Teaching Philosophy: I believe wholeheartedly in the message of, "Kids do well if they can," as said by Dr. Ross Green in his book, Lost At School. I strive to move my students from a place of inclusivity to belonging. While children can always be present in their classroom, my goal is to ensure they have a presence. Children must be connected to what we are teaching, and especially to the larger world around them. In order to accomplish this, children need access to diverse books. Books they can see themselves in; books they can feel transported by; books they can truly love. The incredible Rudine Sims Bishop said it best:
“Books are sometimes windows, offering views of worlds that may be real or imagined, familiar or strange. These windows are also sliding glass doors, and readers have only to walk through in imagination to become part of whatever world has been created or recreated by the author. When lighting conditions are just right, however, a window can also be a mirror. Literature transforms human experience and reflects it back to us, and in that reflection we can see our own lives and experiences as part of a larger human experience. Reading, then, becomes a means of self-affirmation, and readers often seek their mirrors in books.“
Bio: Chelsea is a Special Education Teacher, currently teaching in Northbrook, IL. A native Arizonan, she was born and raised in Scottsdale, AZ, where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Speech & Hearing Science from Arizona State University. Later, she continued her education to receive her Master’s Degree in Special Education.
Initially, Chelsea taught at a wonderfully inclusive school in South Phoenix, AZ, which left a lasting impression on her. The school embraced Expeditionary Learning, where students were constantly involved in service projects, such as caring for animals on school grounds as well as maintaining a nearby garden and orchard. It was amazing to experience the sense of community created at this school and this is something she strives to create within her classroom as well.
Most recently, Chelsea continued her teaching career by joining Meadowbrook and Greenbriar Elementary Schools in 2013, located in Northbrook, IL. After dividing her time between the two schools for one year, she accepted a full-time position at Meadowbrook, where she is currently a Resource teacher, teaching grades 3-5.
Education:
Bachelor's Degree from Arizona State University in Speech & Hearing Science (Summa Cum Laude)
Master's Degree in Special Education (Magna Cum Laude)
License & Endorsements:
IL Professional Educator License in Special Education #1871763
Learning and Behavioral Specialist I
"Think with your heart...it's where the music lives." -David Arnold, from Kids of Appetite