Ben Needham received his Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Oregon State University and a Master’s degree in Education from Portland State University.  He began his career at Tualatin Elementary School, a National School of Excellence.  In 1997 Ben taught in Toowoomba, Australia on a teacher exchange.  

After twelve years with the Tigard-Tualatin School District, Ben joined Portland Public School’s focus option program, The Creative Science School.  One morning in 2002 he was surprised by a news crew, complete with giant cardboard check, barging into his classroom to honor him as the KOIN TV/State Farm Teacher of the Month.  Ben was awarded a Fulbright Teacher Exchange to Weston-Super-Mare, England for the 2003-04 school year.  

In addition to his teaching duties, he coaches the school’s comprehensive K-8 chess program.  The Thunderbolts Chess Team has won numerous tournaments and many trophies at the state’s championship.

Ben lives in Portland with his wife, Jennifer, and their sons, Gabe and Elijah.  Ben enjoys training and bike racing.