BELFAST — Annabelle Walke, toddler teacher at Cornerspring Montessori School in Belfast, is named one of 20 Young Teachers to Watch by the Maine Association for the Education of Young Children. In her third year of employment at Cornerspring, Ms. Walke is currently completing her associate degree in early childhood education at Kennebec Valley Community College and will graduate in May.

In a Cornerspring news release, Ms. Walke shares that “I am absolutely fascinated by the minds of young children. There is so much development and discovery that occurs within the first few years, and it is truly amazing to witness. I am so proud to be someone who can help shape these young minds.”

Ms. Walke is a graduate of Mount Desert Island High School. She attended the Music Education program at the University of Southern Maine. As a performing artist, she loves to sing and was selected as a 2018, 2019, and 2020 Maine Allstate Vocalist. She has successfully balanced full time classes on top of her work schedule and maintains a 4.0 GPA. Following the completion of her associate degree, Ms. Walke plans to continue her education.

The Maine Association for the Education of Young Children promotes high-quality early learning for all children, birth through age 8, by connecting practice, policy, and research, according to the news release.

“They advance a diverse, dynamic early childhood profession and support all who care for, educate, and work on behalf of young children and families,” said the release.

The Maine Association for the Education of Young Children honors the commitment of their members, board, stakeholders, supporters and leaders on the Association’s 20th Anniversary. As part of their celebration, the Maine AEYC has compiled a list of 20 Young Teachers to Watch, all between the ages of 20-30 who live and work in Maine. They were each nominated by a colleague as people who have the potential to be exceptional teachers, mentors, advocates and leaders in the early childhood field in Maine and beyond.

Serving children from 18 months to 14 years, Cornerspring Montessori School is an inclusive community dedicated to providing an environment for individualized education in which the partnership of child, parent, and teacher nurtures lifelong learning skills and a deep sense of compassion and social responsibility. Just minutes from downtown Belfast but situated on more than 42 acres of woodlands, Cornerspring offers a wealth of opportunities for nature-based education.

For more information about Cornerspring Montessori School or to apply for enrollment, please visit www.cornerspringmontessori.com.