The Center for Teaching and Learning in Edgecomb is excited to announce Alna resident Annie Nixon will be the new teacher of physical education.

Nixon’s background is in environmental education and adventure programming. She’s led sailing, canoeing, hiking and cross-country skiing experiences for children and adults. Nixon has been a classroom teacher at Ashwood Waldorf and Chewonki, a music teacher at Juniper Hill School, and CTL’s grades 5-8 science support teacher.

Nixon’s enthusiasm for teaching is contagious. Her belief in putting the students and their interests at the center of instruction impressed the hiring committee. Nixon plans to create lessons that support personal growth, including confidence building and teamwork. She sees physical education experiences as an important aspect in overall health and believes PE can transform the way students see themselves and interact with one another. 

Nixon is committed to fostering students’ growing understanding of what lifelong physical health means for each of them. She believes children need to be exposed to a variety of opportunities so they can stay fit for life. Developing students who are physically fit and active, both in organized sports and outdoor activities, can positively influence self-confidence and academic success. 

Nixon looks forward to using the new  timber frame outdoor classroom as a home base for the new Forest Friday program for CTL kindergarteners in addition to  hosting students from Edgecomb Eddy School throughout the year. In addition to continuing the CTL tradition of swim lessons for grades K-2, Nixon has ideas for off-site experiences ranging from cross-country skiing to canoeing and rock climbing. She plans to integrate outdoor adventures with hands-on scientific explorations in collaboration with classroom teachers.