Fourth Grade Teacher Ben Needham

After graduating from Oregon State University, I began teaching at Tualatin Elementary School. I continued my education at Portland State University, receiving a Masters Degree in Education in 1990. Having spent 1997 teaching in Australia on exchange, I came to the Creative Science School in the 1997–98 school year. I spent the 04–05 school year teaching in England on a Fulbright Teacher Exchange.

The Creative Science School is such a good match for me because I have always instinctually gravitated towards constructivist education. By channeling the energy and enthusiasm students naturally bring to the classroom into creative projects I strive to nurture a meaningful, challenging learning environment.

I coach the Bridger Bolts Chess Program. Forty percent of Bridger/CSS students, K–5, participate in chess. The Bolts chess team has been incredibly successful over the past five years winning three straight regional championships, winning numerous trophies at the State Championship, and representing Portland Public Schools and Oregon at the National Championship in 2002.

My wife, Jennifer, and I have two sons, Gabriel and Elijah. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, cycling, and coaching soccer.