Nicole Ellis is back in the classroom this fall, teaching fifth and sixth grade math and science in Edgecomb. The 2010 University of Maine graduate previously taught fifth grade in New Hampshire. But seven years ago, after the birth of her first child Austin, she left teaching to raise her children. Austin attends school in Damariscotta and 3-year old Isabella attends the Eddy pre-school. 

She is married to Aaron Ellis, a Maine Maritime Academy graduate. The couple moved to Damariscotta in October 2020 to be closer to her in-laws who live in Jefferson. With both of her children in school, Ellis thought it was time for her classroom return. “I really missed it. I started looking for a place to teach in the winter and spring when Edgecomb caught my eye,” she said. “It’s a small community with an involved community. I love everything about it. After I interviewed with the staff, it felt like an amazing fit.”

One of the things she missed about teaching was experiencing young minds grasping concepts. “They are so enthusiastic as this age about learning new things. Just seeing their growth and development within a year is truly an amazing experience,” she said.

Ellis grew up in New Hampshire before moving to Ohio in her youth. The family returned to New Hampshire prior to moving to Maine. Ellis graduated from Bucksport High School in Hancock County. She later attended Eastern Maine Community College in Bangor and graduated from the University of Maine.