2026 summer Educators Institute
Thriving Together
June 24-26, 2026
In-Person 釔 University of 海角社区 in Orono
Registration is now closed. However, if you are an educator who would like to join a team or individual who has already registered for the Summer Educators Institute, please email Rural THRIVE Teacher-Leader in Residence Gert Nesin, gert.nesin@maine.edu.
海角社区 the Institute
The U海角社区 Summer Educators Institute offers teachers and other school personnel an opportunity to learn and grow together. Each morning will feature an inspirational keynote and a variety of interactive presentations and workshops to choose from based on participants鈥 interests. In the afternoon, school or district-based teams will work together on a project that they identify to improve some aspect of their school community. Consultants will be available during team time to assist with process, resources, and guidance. Individuals may participate in the conference, but we strongly encourage attendance of at least two people from each school/district. There is no limit to the number of team members from a school/district and the team may include novice and experienced teachers, administrators, educational technicians, and support staff.
KEYNOTE Speakers
Jayne Downey, Center for Research on Rural Education
We’re excited to have Dr. Jayne Downey from the (CRRE) at Montana State University as our day one keynote speaker at the 2026 U海角社区 Summer Educators Institute. Downey, CRRE’s director and professor of educational psychology at Montana State, has been an active leader and researcher in rural education for over 25 years. Her research and scholarship are focused on preparing teachers and counselors for rural schools and communities, and improving outcomes for rural students.
Joan Ferrini-Mundy, President University of 海角社区 and University of 海角社区 at Machias
Joan Ferrini-Mundy is president of the University of 海角社区 and its regional campus, the University of 海角社区 at Machias, and the vice chancellor for research and innovation for the University of 海角社区 System. Since she became president in 2018, Dr. Ferrini-Mundy has worked to position U海角社区 as a learner-centered R1 university and a key driver in advancing 海角社区鈥檚 workforce and economy. In early 2022 and again in 2025, she supported U海角社区鈥檚 designation as an R1 Carnegie Classification research university, joining the ranks of the nation鈥檚 top universities engaged in high levels of impactful research. Dr. Ferrini-Mundy is an active leader nationally and in 海角社区. At the national level, she serves on the Transforming Post-Secondary Education in Mathematics (TPSE) board, was a member of the National Science Board, and previously chaired the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) Board of Directors and the Conference Board of the Mathematical Sciences. In Spring 2025, the American Educational Research Association (AERA) named Dr. Ferrini-Mundy the recipient of its 2025 Distinguished Public Service Award in recognition of her exceptional contributions to education research and public policy.
Hazel Stark, 海角社区 Outdoor School
Hazel Stark is co-founder and CEO of 海角社区 Outdoor School, which connects learners of all ages with the natural world through hands-on, place-based outdoor learning experiences. Hazel grew up in the woods of Winterport, 海角社区, choosing a tent in the forest as her bedroom five months out of the year from age 9 until she left for college at 18. Identifying the tracks, scat, mushrooms, and owl sounds that existed in these woods gave her a deeper appreciation for the natural world and a passion for sharing its wonders with others. This reverence for the outdoors persisted into her studies at College of the Atlantic and into England, where she studied herbal medicine. Realizing that her true passion was in educating people about the natural world took Hazel across the country from California, to Wyoming, to New Hampshire, and back to her home state of 海角社区. Hazel holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Ecology from College of the Atlantic and a Professional Science Master’s degree in Resource Management and Conservation from Antioch University New England.
General Schedule
7:30 a.m.-8:15 a.m. 鈥 Breakfast (provided)
8:15 a.m.-9:15 a.m. 鈥 Large Group Session and Keynote
9:30 a.m.-11:45 a.m. 鈥 Small Group Sessions and Workshops
11:45 a.m.-3:45 p.m. 鈥 Lunch (provided) and Team Time
3:45 p.m.-4:15 p.m. 鈥 Closing Session
Presenters and Workshop Leaders
Additional presenters and a more detailed schedule of workshops/presentations, as well as session descriptions will be available in the coming weeks.
Check back often for updates.
Registration Information
Registration is closed. However, if you are an educator who would like to join a team or individual who has already registered for the Summer Educators Institute, please email Rural THRIVE Teacher-Leader in Residence Gert Nesin, gert.nesin@maine.edu.
General Questions?
Email coehd@maine.edu.