Chelsea Cox, a new second-grade teacher at Newton Elementary, brings boundless enthusiasm and a heart full of passion to her students. With a few years of teaching under her belt, this is her first year at Newton, and she couldn’t be more excited to join a community she already loves.

Chelsea grew up in Clark County and still calls Casey, Illinois, her home, making the daily commute to Newton. But despite the drive, she feels an overwhelming sense of belonging at Newton. "Since day one, I’ve felt welcomed with big open arms," she says, reflecting on how staff and students alike have embraced her arrival.

Interestingly, Chelsea's journey into teaching wasn't always clear. Initially, she had considered becoming an athletic trainer and even pursued music education before ultimately deciding on elementary education. Yet, in hindsight, Chelsea sees that her path was influenced by some special people—particularly her mom, who was a dedicated special education teacher for over three decades. "My mom is my best friend and my biggest supporter. She paved the path for me, and I’m very thankful for that," Chelsea remarks fondly.

Inspired by her mother’s long career, Chelsea’s passion for teaching is unmistakable. She also earned her master's degree in curriculum and instruction early in her career, taking advice from several mentors who encouraged her to pursue it. While some might hesitate, Chelsea jumped right in, taking on the challenge, and finished her master’s degree in less than a year.

What’s equally as impressive is the energy she brings to the classroom. Chelsea has always been one to go all-in, whether it's crafting a creative learning environment or connecting with her students on a personal level. This year, her classroom is themed around bees—a reflection of her philosophy to “Bee Kind,” “Bee Brave,” and “Bee Courageous.” The décor might seem small, but to her second graders, it’s a welcoming invitation to explore, learn, and have fun. "I want their experience every day to be something they look forward to," Chelsea emphasizes. "Second grade is a big year. We grow every day, and I’m excited to be part of it."

While the joy she brings to her classroom is clear, there’s also a unique depth to Chelsea. She understands the weight of her role in shaping young minds and creating a lifelong love of learning in her students. As she puts it, "If we don’t get it right here, we’re going to struggle down the road." It’s a sentiment that drives her to go the extra mile for her students each day.

Despite being relatively new to the district, Chelsea already feels like she’s part of a larger family. She recalls with amusement how, during her practicum experience at Newton, students would hold the door open for her every single day. "That was big for me," she notes, reflecting on the good manners and cultural values that Newton students embody.

Of course, being a teacher is no easy task. Chelsea acknowledges the challenges, particularly the mental and emotional energy it takes to be present for her students every day. Yet, her joy and natural sense of humor shine through even in the tough moments. I mention to her that she’s got a bit of a ‘Joy’ vibe from the movie ‘Inside Out,’ but she’s quick to admit that she also relates to ‘Anxiety,’ noting the many responsibilities teachers juggle behind the scenes.

Despite the inevitable stress, Chelsea remains incredibly upbeat, drawing inspiration from her students and her supportive family. Her positive attitude is palpable, and it’s clear that her students are lucky to have her as their teacher. In fact, when asked whether her competitive nature fuels her, she laughs and insists that she just enjoys being part of a community that works together. "I just like to start early in the morning and get things done," she says humbly. But it’s clear that her heart is in everything she does.

As Chelsea continues her journey at Newton Elementary, it’s apparent that she is more than just a teacher. She’s a mentor, a cheerleader, and a role model for her young students; the impact she’ll make on her students and the community will undoubtedly leave a lasting mark.