TDSB & Me is a new staff storytelling series that celebrates the people who help our schools and workplaces thrive. Each profile recognizes the everyday leadership, creativity, and care that shapes our system and supports student success.
Chelsea Attwell
Elementary Teacher
Jean Lumb Public School
For over 20 years, Chelsea Attwell has been helping children step into school with curiosity and confidence. What sets her apart is not just her experience, but the way she approaches learning – as a shared journey with her students. In her classroom, every activity, story, and exploration is designed to spark wonder and invite children to see themselves as capable and creative learners.
“Every child’s learning journey should be joyful, meaningful, and rooted in belonging,” she says. She and her Designated Early Childhood Educator (DECE) work side by side to create a space where children feel safe, valued, and respected. The classroom is full of open-ended materials and opportunities for play and inquiry, designed to give students the freedom to explore and discover.
Her passion for media literacy brings a unique perspective to her teaching. She doesn’t just teach kids to read books or screens; she helps them notice the world around them. Community walks, school assemblies, and everyday classroom experiences become opportunities for children to ask questions, think critically, and connect learning to their own lives. In her classroom, children see themselves and their communities reflected in what they explore, giving them a sense of agency and confidence from the very start.
Chelsea is also committed to inspiring other educators. She has hosted immersive professional learning days where teachers can observe her classroom in action, sharing ideas that spark creativity and new approaches. As Co-Vice President of the , she delivers workshops, develops resources, and advocates for media literacy education. Her work supports the thoughtful and meaningful integration of media and technology in classrooms and communities across Ontario.
She believes that teaching is a journey of learning alongside students. “Media is everywhere, and helping children understand it is essential. It’s not just academic, it empowers them to understand the world and share their own voices.”
With every lesson, project, and conversation, Chelsea inspires children and colleagues alike to stay curious, think critically, and embrace learning as an adventure. She reminds us that the impact of a great Kindergarten teacher lasts long after the school day ends.
