Born and raised in a small mountain town in Eastern Oregon, Afton Dixon brings a lifelong connection to the outdoors to her role as a 9th grade Environmental Science teacher. Her early love for nature grew through years of camping and fishing, followed by ten science-based fieldwork seasons that shaped her commitment to environmental stewardship. These experiences included supporting river guides, maintaining public trails, and serving three seasons as a wildland firefighter. After earning her Biology degree from Boise State University, she continued her fieldwork as a Fisheries Technician/Biologist in Colorado and Idaho, where she developed a deep appreciation for, and understanding of, aquatic ecosystems, watershed health, and hands-on ecological research. She later earned her Master in Teaching from Washington State University and has spent the past seven years teaching in project-based learning environments.

Students can expect a classroom rooted in hands-on science, outdoor exploration, and deep, reflective thinking. Mrs. Dixon believes meaningful learning happens when students consider ecosystems from multiple perspectives and examine their own place within them. Her hope is that every student leaves her class with a stronger connection to the natural world, a sense of responsibility for caring for it, and the knowledge to conduct science practices successfully.

When she’s not teaching, you can find her hiking, paddle boarding, biking, crafting, cheering on her 2 amazing kiddos at various events, or traveling to visit family and friends.