The Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL), a K-8 independent school located in Edgecomb, is excited to announce the establishment of an endowed scholarship fund in the name of Nancie Atwell, the school’s founder.

CTL is known locally and nationally for its award-winning teaching, engaging and rigorous curriculum, inclusive community, close relationships with children and their parents, and lasting contributions in the field of elementary education. Alumni include, so far, eight high school valedictorians and salutatorians.

Since it opened in 1990, CTL has maintained a student body that represents a cross-section of Midcoast Maine. The school keeps its tuition rate as low as possible and offers generous financial aid in order to create a community of “regular” kids and families. Last year, almost 80 percent of CTL students received some form of tuition assistance.

Prior to her retirement, in June, Atwell worked tirelessly to raise funds to provide the aid that local families need. She traveled the country on behalf of the school, offering literacy seminars that attracted thousands of teachers. She also wrote books about CTL and appeared in educational DVD’s that generate royalty income for the school. CTL can think of no better tribute to Nancie than to ensure financial support for the next generation of local students.

The goal of this campaign is to raise $200,000 over the next year. CTL already has the financial support of Atwell’s publishers, Heinemann and Scholastic, as well as donations from educators, CTL families, and alumni. We hope that local community members, including her former students at Boothbay Region Elementary School, will consider making a gift in her honor.

To learn more about the Center for Teaching and Learning, or to make a contribution to the scholarship fund, contact Scott MacDonald by phone at 207-882-9706 or by mail at 119 Cross Point Road, Edgecomb, ME 04556. CTL is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All contributions are fully tax-deductible.