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About Timothy Bellavia

Summary

Timothy Bellavia has collaborated and designed curriculum with several non-profit organizations, including Sesame Workshop, Mattie J.T. Stepanek Foundation, and the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz. He was a recipient of Education Update’s Outstanding Arts / Design Educator of the Year Award, won several arts and digital education awards, and served as an integral part of the five-year EIR research project to highlight the importance of integrating STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) topics into elementary schools' curriculum.

Education

Fashion Institute of Technology, New York, NY, 2000
Creative Enterprise Ownership Program (C.E.O.)

Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture, Skowhegan, ME, 1997
Scholarship Recipient: Selected for a 9-week residency program 

Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, NY, 1995
Master of Fine Arts, Painting & Sculpture

Roberts Wesleyan University, Rochester, New York, 1992
Bachelor of Science, Art Education

Certification

New York State Certification in Art Education, K-12

Pearson Scorer

Trained and scored teaching candidates edTPA submissions for music and art education

Licenses / NYSED Training Certification(s)

NYS 2-Hour Certified Seminar Trainer of S.A.V.E.

NYS 3-Hour Certified Seminar Trainer of Child Abuse

NYS 6-Hour Certified Seminar Trainer of D.A.S.A.

IRB Revised Common RuleRevised Common Rule CITI Program

Teaching Experience

Touro University
Associate Professor of the Graduate School of Education
Alternative Programs and University Partnerships
Course instruction includes STEM/ Art Education / TCAP Coordinator, Student Teacher Advisor Observation / Teaching Social Studies and the Arts (Course Team Leader); Curriculum Development / Early Childhood Development / NYSED Certification Training Seminars.

2024-Present

New York State Department of Education, New York, NY
Trainer - Dignity for All Students Act (D.A.S.A.)
Present a 6-hour project-based course entailing case studies, film clips, guest speakers, and simulation. Prepare teaching candidates to report bullying/harassment in the school setting.

2013-Present

Touro University
Assistant Professor of the Graduate School of Education

2011-2024

Lander Center for Educational Research, New York, NY

 

University Partnership with the Success Academy Charter Schools and Touro
Online instructor in Art Education and the Teaching of Social Studies and the Arts

2013-2016

Pratt Institute, New York, NY
Adjunct/ Guest Lecturer / Graduate School of Art and Design Education

2006-2007

New York School of Career and Applied Studies (NYSCAS), New York, NY
Adjunct Professor - for Undergraduate and Graduate Studies in Communication Arts Studies

2004-2010

Fordham University, New York, NY
Adjunct Lecturer – Professional Development for Educators / Continuing Education Credits

2001-2005

Hunter College Elementary School, New York, NY
Studio Art Teacher / After School Art Teacher - Summer Enrichment Program for Gifted

2002-2005

New York University (NYU), New York., NY
E-Class Pilot Study in Literacy via Learning through an Expanded Arts Program

2002-2004

Learning through an Expanded Arts Program (LEAP), New York., NY
Teaching Artist / NYC Department of Education Consultant

1998-2004

Administration / Non-Profit Experience

T.I.M.M.E. Company, Inc.
Founder / Educator
 

2000-Present

The T.I.M.M.-E. Company. Inc. (Tolerance in Multimedia Education) was founded in 2000 by Bellavia to promote peace, tolerance, and acceptance. The T.I.M.M.-E. Company is the publisher of We Are All the Same Inside® and has developed an early childhood human diversity school curriculum with tolerance-teaching dolls featured in Bellavia's children's picture books. In 2003, Bellavia presented his curriculum at the United Nations on the International Day of Tolerance in cooperation with the Anti-Defamation League and the We Are Family Foundation. The theme of his address was "Educating Our Children for a Safer World." His presentation to the United Nations council was also later broadcast by Court TV and TruTV.

The T.I.M.M.-E. Company has conducted workshops in conjunction with the New York City Department of Education to teach tolerance to New York City's school children while integrating the arts into the literacy curriculum. Continuing a partnership that began in 2004 with Sesame Reads Annual Literacy Day, in September 2007, the T.I.M.M.-E. Company participated in the celebration of the 105th anniversary of CLC (The Children's Learning Center) in Stamford, Connecticut. The highlight of the event was an appearance by Rosita, Abby Cadabby, and some Honkers. Other Sesame Workshop speakers included the award-winning animator Jim Jinkins, creator of Global Thingy and Pinky Dinky Doo.

  • Design a customized curriculum to meet the specialized needs of the project at hand; determine age-appropriate lessons focusing on required skill sets.
  • Awarded contract with the City of New York and New York City Department of Education to sell points to administration, transitional housing, and after-school programs.
  • Create and implement school art exhibitions in bookmaking, sculpture, mural-making, architecture, puppet-making, and culinary endeavors.
  • Conduct workshops and programs at public schools, cultural institutions, museums, and schools.
 

Professional Activities / Professional Non-Profit Service

  • Mattie J. T. Stepanek Foundation
  • Sesame Workshop
  • New York Times Foundations for the Arts
  • Materials for the Arts
  • NYC Department of Cultural Affairs
  • Herbie Hancock Jazz Institute
  • We Are Family Foundation
  • Learning through an Expanded Arts Program
  • Y.A.I. (Young Adult Institute and Workshop, Inc.)
  • Lincoln Center
  • Single Parents Resource Center
  • MCNY; Children’s Museum of New York
  • Flushing Town Hall
  • Lower East Side Tenement Museum
  • Core Knowledge National Conference
  • Emmy Award Academy / Voter Committee

College Service

  • TCUS Annual Research Day
  • TCALM (Touro College Academy of Leadership and Management) – Class of 2021
  • GPFC (Graduate Professional Faculty Council) Co-Chair– 2011 to present.
  • Touro University Awards Committee (2017)
  • Touro GSE Mentoring Committee
  • GSE Human Rights Committee (2015 through present)
  • GSE Faculty Development Committee (Co-Chair)

Selected Research Projects

Young Academic Music and Computational Thinking (YAM) was a five-year research project funded through an Education Innovation Research (EIR) grant from the United States Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE). The project highlighted the importance of integrating STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) topics into elementary schools' curriculum. The curriculum, notably features a series of children's picture books and animated videos: "Treble Leads the Class" (2021), "Treble Catches the Rhythm Train" (2021) and "Treble Goes A 'Go-Go" (2022) all written, conceived and produced by P.I. (Principal Investigator) Susan Courey with Touro University Assistant Professor Timothy Bellavia in partnership with the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz. Herbie Hancock himself narrates the three whimsical stories of musical notes that come alive to attend school together. The award-winning education series was created through the collaborative efforts of Mika Shino (producer) and T.I.M.M.-E. Company (design concepts), Atomic Kid Studios (animators), CJ Emmons, the principal singer of ABC's Dancing with the Stars (voice overs), and Nick Vayenas (music).

We Are All the Same Inside® Sage Doll-making Workshop is a 2000 children's picture book by Timothy Bellavia that earned a Christopher Award nomination for Best Children's Picture Book. 2010 marked the publication of the tenth anniversary edition of We Are All the Same Inside and the Sage doll-making workshop. A special 10th-anniversary edition of the book was released in 2010. The reissued picture book featured paper doll patterns, teacher curriculum, a 10-year chronology, and rare photographs. To commemorate the anniversary, singer, songwriter, and former Motown Records producer Sherlie Matthews co-wrote and co-produced a special children's multi-track compact disc. The Brooklyn Historical Society hosted a We Are All the Same Inside Sage doll-making workshop on October 24, 2010.

Children’s Picture Book Publication(s)

Bellavia, T. (2026). Melissa Manchester: I Know Who I Am. [Short Film / Podcast Project / Publication]. https://www.weareallthesameinside.org/divas/melissa-manchester-timeline.html

Bellavia, T. D. (2025). Sage Doll Through Years. Wayland-TIMM-E Publication.

Bellavia, T. (2025). Diana Ross #Star80+: A celebration of 80 gowns, dolls & years! [Short Film / Podcast Project / Publication]. https://www.weareallthesameinside.org/divas/diana-ross-timeline.html

[Co-Author] Bellavia, T. D. and Courey S. (2022). Treble Goes A’ Go Go. Sage Book Publication.

[Co-Author] Bellavia, T. D. and Courey S (2022). Treble Catches the Rhythm Train. Sage Book Publication.

[Co-Author] Bellavia, T. D. and Courey S (2021). Treble Leads the Class. Sage Book Publication.

Bellavia, T. D. (2020). The Big Idea: Tales At Luv Michael. APAP Publishers.

Bellavia, T. D. (2018). We Are All the Same Inside® Curriculum. Wayland -T.I.M.M.E. Publication

Bellavia, T. D. (2015). We Are All the Same Inside® 15th Anniversary. Wayland -T.I.M.M.E. Publication.

[Co-Author] Bellavia, T. D. and Aiello, N (2013). Forever Green Tree. A Sage Book Publication.

Bellavia, T. D. (2012). Vu dei’interier (French Edition). Wayland-T.I.M.M.-E. Publication.

Bellavia, T. D. (2011). La Historia Por Dentro (Spanish Edition). Wayland-T.I.M.M.-E. Publication.

Bellavia, T. D. (2010). We Are All the Same Inside® 10th Anniversary. Wayland -T.I.M.M.E. Publication.

Bellavia, T. D. (2009). The Inside Story. Wayland-T.I.M.M.-E. Publication.

[Co-Author] Bellavia, T. D. and Walsh, K (2009). Pieces Of Ice. Wayland-T.I.M.M.-E. Publication.

[Co-Author] Bellavia, T. D. and Nikolakakos, E. (2008). Dasha Priscilla and the Talent Show. Sage Book Publication.

Bellavia, T. D. (2007). Paper, Scissors & Magic. Wayland / T.I.M.M.-E. Publication.

Bellavia, T. D. (2006). Sage Goes to Kindergarten. Flushing Town Hall Press / T.I.M.M.E. Company Inc.

Bellavia, T. D. (2003). Theo And the Sisters of Sage. T.I.M.M.E. Company Inc.

Bellavia, T. D. (2002). Come And Abide. T.I.M.M.E. Company Inc.

Bellavia, T. D. (2000). We Are All the Same Inside®. T.I.M.M.E. Company Inc.

SELECTED SCHOLARSHIP / RESEARCH PAPERS / CONFERENCES

Bellavia, T. (2026). KIPP professional development parts 1 & 2: The power of 1:1 mastering the reteach [Workshop/Presentation]. KIPP Public Charter Schools.

Bellavia, T., S. Shapiro (2026). Session presented at the NYAEYC Annual Conference.

Bellavia, T. (2025, October). Survivor Panel NYC Health + Hospitals, New York, NY, United States.

Bellavia, T. (2025). Sewing workshop: Paper, scissors, and fabric [Workshop]. Ali Forney Center, New York, NY, United States.

Ali, L., Holt, D., Pandith, F., Cohen, S., Stepanek, J., & Bellavia, T. (2025). The 2025 compassion report. Muhammad Ali INDEX: Tracking Compassion in America.

Bellavia, T. (2025). Beyond the surface: Exploring teen emotions with the WAATSI Sage Doll-making Workshop. Paper presented at the 2nd Annual Staten Island Youth Mental & Behavioral Symposium, Staten Island, NY.

Bellavia, T. (2025). Building bridges. Session presented at the NYAEYC Annual Conference.

Bellavia, T. (2025). Conversion therapy. In Developing community-based school crisis response: Case studies for pre-K–12.

Bellavia, T., & Bardwell, G. (2025). Sage doll through the years: An illustrated history, paper dolls and more!

Carletta, L., Poole-Patzelt, S., & Bellavia, T. (2025). Making environmental education accessible through informal and object-based strategies. Presentation for the Alliance for New Jersey Environmental Education.

Bellavia, T. (2024, November). Artistic Intelligence. NYSATA Annual Conference

[Co-presenter]. Shapiro, S. and Bellavia, T (2024, May). NYAEYC Annual Conference

[Co-presenter]. Peterkin, J., Smith, J. and Bellavia, (2024, March). Touro Law Center Symposium: Panel 4

[Co-presenter]. Chriswell, B., Patzelt, S. P and Bellavia, T (2024). Two-Day STE(A)M Workshop

[Co-presenter 1 First Initial]. Bellavia, T. D. (2023, March). Young Academic Music. Presented at CEC Conference, Louisville. KY

Bellavia, T. D. (2022, September). The Sage Doll Test: Measuring Implicit Bias in Young Children. Presented at Young Audiences Conference, New Orleans, LA (Rescheduled).

Bellavia, T. D. (2021, September). The Sage Doll Test: Measuring Implicit Bias in Young Children. Presented at Young Audiences Conference, New Orleans, LA (Rescheduled). 

[Co-presenter]. Bellavia, T. D. (2021, March). Young Academic Music. Presented at Annual STEAM Conference, Boston, MA.

[Co-presenter]. Bellavia, T. D. (2021-2015). Young Academic Music. Presented at Annual Research Day Poster Session Conference, New York, NY.

[Co-presenter]. & Bellavia, T. D. (2019, April). Using Music Note Dolls to Discuss Diversity. Presented at TED Conference, New Orleans, LA.

[Co-presenter]. & Bellavia, T. D. (2017-2022). Using Music Note Dolls to Discuss Diversity. Presented at NYACTE Annual Conference Saratoga Springs, New York.

Bellavia, T. D. (2015, May). Abstract Proposal D15P0041: The Sage Doll Test: A Tool for Measuring Implicit Bias in Young Children. Presented at 15th International Conference on Diversity in Organizations, Communities, and Nations, Hong Kong.

Bellavia, T. D. (2015, November). 11th Annual Critical Questions in Education Conference in Baltimore, MD.

Bellavia, T. D. (2014, July). Twenty-first International Conference on Learning in New York City, 2014. Poster and Focused Discussion Session.

Bellavia, T. D. (2013, July). Mentoring Institute at the University of New Mexico presented at the 2013 Mentoring Conference at the University of New Mexico.

Forthcoming Scholarship, Creative Media & Publications

Bellavia, T. (Art Director), C. Yung (2027). The Grass is Stone - An Animation Short On Love [Animation short].

Bellavia, T., Giangiobbe, D. (2026). The Grass is Stone [Song re-produced / re-recorded by C. Koehl]. 7 tracks on The Grass is Stone Original Motion Picture Soundtrack. [Long Form Studio Album].

Learning Strategies Referenced In Various Textbook

Bobley. L, Sebel, A, Brock, S and Bellavia T. (2024). Chapter in Sticky Cases in Higher Education Leadership. Myers Education Press

Shapiro, S. and Bellavia, T (2022). Chapter in Interpreting COVID -19 through Turbulence. Routledge

Miller, D. F. (2021). Positive Child Guidance (8th ed.). Wadsworth Publishing.

Core Knowledge Foundation (2018). Core Knowledge Domains 1-4 Grade 2, Workbook: Core Knowledge Language Arts. Core Knowledge Language Arts.

Drewes, A., & Gil, E. (2015). Cultural Issues in Play Therapy. Pearson.

Lugo-Lugo, C. R., & Bloodworth-Lugo, M. K. (2008). A New Kind of Containment: The War On Terror, Race, And Sexuality. Pearson.

Bellavia, T. D. (Ed.). (2007). Project Aspire. Touro College Press.

Tyle, L. B. (2004). Making The Grade: Everything Your First Grader Needs to Know. Barron's Educational Series.

Bellavia, T. D. (2003). We Are Family: Educating Our Children in The Aftermath of Hate. Tru / Court TV.

Multimedia Publications

Bellavia, T. (Assembler). (2025). A visual journey of Toni Basil's oral history project interview [Oral history archive; Sessions 1–7]. Jerome Robbins Dance Division, New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Lincoln Center. http://www.tonibasil.net/oral-history.html

Bellavia, T., & Conroy, K. (Compilers). (2025). Toni Basil image gallery and visual assets [Image collection]. Jerome Robbins Dance Division Oral History Project, New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Lincoln Center

Bellavia, T. (2024 January 16). Timothy Bellavia [Audio / Visual podcast episode 2]: Reading Revolution Unveiling the World of Education https://youtu.be/ikd1gBBv5jg

Bellavia, T. (2023). ACEEU Spotlight: Sage doll avatars: making education more engaging and effective. https://www.aceeu.org/news/spotlightarticle/id/58#author

Bellavia, T. (2022, September 7). Art with Professor Bellavia [Audio podcast episode]. In The Faculty Chronicles: Season 2. Retrieved from https://player.fm/series/the-faculty-chronicles/season-2-episode-1-art-with-professor-timothy-bellavia-touro-university-gse

Bellavia, T. (2019, November 1). Courage, humor, and a life-saving decision helped Timothy beat cancer. Weill Cornell Medicine. Retrieved from https://weillcornell.org/news/courage-humor-and-a-life-saving-decision-helped-timothy-beat-prostate-cancer

Bellavia, T. (2018, December 26). Thread count: Five traits of master planning. CETL Blog. Retrieved from https://www.touro.edu/cetl/blog/thread-count-five-traits-master-planning

Bellavia, T. (2016, May 6). Beyond skin deep. Touro University Graduate School of Education. Retrieved from https://gse.touro.edu/news/stories/prof-timothy-bellavia-beyond-skin-deep.phpc

Bellavia, T. (2015, December 11). GSE Professor Presents Sage Doll Test at Education Conference. Touro University Graduate School of Education. Retrieved from https://gse.touro.edu/news/stories/gse-professor-timothy-bellavia-presents-sage-doll-test-at-education-conference.php

Patents

Doll with Interchangeable Characters, United States US 2001/00468330 A1. Issued November 29, 2001.This is the patent for the WAATSI Sage doll-making workshop from the children's title published in 2000.

Revised in 2017 for YAM Note Dolls

Selected Awards / Career Accomplishments

Year Nominee / work Award Result
2026 Outstanding New Male Director / Outstanding LGTBQ+ Short [Shortlisted in 2 Categories] Independent Short Awards / International Film Festival Nominated / Pending
2023 Finalist: Male Entrepreneurial Leader of the Year [Education Champion Award] ACEEU Triple E: People's Choice Award Won
2023 Non-Broadcast: Not-for-Profit [Animation] for "Treble Goes A'Go-Go" Telly Award Won
2023 Outstanding Motion Graphics (Platinum) for "Treble Catches the Rhythm Train" Ava Digital Award Won
2023 Outstanding Digital Animation Creation (Platinum) for "Treble Goes A'Go Go" Ava Digital Award Won
2022 Creative Art Direction for "Treble Goes A'Go-Go" MarCOM Gold Award Won
2022 Outstanding Education Animation for "Treble Catches the Rhythm Train" MarCOM Platinum Award Won
2022 Arts Educators' Learning Lab: Celebrating the Creation of Culturally Responsive Practices in Education Spaces New York City Arts in Education Roundtable Grant Won
2022 Outstanding Animation Education Short for "Treble Catches the Rhythm Train" Emmy Award Nominated
2022 Outstanding Writing for Animation Short for "Treble Catches the Rhythm Train" Emmy Award Nominated
2022 Outstanding Education Website dotCOMM Award Won
2022 Non-Broadcast: 2-D Animation for "Treble Catches the Rhythm Train" Telly Award Won
2022 Motion Graphics / Design for "Treble Catches the Rhythm Train" Telly Award Won
2022 Video Creativity / Outstanding Animation for "Treble Goes A'Go-Go" Hermes Creative Award Won
2022 Outstanding Digital Animation Creation (Platinum) for "Treble Leads the Class" Ava Digital Award Won
2021 Creative Art Direction for "Treble Leads the Class" MarCOM Gold Award Won
2021 Non-Broadcast Short Form Web Video for "Treble Leads the Class" Viddy Award Won
2021 New York Foundation for the Arts City Artist Corps Grant Award Won
2017 38th Annual Flushing Town Hall / Smithsonian Affiliate Gala Honoree: Abundant Heart Award Won
2016 Outstanding Educator of the Year Education Update Award Won
2009 Pieces of Ice Lambda Literary Foundation Award Nominated
2003 Young Adult Institute YAI Educator of the Year Award Won
2001 We Are All the Same Inside Christopher Award Won
1997 Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture Artist Residency Fellowship Grant Award Won

Animation / Filmography

Year Title Distributor
2003 We Are Family: Educating Our Children for a Safer World Court TV / We Are Family Foundation
2016 Beyond Skin Deep Touro University
2019 Courage, Humor and a Life Changing Decision Weill Cornell
2021 Treble Leads the Class Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz / United States Department of Education
2021 Treble Catches the Rhythm Train Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz / United States Department of Education
2022 Treble Goes 'A Go Go - Dedicated to Mary Wilson of The Supremes Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz / United States Department of Education
2023 Reading Revolution Book Vending Group
2025 #star80 Diana Ross: A Celebration of 80 Gowns, Dolls & Years! YouTube Web Series

Radio / Television Appearances

  • Ira Dreyfus of the Associated Press Radio Network
  • FOX News Radio and International Artist Debut Radio
  • Cable in the Classroom
  • PBS
  • Tru/Court TV
  • Sesame Street
  • VH1 / Pop-up Video
  • Education Notebook
  • The Rolonda Show
  • ABC News
  • Book TV
  • New York One

Service / Philanthropy

  • DMF (Daniel Music Foundation) – Program Advisee Committee, 2017-2023
  • Mattie J.T. Stepanek Foundation – Program Committee, 2011-Present
  • Sesame Workshop: Black History Month. Mentoring, Building and Enriching the Lives of Children in our Community - Today and in the Future, February 2012
  • Sesame Reads – Word! on the Street – 2002-2012
  • Principal for a Day: P.E.N.C.I.L., 2002-2005
  • Luv Micheal – Kitchen Volunteer, 2019-Present
  • We Are Family Foundation - Advisee Committee, 2003-2011
  • Learning Through an Expanded Arts Program – Mentee 2016
  • Emmy Award Academy - Voting Academy, 2022-Present
  • Annual World Book Day – Touro GSE Literacy Initiative 2021-2022
  • Single Parents Resource Center
  • MFTA (Materials for the Arts)
  • Girl Scouts of America
  • Grammy Museum - Volunteer Archivist for Performance Clips, 2023
  • HAL Awards (Heroes & Legands Gala) - Donated WAATSI / Sage Dolls for Honorees for Silent Auction(s), 2012-2022
  • Ali Formey Foundation – Artist in residence / Mentee (2024 –Present)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
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