CARSON CITY, Nev. – The 2019 MEGA conference, sponsored by the Nevada Department of Education, begins Friday at South Lake Tahoe. It will feature nationally recognized presenters and give local education leaders a chance to hear about successful school models that feature student success.

“This year’s agenda was adopted to meet the challenge of raising student outcomes and the demands of Nevada’s emerging high-tech economy,” said Will Jensen, Director of Special Education at the Department of Education. “A formidable education system is necessary for our state to prepare its citizens to meet the demands the future holds for Nevada. In order to succeed, it is necessary to instill the requisite skills in our students and ensure that each and every student receives the education required for the future.” 

• WHAT: Annual MEGA Conference is an annual staff development opportunity focused on building the capacity and skills of Nevada’s educators.
• WHEN: Friday evening, Saturday, and Sunday.
• WHERE: Harrah’s and Harvey’s in South Lake Tahoe.

The theme of the 2019 MEGA Conference is “The New Nevada – Expanding Equitable Opportunities for All.” The three focal areas of the conference are:

• Enhancing Technological and Educational Innovations and Supports - through increasing educator knowledge and ability to help students meet the demands of the fund, blending current effective practices with new initiatives.
• All Students – recognizing diversity and providing equitable programs and supports for all learners.
• Ensuring Successful Outcomes for all students – through effective teaching and learning practices which promote: literacy by grade three; high school readiness; college, career and life readiness; practices, culture, and environments that support learning.

Wes Kieschnick will give the opening keynote address on Friday at 5 p.m. Kieschnick is the bestselling author of “Bold School: Old School Wisdom+New School Innovation=Blended Learning that Works”. He is also the creator and host of the popular “Teaching Keating” podcast.

Additional guest speakers at the conference include John Medina, one of them most engaging, and crowd-pleasing speakers in the world of neuroscience and celebrated author of ten books; Jimmy Casas, named 2012 Iowa Secondary Principal of the Year, and one of three finalists for NASSP 2013 National Secondary Principal of the Year, and author of three books; Tom Murray, Director of Innovation for Future Ready Schools, a project of the Alliance for Excellent Education his latest book, “Learning Transformed.”