Faculty
Chelsea Feldman
First Grade Head Teacher, Kindergarten and First Grade Garden Teacher
Chelsea grew up on Whidbey Island in the Pacific Northwest. She attended Reed College in Portland, Oregon, where she studied Irish literature and modern dance. She received her master’s degree in early childhood education and her multiple subject teaching credential from Mills College in 2003. She has been joyfully working in the field of progressive education for 20 years in the East Bay, including being on the teaching faculty at The Santa School of Berkeley School, Redwood Day School, and Park Day School as a kindergarten, first, and second grade teacher. In addition to being a classroom teacher, Chelsea is a seasoned experiential outdoor educator and early childhood music educator. Chelsea lives in Berkeley with her husband Jesse, her two sons, Jude (15) and Asa (11), and her sweet kitties, Hazel and Fionn. She is a gardener, beekeeper, chef, herbalist, and photographer and she loves exploring the diverse ecosystems of California, hiking and camping with her family.
Why I Work with Children
As a lifelong learner, I adore the adventure of learning alongside my students. Nothing compares to the special magic of community building, creative expression, skill building, problem solving, risk taking, exploration and human development in early childhood classrooms, and I feel so lucky to participate in this magic every day!
A Favorite Book
Ada Twist Scientist, by Andrea Beaty. I love this book because it celebrates the natural impulses of children towards design thinking and resilience when they are following the golden threads of their curiosity and imagination.
Quick Fact
Learning to play the Celtic Harp and studying Irish Gaelic