Stephanie Tellis
She/Her/Hers
Stephanie Tellis is a veteran educator, cultural practitioner, and casual rabble rouser who believes that education is a tool for liberation. Her work centers the dignity and humanity of learners through the use of equitable, inclusive, and just pedagogy and curricula.
Driven by a holistic vision of education, healing, and liberation, she founded Stephanie Tellis Coaching and Consulting, to extend her transformative impact. Her infectious enthusiasm and extensive experience make her a sought-after facilitator and consultant. Stephanie's work goes beyond delivering traditional training sessions; she creates environments that foster personal growth and collective empowerment; and encourage open dialogue and critical thinking. By infusing her work with a deep sense of joy, Stephanie inspires educators and organizations to adopt transformative practices that move us closer to a more just society.
My Story
From the Beginning
I inherited a deep love for education from my parents. My mother, an elementary school teacher for over three decades, and my father, always immersed in history and its real-world impact, intentionally nurtured my passion for learning. They encouraged my curiosity and set me on the path that eventually led me to attend the illustrious Clark Atlanta University on a full academic scholarship.
Graduating Summa Cum Laude should have been a time of jubilation, but it was right in the middle of the Great Recession. Suddenly, the career I'd envisioned grew hazy, and I found myself at a crossroads, questioning my life's purpose. That's when my mother "gently" nudged me towards substitute teaching, and that was all it took.
Even Superheroes Get Tired
The superhero analogy is often used to describe the efforts of teachers because the work is important and demanding. For more than a decade, I was in the heart of it all, teaching in public, charter, and private middle schools, covering a rich mix of subjects, from history to social studies, humanities, and English. My mission was clear: to use education as a tool for liberation. But sometimes, even superheroes get tired.
The endless hours, constant stress, and the emotional weight of helping students and colleagues navigate complex, sometimes traumatic experiences, all while wrestling with my own traumas, took a toll on my physical and mental health. I wasn’t just burnt out, I was sick and depleted.
Recognizing the need for a change, I decided, for the first time in years, to choose myself and embarked on a deliberate journey of healing-centered self-care. It has not always been smooth sailing, but each day brings new lessons, healing, and transformation as I work to become the best version of myself.
Learning, Healing, and Transformation
I truly believe that learning extends beyond classrooms; it’s a lifelong endeavor toward personal growth and societal change. And healing is an essential part of the transformational journey to a more just and equitable world.
I am grateful to be able to combine my love of learning, classroom experiences, and healing journey, to support others on their own personal and professional transformational paths. Whether it's becoming a more equitable and inclusive educator, gaining a deeper understanding of history, or finding your own place at the center of your life, I'm here to help foster growth and genuine connections through compassionate accountability and joyful liberation.
If my story resonates with you and you're ready to embark on your own transformational path, I invite you to join me. Let's learn, heal, and transform together.