Welcome!
This year I am excited to be teaching in the Middle School as the Grade 6 and Grade 7 Mathematics Teacher, as well as continuing in my role as Math Specialist, Math Coach, and Math Resource Support.
This is my 14th year at the Ottawa Jewish Community School, and each year seems to just get better and better. I have been an educator for 20 years, and have been a part of several other school communities and climates, both public and private, and with each opportunity I have learned new things; however, the OJCS holds a special place in my heart, as it has become not only a place of enrichment and growth for the students, staff, and myself, but a nurturing a caring community. A family in which, I am happy to be a part of each day. A safe place to be vulnerable to try new things, share ideas, and raise each other up to their strengths and goals.
My formal education began at Acadia University where I completed a B.Arts (Honours.) Following, I moved to the United States to complete a B.Sc and a B.Ed degree. I am a certified Mathematics Specialist, in accordance to the Ontario College of Teachers, and I have a passion for mathematics that reaches not just the four walls of my classrooms or the school campus, but into the greater Ottawa community. I sit on two boards representing and fostering mathematics teaching and education in students. I was the Treasurer and Independent School Representative of the Ottawa Zone for Mathematics Educators, (OZONE) and I was also the co-chair of the volunteering committee for both the 2019 Ontario Association of Mathematics Education, (OAME) conference, and also the 2024 Ontario Association of Mathematics Education, (OAME) conference, which was held in Kingston last spring.
In addition, last year, I was honoured to present at several conferences throughout the year, around Canada to speak and work with other Math teachers and coaches about Mathematical Thinking and Teaching. My particular focus during my presentations and sessions is on; Engaging higher level thinking and application skills in Mathematics for the 21st century. Through an adjusted Blooms Taxonomy model, student goal setting, and clear expectations, and planning, students can continue with a positive mindset on their “own” math learning path, at their level, without instantly feeling the need or immediate thought of “next grade level math.” This focus fits nicely with our focus and learning as a community around the Anxious Generation, by Jonathan Haidt, in which our Vice Principal Melissa Thompson is currently focusing and modelling strategies for our school.
Working alongside my peers in other schools, cities, and boards, allow me to continuously grow and expand my own learning and teaching practices.
I believe that through ongoing and open conversations and communication, between parents, teachers, and students, the best plans and successes unfold for each student’s specific needs and individualized goals.
I can be contacted at anytime at c.cleveland@theojcs.ca , and I will reply within 48 hours, with the exception of Statutory holidays, Jewish holidays, and Shabbat. Please also feel free to follow me on twitter @mathemachic and at www.chelseacleveland.com (Which I hope to post more on this year!)
I am looking forward to an enthusiastic and meaningful year ahead.
Best Regards,
Mrs. Cleveland