Chelsey Tubbs
Leader, achiever, and bridge builder are just a few of the words most often used to describe Chelsey Tubbs. With more than two decades of experience as an educator and learning advocate, Chelsey is a decisive and visionary executive leader in the Madison Metropolitan School District, where she serves as Associate Superintendent of Educational Programming. In this role, she provides districtwide leadership for Community Schools, Early Learning, Professional Learning, and Special Projects, driving strategy, coherence, and impact across systems. Her work centers on designing sustainable and empowering structures, cultivating leadership and talent, advancing educational excellence, and creating environments rooted in joy, belonging, and accountability for students, families, staff, and communities.
Designing systems that center dignity, belonging, and justice. From classrooms to communities—leading systemic change. Leadership rooted in justice. Impact measured in lives changed.
A native of Beloit, Wisconsin, Chelsey was raised in an environment that instilled strong character, unwavering integrity, and a passion for lifelong learning. Her early experiences shaped a deep commitment to social education, equity, and empowerment, guiding her academic and professional journey. She earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Beloit College, a master’s degree in early childhood education from Pace University, and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Columbia University’s Teachers College. She is currently a doctoral student in the Urban Education Leaders Program at Columbia University’s Teachers College, continuing to deepen her expertise in systemic transformation and justice-centered leadership.
Chelsey’s leadership extends beyond K–12 education into statewide and community-based justice work. She serves as a Restorative Justice Facilitator for the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, advancing healing-centered practices that promote accountability, restoration, and community well-being. This work reflects her long-standing commitment to interrupting harm, strengthening public systems, and building pathways toward healing and reintegration.
Her public leadership includes service in key governance and advisory roles, including Chair of the Dane County Equal Opportunity Commission, Commissioner for the Dane County Youth Commission, member of the Madison Police Department Community Policing Advisory Board, member of the Dane County Office for Equity and Inclusion Advisory Board, Education Committee Member for the NAACP of Dane County, and Board Member of NAMI Dane County. Across these roles, Chelsey works at the intersection of policy, practice, and community voice to advance equity, accountability, and systemic change.
Chelsey’s dedication to professional excellence has been recognized through numerous honors, including Wisconsin Innovative Superintendent of the Year, the New York City Chancellor’s Big Apple Award for Teacher Excellence, Madison 40 Under 40, the Madison365 Leadership Community Choice Award for Educator of the Year, and the Madison Reading Project Impact Collaborator Award for Dane County.
In addition to her leadership and governance work, Chelsey remains grounded in direct community service. She is actively involved with organizations such as the NAACP, the Urban League, NAMI, and Restoring Roots—a nonprofit focused on addressing Substance Use Disorder through Permanent Supportive Recovery Housing. She also serves as a substitute tutor with the Literacy Network of Dane County, supporting adult literacy and empowerment.
In her personal life, Chelsey finds joy in her family and friends. She loves to travel, is a sports enthusiast, and enjoys live music and cultural events. Her multifaceted leadership, grounded in equity, justice, and excellence, continues to inspire and uplift those around her—leaving a lasting impact on systems, communities, and the lives they touch.
