Douglas Neveu grew up in Le Mans, in France’s Loire Valley, a historic city best known for the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans race and a long tradition of craftsmanship and culture. From an early age, Douglas balanced two passions: learning and athletics. While studying at Le Mans Université, he pursued languages and international education, earning a degree in English before continuing graduate studies in French as a Foreign Language. During those years, he also spent many hours on the field playing and coaching American football, an experience that shaped the collaborative and energetic approach he brings to the classroom today.
Douglas first discovered Maine in 2017, when he came to the United States for an internship at The French School of Maine. He later continued his training at the Maine Coast Waldorf School, experiences that confirmed his vocation for elementary education and his appreciation for schools that value curiosity, creativity, and experiential learning.
For the past eight years, Douglas has been part of the teaching team at Le Monde French Immersion Public Charter School in Portland, Oregon, an IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) school with a philosophy very close to ours. There he taught both third and fifth grade, designing engaging bilingual lessons, supporting a wide range of learners, and helping students develop both academic confidence and a strong sense of curiosity about the world.
Returning to Maine feels especially meaningful for Douglas. His wife is originally from Yarmouth, and the family is excited to settle back in the state and become part of the local community once again.
Outside the classroom, Douglas is happiest exploring the outdoors. He enjoys trail running, hiking, climbing, and cooking, and he is always ready for a good board game with family and friends. His love of nature and hands-on learning aligns perfectly with the school’s mission of connecting children to the outdoors while fostering independence, curiosity, and joy in learning.
Douglas will also be joining the community as a school parent, as his child will be entering the preschool program next year, making the school not only his place of teaching, but also a place where his own family will grow alongside the students and families he serves.