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 as principal of 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.