2016, March). More than a letter grade. School Arts Magazine, 115(7), 16.

    Tellie, B., & Dracup, J. (2015). Exploring bullying through artmakingArt Education, 69(1), p. 8-15. 

    Tellie, B. (2015, September). Peer-to-peer reflections. School Arts Magazine, 115(1), 14. 

    PEER-REVIEWED ONLINE PUBLICATIONS

    Tellie, B. (2023). Essay book review, affect in artistic creativity: Painting to feel. Journal of Curriculum Theorizing, 38(1), 46–50.

    Tellie, B. (2020, April 03). Zman Kodesh and the visual arts in the high school. Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School.

    Tellie, B. (2020). Incorporating psychoanalytic thinking into art education. Maryland Art Education Association Blog

    Tellie, B. (2019, September 23). The truth of curriculum. National Art Education Association Monthly Mentor Publication. 

    Tellie, B. (2019, September 23). Artist-as-teacher balance: Finding the time to createNational Art Education Association Monthly Mentor Publication. 

    Tellie, B. (2019, September 18). VisAbility Art Lab, Rockville, MD. National Art Education Association Monthly Mentor Publication.

    Tellie, B. (2019, September 16). Artist Justin Valenti. National Art Education Association Monthly Mentor Publication.

    Tellie, B. (2019, September 9). Insect interventions. National Art Education Association Monthly Mentor Publication

    Tellie, B. (2019, September 11). Insect interventions, part II. National Art Education Association Monthly Mentor Publication.

    Tellie, B. (2019, September 6). Teamwork and mentoring new colleagues. National Art Education Association Monthly Mentor Publication

    Tellie, B. (2019, September 4). Organizational strategies before teaching begins. National Art Education Association. Monthly Mentor Publication.

    Tellie, B. (2019, September 2). Commuting to school. National Art Education Association Monthly Mentor Publication

    Tellie, B. (2017, January). My trip to Budapest, Hungary. Maryland Art Education Association Gazette.

    Tellie, B. (2016, April). What can NAEA do for art educators?Maryland Art Education Association Gazette

    Tellie, B. (2016, December). Google Cardboard: Experiences in virtual realityMaryland Art Education Association Gazette. 

    Tellie, B. (2016, October). Writing as a way to reflect on classroom practiceMaryland Art Education Association Gazette

    Tellie, B. (2015, April). Exploring various approaches to your research questionMaryland Art Education Association Gazette

    Tellie, B. (2015, December). Creating a research question in the studio classroomMaryland Art Education Association Gazette

    Tellie, B. (2015, October). Exploring research in the art classroomMaryland Art Education AssociationGazette

    Rao, S. & Tellie, B. (2014, April). MAEA Research DivisionMaryland Art Education Association Gazette.

    Tellie, B. (2014, October). Teaching as design: Assessment and arts-based researchMaryland Art Education Association Gazette

    Tellie, B. (2013, October). Let’s talk: A studio approach to cyberbullyingMaryland Art Education Association Gazette

    Tellie, B. (2012, October). The online dialogue: Exploring classroom blogging and website creationMaryland Art Education Association Gazette

    FEATURED WORK

    Schere, D. (2017, May 3). Hungarian teachers savor the silence at Rockville day school. Washington Jewish Week.

    Schwab, H. (2016, November-December). Profiles, one’s to watch, leading young professionals: Benjamin TellieBethesda Magazine.

  • Presentations

    ACADEMIC PAPERS PRESENTED AT PROFESSIONAL MEETINGS 

    2024 BATON ROUGE, LA – Paper on the topic of Artful reflections in qualitative research: Currere and visual art making in the autobiographical interview. In session II of Curriculum Camp 2024, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA.

    2022 DAYTON, OH – Paper on the topic Curriculum Melancholia: Letters to my Son about Whiteness and the Melancholic Forces that Live in Education. In a session entitled, teaching, curriculum, and currere. 42nd Annual Bergamo Conference on Curriculum Theory and Classroom Practice. Bergamo Conference Center, Dayton, Ohio.

    2021 DAYTON, OH – Paper on the topic Decolonization Through Artistic Self-Expression: Addressing Racism in the Secondary Art and Design Classroom With Fanon and Pinar, by Benjamin Tellie and Dr. Elliott Schwebach. In the panel entitled Beams of Darkness: Learning Experientially about Hard History and Racial Redress through Self-reflective Visual Art and Wordless Narratives. 41st Annual Meeting of the Bergamo Conference on Curriculum Theory and Classroom Practice. The panel is run by Benjamin Tellie (George Washington University), Leslie Smith Duss (George Washington University), and Elliott Schwebach (Johns Hopkins University).

    2019 DAYTON, OH –Paper on the topic Autobiographical Curriculum through Art: Working In Between Past Difficult Histories, First author. In Brian Casemore’s (Chair), Exploring Aesthetic Refraction as a Catalyst for Curricular Change: Autobiographical Investigations of Teaching In and Through the Arts. 40th Annual Bergamo Conference on Curriculum Theory and Classroom Practice. Bergamo Conference Center, Dayton, Ohio.

    2016 CHICAGO, IL  Paper on the topic Bullying: Outfits, Play, and Transformations Through Comics, Creatures, and Artifacts. Paper, “Exploring bullying through artmaking.” National Art Education Association National Convention.

    INVITED GUEST LECTURES

    2022 BALTIMORE, MD. Guest lecturer for Dr. Elliott Schwebach’s undergraduate course, Theories and Histories of Property. AS.191.330, March 17, 2022. Johns Hopkins University. Lecture entitled, “Property violation and destruction” which covered the the history of graffiti in urban settings and political and psyche-social dimensions of anti-racist art making and graffiti.

    PEER-REVIEWED SOLO PRESENTATIONS 

    2017 CATONSVILLE, MD – Artist talk on the topic Painting within Abstract Expressionism. pARTners exhibit, Baltimore County Arts Guild.

    2014 SAN DIEGO, CA –Action research on the topic Wall to Wall: Examining Street Art and Technology in the Studio Classroom. National Art Education Association National Convention.

    2013 SILVER SPRING, MD – Action research on the topic STOP Bullying: Strategies, Thoughtful Practice, and Art Making. Maryland Art Education Association State Conference

    2013 ST. MICHAEL’S, MD – Presentation on the topic of Exploring Student Performance. Aims Teachers Retreat, Harbourtowne.

    2012 NEW YORK, NY Classroom action research on the topic Recordings and Dialogue: Exploring Classroom Blogging as a Form of Self & Group Reflection. National Art Education Association National Convention

    2011 ANNAPOLIS, MD. Presentation on the topicExploring Classroom Transitions: Reflections of a First Year Art Teacher. Maryland Art Education Association State Conference.

    PEER-REVIEWED GROUP PRESENTATIONS

    2019 GAITHERSBURG, MD – Presentation on the topic of Art of Grief: Community Art Workshops and Classroom Practice to Support Healing. Jessie Nathans and Benjamin Tellie. Maryland Art Education Association Conference. Watkins Mill High School, Gaithersburg, MD.

    2019 BOSTON, MA – Presentation on the topic Art of grief: Community art workshops and classroom practice to support healing. Benjamin Tellie and Jessie Nathans. National Art Education Association National Convention.

    2017 BALTIMORE, MD– Presentation on the topic Community Artmaking Workshops for Healing and Wellness: Discovering the Healing Effects of Art. Gilly Cannon, Jessie Nathans, and Benjamin Tellie. Maryland Art Education Association State Conference, Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA).

    2016 BALTIMORE, MD – Presentation on the topic The Hybrid Art Educator. Jessie Nathans and Benjamin Tellie. Maryland Art Education Association State Conference, Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA).

    2015 ELLICOTT CITY, MD –Arts-based researchpresentation on the topic #ATSAT –Art Teacher Seeking Art Teacher: Finding Informed Collaborative Inspiration in an Often Isolating Profession. Caro Appel, Lillian Chun, Lauren Cook, Jessie Nathans, Shyla Rao, and Benjamin. Maryland Art Education Association State Conference, Centennial High School.

    2014 CLARKESVILLE, MD– Classroom action research presentation on the topic The Whole Art Educator: Remixing Studio Practice and Investigation in a Digital Age. Jessie Nathans, and Benjamin Tellie. Maryland Art Education Association State Conference, River Hill High School.

    2014 SAN DIEGO, CA –Classroom action research presentation on the topic The Whole Art Educator: Remixing Studio Practice and Investigation in a Digital Age. Shari Bergel, JessieNathans, and Benjamin Tellie. National Art Education Association National Convention.

    2013 FORTH WORTH, TX – Classroom action researchpresentation on the topic Artmaking and Spirituality: Identity, Discourse, and Exploration. Jessie Nathans and Benjamin Tellie. National Art Education Association National Convention.

    2013 FORTH WORTH, TX – Classroom action research presentation on the topic Exploring Bullying Through Artmaking. Benjamin Tellie and Josh Dracup. National Art Education Association National Convention.

    2010 BALTIMORE, MD – Classroom action researchpresentation on the topic Infusing Technological Exploration into Art Education. Stephanie Dore, Josh Dracup,  and Benjamin Tellie. National Art Education Association National Convention.

    2009 NEW YORK, NY – Graduate presentation on the topic Play and Investigation: Surfacing Insights, Conversations Across Artistic Cultures. Judith Burton, Matthew Carrigan, Maggie Chang, Josh Dracup, Cathy Rosomond, Deborah Schrier, and Benjamin Tellie.Bridging Discourses: A Symposium, Teachers College, Columbia University.

    INVITED WEBINARS AND PRESENTATIONS

    2021, April 14 – National professional learning webinar presenter, National Art Education Association.Creating, Presenting, Responding, and Connecting The Middle School Curriculum and the NCCAS Standards. By Benjamin Tellie and Jessie Nathans, 1 hour of professional development credit as designated by NAEA.

    2019 GAITHERSBURG, MD – Presentation and workshop on How to Use Art as a Tool to Support Grieving Children. By, Jessie Nathans and Benjamin Tellie. Good Grief Club and Counselor Appreciation Event, Caring Matters.

    PANELS

    2024 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Panel speaker on Autobiographical Curriculum Studies: A Panel Discussion on the Theory and Practice of Currere, November 7, 2024 at The George Washington University. Panelists: Dr. Sandra Vanderbilt (GW, GSEHD), Dr. Dowan McNair-Lee (UDC), and Ben Tellie (GW, C&I, Ed.D). Discussant: Dr. Brian Casemore (GW, GSEHD). Hosted by “The Reimagining Curriculum Through the Humanities” research team in the Department of Curriculum & Pedagogy. 1776 G Street NW, room C103.

    2019 BOSTON, MA– Panel speaker on Excellence in Our Midst, Middle-Level Awardee Showcase, NAEA Middle-Level Division. Moderators: Bareis, K., & Curran, P. Panelists: Davis, J., M., Gaub, Gentili, A., Tellie, A. B., Vidal-Santos, C., Weatherford, J. National Art Education Association National Convention.

    WORKSHOP EXPERIENCE

    2017- 2020 GAITHERSBURG, MD – Workshop co-instructor for grief and family loss art workshopsCaringMatters, Inc. By, Jessie Nathans and Benjamin Tellie (Voluntary).

    2014 – 2018 BETHESDA, MD– Art and wellbeing workshops, Mind and Body Wellness Day and Cancer Survivor Day Conferences, North Bethesda Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, Kaiser Permanent. By Jessie Nathans and Benjamin Tellie (Freelance). 

    2014 PORTLAND, OR– Workshop instructor, art along the trailOpal Creek Ancient Forest Center.

    2013 Washington, D.C. – Workshop co-instructor for exploring identity and spirituality through hands-on art-making, ROUTES: A Day of Jewish Learning, American University. By Jessie Nathans and Benjamin Tellie. 

    2009 NEW YORK, NY– Linoleum and woodblock relief workshopsTeachers College, Columbia University

    PROFESSIONAL RESEARCH INTERACTIVE CAFE CHATS

    2015 Hosted Assessing Learning in Students’ Responses to Works of Art, Interactive Cafe Chat. National Art Education Association Research Commission Interactive Cafe. Stephanie Downey, Michelle Grohe, Olga Hubard, and Benjamin Tellie.

    2015 Official commenter. “Researching School Programs in the Art Museum.” Interactive Cafe Chat, National Art Education Association Research Commission Interactive Cafe, Benjamin Tellie.

  • SOLO EXHIBITIONS

    Remembered Places: Benjamin Tellie Works on Paper, Vis Arts Center, Rockville, MD, 2010  

    CURATED EXHIBITIONS

    Collective Clarity, Macy Gallery, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, 2009

    GROUP EXHIBITIONS

    Faculty Art Exhibit, Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School, Rockville, MD, 2012-2024

    Baltimore County Arts Guild Members Exhibit, Baltimore County Arts Guild Gallery, Catonsville, MD, 2017

    pARTner Exhibit, Baltimore County Arts Guild Gallery, Catonsville, MD, 2017

    Demo Studio: Teaching as a Design Process, D Center, Baltimore, MD, 2014    

    Carnival of Chocolates Auction , The Dwelling Place, VisArts Center, Rockville, MD, 2012 - 2014                    

    Arts Seen Gallery, Wilkes-Barre, PA, 2011        

    Younger Than Moses: Idle Worship, Benrimon Contemporary, New York, NY, 2010 

    Student Teachers Student Exhibition Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, 2010    

    Bridging Discourses: Conversations Across Artistic Cultures, Macy Gallery, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, 2009

    Student Exhibition of Prints, Macy Gallery, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, 2009   

    JURIED EXHIBITIONS

    Celebrating Bridges: Art and Art Education Program Alumni Exhibition. Macy Gallery, Teachers College, Columbia University, NY, 2021

    National Art Education Association Member Exhibition, NAEA Studio & Gallery, Alexandria, VA. October - April, 2017 - 2018

    Maryland Art Education Association Member Exhibit, International Terminal Gallery, BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport, Baltimore, MD, 2012  

    2008 Senior Seminar Exhibition: 31 Degrees North, The Space, Avenue North Shopping Center, 2nd Floor, Tyler School of Art, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA.

    2007 Mid-Town Village Painting Exhibit, Wyoming Valley Art League Midtown Gallery, Wilkes-Barre, PA.

    2007 Student Exhibition of Fine Prints, School District of Philadelphia, Second Floor, Temple University, Tyler School of Art, Philadelphia, PA.

    2007 Fine Art Exhibition, Macdonald Gallery, Misericordia University, Dallas, PA.

    2007 Student Exhibition, Fish Bowl Gallery, Tyler School of Art, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA.

    2006 Student Exhibition, Fish Bowl Gallery, Tyler School of Art, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA.

    2006 Painting Exhibition, Wyoming Valley Art League Gallery, Kingston, PA.

    2004 Student Show, Keystone College Library, Keystone College, La Plume, PA.

    2003 Painting Exhibition: Wyoming Valley Art League, Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre, PA.

    2002 Spring Fine Art Exhibit, Wyoming Valley Art League Gallery, Kingston, PA.

    2001 Congressional Arts Competition, Washington DC.

    2001 Cultural Arts Committee Spring Exhibition: Wyoming Valley Art League, Hoyt Library, Kingston, PA.

    2001 Spring Fine Arts Exhibit, Wyoming Valley Art League Gallery, Kingston, PA.

    2000 Spring Fine Arts Exhibit, Wyoming Valley Art League Gallery, Kingston, PA.

  • Teaching and Art Education 

    First Place Award, Reflections Magazine: Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School, American Scholastic Press Association, 2024 (Faculty advisor) 

    National Middle-Level Art Educator Award, National Art Education Association, 2020

    Eastern Region Middle-Level Art Educator Award, National Art Education Association, 2019

    Middle School Level Career Art Educator Award, Maryland Art Education Association, 2017 

    Ten-Year Service Teaching Award, Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School, Rockville, MD, 2020

    Five-Year Service Teaching Award, Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School, Rockville, MD, 2015

    Visual Art and Academics 

    First Place Award, Maryland Art Educators Members Exhibit, BWI Airport, Baltimore, MD, Maryland Art Education Association, 2012

    Art and Art Education Department Achievement Award in Printmaking, Tyler School of Art, Temple University, 2008    

    Presidential Scholars Award, Temple University, 2008   

    Faculty Award, Thirty-Ninth Annual Student Art Exhibition, Temple University, 2007

Art Work