2026 summer Educators Institute
Thriving Together
June 24-26, 2026
In-Person ᐧ University of Maine in Orono
The registration fee ($600 value) will be covered for participants in Rural Thrive programming and/or who work in a rural public school.
A limited number of sponsorships are available from the College of Education and Human Development to cover the fee for others who wish to attend.
About the Institute
The UMaine 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’ 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 and Jennifer Luebeck, Center for Research on Rural Education
We’re excited to have Dr. Jayne Downey and Dr. Jennifer Luebeck from the Center for Research on Rural Education (CRRE) at Montana State University as the keynote speakers at the 2026 UMaine 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. Luebeck is a Montana State professor of mathematics education and CRRE faculty scholar. She leads the Advancing Support, Preparation and Innovation in Rural Education (ASPIRE) project and directs MentorMT, a statewide program matching early-career rural teachers with experienced educators for individualized support in areas such as teaching, learning, and student/teacher well-being.
General Schedule
7:30 a.m.-8:15 a.m. — Breakfast (provided)
8:15 a.m.-9:15 a.m. — Large Group Session and Keynote
9:30 a.m.-11:45 a.m. — Small Group Sessions and Workshops
11:45 a.m.-3:45 p.m. — Lunch (provided) and Team Time
3:45 p.m.-4:15 p.m. — Closing Session
A more detailed schedule and workshop/session descriptions will be available in the coming weeks and months. Check back often for updates.
Registration Information
To receive further information as we finalize conference details, email Rural Thrive Teacher-Leader in Residence Gert Nesin, gert.nesin@maine.edu.
General Questions?
Email coehd@maine.edu.