Benjamin Tillotson received his M.Ed. from the University of Utah in Special Education - Severe Disabilities. Ben recently joined Tanner Dance at the University of Utah as the Adult Disability Arts Director as part of a new grant initiative. He has over 14 years of experience working with students with disabilities at the elementary, middle school, high school, and post-high settings. For seven years he co-taught at the SCORE Transition Academy in Salt Lake City School District that he co-developed. Ben formerly served on the board and as president of Utah Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) and has enjoyed serving on the international board of directors for the Council for Exceptional Children since 2020. In partnership with the Utah Global Diplomacy, Ben has hosted groups from across the globe as part of the U.S. Department of State’s, International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). Ben has also previously worked for Global Education Allies (GEA) leading groups of educators on international professional development tours in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Africa. On these tours, participants learned teaching strategies and how their unique cultural, political, and economical systems impact education. In 2021, Ben received the Outstanding Alumni Award from the University of Utah’s Special Education Department for his work in transition and with pre-service teachers. Ben is passionate about promoting sustainability, safety, and transparency in all aspects of school operations. He is committed to creating a respectful, humane, and optimistic learning atmosphere that supports both students and colleagues. In his spare time Ben loves to travel, enjoy nature, rock climb, write, buy plants, and spend time with his family and friends.