Julie Nickerson of South Portland is the new principal at Morse Street School in Freeport.

Nickerson succeeds Tom Ambrose. She began the year sharing the principal’s duties with Sarah Duffy, and took on the position full time on Sept. 14. Nickerson, 40, comes to Morse Street School – which is preschool through second grade – from Cape Elizabeth, where she taught first grade.

A native of South Wales, she has lived in South Portland for 12 years. She and her husband, Jere, have two children, Jack, 10 and Ella, 9.

Nickerson obtained her bachelor’s degree in religious studies and English from the University of Warwick in England. She earned her master’s in educational leadership from the University of Southern Maine.

She answered questions about her new position as Morse Street School principal, and about elementary school education, for the Tri-Town Weekly.

Q: You took the Morse Street position on relatively short notice, it would seem. What did you like about this opportunity?

A: I was drawn to the fact that Morse Street School is a place known for high standards, hard work and quality learning. It is a school with an exciting mission and vision. It was appealing to work collaboratively with an outstanding group of educators and be able to share my genuine passion for creative and rich learning. The depth of my knowledge and professional growth is based on the development of these younger learners, and what better professional growth opportunity than to lead a pre-K to grade 2 school – K-2 schools are few and far between. So when the Morse Street position opened up, I saw it as an opportunity not to be missed.

Q: What do you enjoy about educating these younger students?

A: The rate at which students learn and grow at these ages is so exciting. There is nothing more enjoyable than seeing those big wide eyes and smiles of kindergartners as they start school full of curiosity and excitement. I enjoy watching first-graders develop into learners who see themselves as readers, writers and mathematicians, and by second grade you can really see an increased level of independence and students who are taking charge of their own learning – and dreaming big!

Q: Do you see any particular challenges, and/or opportunities, at Morse Street?

A: Morse Street is a school full of opportunity. Together, the Morse Street staff, parents and community members are incredibly dedicated and supportive. These characteristics reflect the importance of student-centered learning, relationships and teamwork. Working together, we can provide the best education for our students, ensuring students are being supported emotionally, socially, behaviorally, physically and academically. By doing so, we can offer all students the opportunity to become independent learners and thinkers.

Q: Any new trends in elementary school education you’d like to see introduced at the school, or do you prefer a steady-as-she-goes approach for the time being?

A: “Steady-as-she-goes” seems to be the best approach for now. There has been a considerable amount of change within the district, and I see that I need to spend time listening and learning.

Q: What do you see as pluses in the RSU 5 school system?

A: I have only been here for three weeks full time and what stands out the most are the people. RSU 5 is full of wonderful administrators, teachers, support staff, families and, of course, the students are fabulous.

‘When the Morse Street position opened up, I saw it as an opportunity not to be missed,” says Julie Nickerson, the new principal.Courtesy photo