Annual Summit 2025

Information tables, located in the Spann Student Commons are accessible throughout the two-day summit. Please be sure to stop by for additional information and resources.  

Maine's Commissioner of Education, Pender Makin, has devoted herself to the mission of public education for nearly 30 years. She served as a middle school teacher before assuming the role of principal at The REAL School on Mackworth Island in Falmouth. At The REAL School – a regional, experiential learning school for students who have struggled in traditional school settings – Makin and her team supported high-risk students from 28 sending districts through innovative, project-based programming. Prior to accepting her appointment as 

Commissioner, Makin also served as the Assistant Superintendent of the Brunswick School Department.

For several years, Makin served as a member of Maine's Juvenile Justice Advisory Group, and she co-founded Collaborative for Perpetual Innovation, a professional development, technical assistance, and consulting company for educators, school and district leaders, and counselors. She has provided educator trainings, workshops, and keynote addresses at multiple state and national conferences on topics such as restorative justice, cognitive neuroscience, dropout prevention, organizational culture, and leadership. 

Makin was named the 2013-2014 Maine Principal of the Year by the Maine Principal’s Association and was a recipient of the Milken Educator Award, a national distinction bestowed upon educators for exceptional educational talent, exemplary educational accomplishments, and an engaging and inspiring presence that motivates and impacts students. Makin and her students also won MTV's Local Heroes Award for their work on a violence-prevention public service video. 

Makin is charged with leading the state agency that administers both state education subsidy and state and federal grant programs; coordinates the authoring of the rules for Maine State education statutes passed by the Maine State Legislature; provides professional development, information, supports, and resources, as well as a system for educator credentialing; and leads many collaborative opportunities and partnerships in support of local schools and districts. 

Makin grew up in Saco, attended local schools, and graduated from Thornton Academy. She worked as a mate and deckhand on her father's deep-sea fishing charter boat every summer beginning at age eight. She earned her B.A. in English Literature and her M.S. in School Leadership from the University of Southern Maine.

To view the Thomas College campus, utilize this virtual tour. 

Lodging & accommodations are available onsite, managed directly by Thomas College.

Virtual Tours of housing accommodations can be found here: 

• Bartlett Hall 
• Hinman Hall

2025 Annual Summit Attendees will be responsible for travel and accommodations during the Summit.

With this in mind, the Maine DOE has secured two possible options for accommodations on-site and within a short proximity to the venue. 

Accommodation is available at attendee cost at the Hampton Inn by Hilton. The room rate is $189 per night.  To book online, please click the link below, and select the check-in/check-out date. This will direct you to the hotel's website and the Department of Education 2025 Educator Summit Group Block Rate. Alternatively, call (207) 873-0400 and ask to make a reservation at the “Department of Education 2025 Educator Summit Group Block Rate.”  The deadline to secure accommodations within this discounted block is July 5, 2025.

The Annual Summit at Thomas College will use several buildings on the Campus. The above map highlights those buildings and their proximity to each other. Transportation between buildings will be provided for those with physical challenges or limitations. 

Traveling to Thomas College 

Thomas College is located at 180 West River Road in Waterville, Maine. From Interstate 95 exit 127, go east on Kennedy Memorial Drive (Route 137).  In approximately 1.5 miles, turn right onto West River Road (Route 104 South). Thomas College is 1.5 miles on the left. Explore our campus map and find where you need to be!

Approximate Drive Times 

Whether you're planning on arriving early or staying a little later, there's plenty to do in the local area. 

Colby College Museum of Art
5600 Mayflower Hill, Waterville, 04901-8856

Quarry Road Trails
300 Quarry Road, Waterville, 04901

Waterville Opera House
1 Common Street, Waterville, 04901-6643

Waterville Historical Society
62 Silver Street, Waterville, 04901-6524

Maine State Museum
230 State Street, Augusta, 04330-6845

Fort Western 
16 Cony Street, Augusta, 04330-5200

State Capitol
State Street, Augusta, 04330-6845