Joyce Chen

I believe every student deserves the opportunity to succeed, feel supported, and have their voice heard.

I experienced Ontario’s public education system firsthand, from kindergarten through university, graduating from York University with a degree in Music and Arts Education. Throughout my career, I have been dedicated to working with youth and families as an educator, piano teacher, and community volunteer.

My commitment to young people extends beyond the classroom. I have actively participated in community initiatives and created opportunities for young people to learn, perform, build confidence, and connect with one another.

It reflects my belief that education is about more than academic achievement. It is also about creativity, confidence, leadership, cultural understanding, and giving young people the encouragement and opportunities they need to reach their full potential.

Through my work as a teacher, I have also seen firsthand how positive mentorship, strong family support, and meaningful educational opportunities can help students reach their full potential.

As your York Region District School Board Trustee, I will bring this experience and community perspective to the Board.

My Priorities

📚 Strong Academic Standards

Maintain high expectations and strengthen the fundamentals of literacy, numeracy, science, and other core subjects so every student is prepared for post-secondary education, careers, and life.

I will advocate for strong foundational learning, meaningful academic support, and transparent attention to student achievement.

⚖️ Positive Discipline & Accountability

Support clear, consistent, and fair expectations in schools.

Students should understand what is expected of them, while teachers and schools should have the support they need to maintain safe, respectful, and focused learning environments.

🤖 Responsible Use of AI

Establish clear and practical guidelines for when and how students can use artificial intelligence.

AI should support learning and creativity—not replace critical thinking, independent work, or academic integrity.

Our students need to learn not only how to use AI, but also how to think independently in an AI-powered world.

❤️ Student Well-Being

Ensure students have access to the support and resources they need to succeed academically, socially, and personally.

Every student should have the opportunity to feel connected, supported, and valued at school.

🤝 Stronger Family & Community Engagement

Build stronger partnerships among schools, parents, students, and the wider community.

As someone who has worked directly with families and participated in community activities, I understand the importance of listening to parents and making sure their voices are part of the conversation.

I will work to make communication between the Board, schools, families, and communities more open, accessible, and meaningful.

🎵 Arts, Culture & Leadership

Protect opportunities for students to discover their talents and develop creativity, confidence, leadership, and cultural understanding.

My experience has reinforced my belief that music and the arts can bring young people and families together across cultures. I will support opportunities for students to participate in music, arts, cultural activities, leadership programs, and community initiatives.

Every child should have the opportunity to discover what they are capable of—not only in the classroom, but also through the arts, culture, leadership, and community.

Bringing Community Experience to the Board

I am not entering this role simply to talk about education. I have spent years teaching young people, working with families, volunteering in the community, organizing youth programs, and creating opportunities for children to grow.

I understand the challenges families face because I work with families directly. I understand the importance of teachers because I am an educator. And I understand the power of community because I have experienced it firsthand.

If elected, I will bring these experiences to the Board and work to ensure that the voices of students, parents, educators, and communities are heard.

I will bring transparency, accountability, common sense, and a student-focused voice to the Board.

Together, we can build schools where students are challenged to achieve, supported when they struggle, encouraged to discover their strengths, and prepared for the future.