Monday, June 15th, 2026

Welcome to the June 15th page for the Nevada Association of School Administrators (NASA) Summer Institute 2026. Check here for schedules, guest speakers, and more.

7:00 AM - 8:00 AM Continental Breakfast (not mandatory for credit)
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Conference; Lunch Included

Monday, June 15th Hours:

• 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM Continental Breakfast (not mandatory for credit)

• 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Conference; Lunch Included

  • Welcome, Overview of the Day, and Introduction of NASA VIP & Diamond Sponsors 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM

  • General Session Room

    • Anthony Nuñez, President, Nevada Association of School Administrators Educational Engagement Committee

       

    • Dr. Jeffrey Geihs, Executive Director, Nevada Association of School Administrators & President & CEO Silver State Education Foundation

       

    • Senator Michelee Cruz-Crawford, Secretary, Nevada Association of School Administrators

       

    • Dr. Katie Louise Weir, Washoe County School District

       

  • KEYNOTE #1 Connection Before Correction: The Leadership Case for Kindness 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM

    • Behavior problems, staff burnout, and community distrust share a root cause: disconnection. Houston Kraft, co-founder of CharacterStrong and author of Deep Kindness, challenges administrators to see kindness not as a feel-good add-on, but as the connective tissue of every system they steward. From labor relations to school climate to their own leadership credibility, Houston draws on his work across 12,000+ schools to deliver a tactical framework for building cultures where connection isn't one more thing on the plate — it is the plate.
       

    • Presented by: Houston Kraft
      Houston has spent the last two decades cultivating kindness in schools. In 2016, he cofounded CharacterStrong, which today serves over 12,000 schools across 50 states and 49 countries with evidence-based curriculum and trainings. He has spoken at more than 700 campuses and events, wrote Deep Kindness (2020) and Be Kind (2023), and you may recognize the lower half of his face from his appearance on Lay's BBQ chip bags as someone who helps "spreads smiles." His message through the years has remained simple: kindness is the foundational behavior of successful schools. He has been featured on Good Morning America, CNN, Hallmark, and more as an expert on developing a more empathetic, kind world. His biggest influence remains his mom, whose best life lesson is to "hug like you mean it."
       

  • Visit Exhibits & Learn from NASA Partners 9:30 AM - 9:50 AM
     

  • BREAKOUT SESSSION #1 CHOOSE 1 OF 7 9:50 AM - 11:05 AM

    • OPTION 1
      Rethinking Mentoring and Induction Presented by: Marissa McClish, Dr. Nicolette Smith and Merri Pray with the Washoe County School District and Carson City School District
      Tahoe A

      Marissa McClish serves in the Talent Development Department of Washoe County School District Human Resources, where she facilitates projects focused on educator growth, teacher leadership, and effective evaluation systems. Her work centers on building coaching capacity, strengthening professional learning systems, and developing pathways for teachers to lead instructional improvement. She is passionate about developing cultures where educators grow together in service of improved outcomes for students

    • Dr. Nicolette Smith, Ed.D., NBCT, is the Mentoring and Induction Coordinator for Washoe County School District. With over 25 years of experience as an assistant principal, professional learning facilitator, and classroom teacher, she specializes in teacher leadership, Tier 1 instruction, Universal Lesson Design, and supporting novice teachers. Dr. Smith is dedicated to empowering educators through high‑quality professional learning that elevates teaching and learning for all students.
       

    • OPTION 2
      Coaching and Supervising Underperforming Employees (Peer Assistance Review Process) Presented by: Heidi Gavrilles, Heather Thaxton & Dr. Katie Louise Weir
      Tahoe D
       

    • OPTION 3
      The Future of Personalized Learning: How AI Can Reduce Teacher Burnout While Accelerating Student Growth
      Presented by:
      LorseyAI
      Jasa Todorovich
      Emerald Bay
      
      Schools are facing increasing pressure to improve student outcomes while
      addressing teacher workload, engagement challenges, intervention gaps,
      and growing demands for individualized instruction. In this session, we will
      explore how AI-driven learning systems can help schools personalize
      instruction at scale while reducing administrative burden on educators.
      LorseyAI is building a relational AI and learning orchestration platform
      designed to act as the “decision layer” for education. By analyzing student
      engagement, mastery signals, assessment data, and learning behaviors
      across multiple systems, schools can better identify learning gaps, provide
      targeted intervention, support MTSS initiatives, and improve student growth
      outcomes.
      
      This session will demonstrate how AI can:
      Help teachers identify struggling students earlier
      Recommend individualized learning pathways
      Reduce time spent on manual intervention tracking and reporting
      Increase student engagement and mastery progression
      Support MTSS and data-informed instruction
      Provide actionable insights across multiple educational platforms
       Attendees will leave with practical ideas on how AI can be implemented
      responsibly in schools to support educators, improve efficiency, and create
      more personalized learning experiences for students
       

    • OPTION 4
      Leading the Implementation of SB460 – Strategies and Implications for School and District Leaders Presented by: Nevada Department of Education Kathy Hoyt and Elysa Arroyo
      Falling Leaf
       

    • OPTION 5
      Leading High Quality Tier 1 Instruction Through Teacher Clarity Presented by: Washoe County School District Colbee Riordan and Amy Wright
      Marla Bay
       

    • OPTION 6
      Decreasing Disruptive Behaviors & Increasing Engagement

      Presented by:
      Character Strong
      Houston Kraft
      Gleenbrook

      Creating a thriving school culture starts with the adults. While students are often the focus, it’s the behavior and mindset of the staff that drive long[1]term, meaningful change. In this dynamic and hands-on workshop, we build a collective vision for more safe, engaged schools. Culture is the sum of everyone’s actions—staff and students alike. Conference keynote speaker Houston Kraft will share a practical framework for transforming your classroom culture through evidence-backed strategies that promote positive culture change.

       

    • OPTION 7
      Setting Up for Success: Using MagicSchool to Plan, Differentiate, and Launch a Strong School Year
      Presented by: MagicSchool Monica Gilfillan, M.S.Ed., Senior Account Executive, MagicSchool
      General Session Room
      
      The best time to set your students up for success is before they walk through the door. This session is designed for educators who want to use the summer to plan smarter, differentiate more effectively, and enter the school year with the tools and strategies their students need — especially those who need the most support. In the first half, participants explore practical ways to use MagicSchool to strengthen lesson planning, build differentiated materials, and design targeted interventions aligned to literacy and math goals. Teachers work hands-on to create resources they can use on day one — whether they've never touched AI before or are looking to go deeper with tools they already use. In the second half, participants explore how to extend that preparation to students. We'll look at what structured, teacher-controlled AI support looks like in the classroom with MagicStudent, how to set up student rooms that support learning, maintain teacher visibility, and help students who are below grade level access content and build skills from the start of the year. Participants will leave with classroom-ready materials they built during the session, practical strategies for differentiating instruction with MagicSchool, and a clear picture of what responsible, teacher-led student AI use looks like in practice. No prior AI experience required. This session is designed to meet educators wherever they are.
       

    • OPTION 8
      Fireside Chat: Hear from NASA's VIP Partners to help find solutions to the challenges your schools and departments are facing.
      Sand Harbor III
      Presented by:
      Amplify Science
      HMH Core and Supplemental
      Bluum
      iteach
       

  • Visit Exhibits & Learn from NASA Partners 11:05 AM - 11:20 AM
     

  • Breakout Session 2 11:20 AM - 12:35 PM Choose 1 of 8
     

    • OPTION 1
      Leading High Quality Tier 1 Instruction Through Teacher Clarity Presented by: Washoe County School District Colbee Riordan and Amy Wright
      Tahoe A
       

    • OPTION 2
      Teaching and Leading from the Heart Through Safe & Respectful Learning Presented by: Washoe County School District Cassandra Hayes; Crassandra Lopez
      Tahoe D
       

    • OPTION 3
      Engineering Dynamic Professional Learning for Professional Excellence Presented by: Bluum Niki Smith
      Emerald Bay
      
      The greatest barrier to advancing professional excellence is the one-size fits-none approach to staff development. When we deliver the same content in the same way to a first-year teacher and a twenty-year veteran, we miss the mark for both. To truly elevate our schools, our professional learning structures must be as dynamic, differentiated, and intentional as the high-performing classrooms we lead. This session is a hands-on design lab for administrators, coaches, and curriculum leaders ready to elevate the professional learning in their districts. We will work together to build a practical plan for your next professional learning session, focusing on three key stages Pre-Training: Shifting from mandatory attendance to authentic buy-in by activating prior knowledge and clarifying the why. During Training: Leveraging high-engagement strategies and AI powered differentiation to provide tiered learning paths for diverse staff needs. Post-Training: Implementation of professional learning: coaching cycles and feedback loops that turn a single session into a sustained classroom habit. Join us to build a ready-to-launch professional learning ecosystem that empowers every educator in your building, from day one to year twenty and beyond.
       

    • OPTION 4
      Strengthening Tier 2 Supports: Aligning Academics and Behavior for Greater Student Impact
      Presented by: Catapult Learning Devon Wible, VP of Academics – Catapult Learning Houston Kraft, Co-Founder – CharacterStrong
      Falling Leaf
      
      How can school and district leaders ensure Tier 2 is aligned, scalable, and producing measurable impact? In this interactive session, Catapult Learning and CharacterStrong explore how to strengthen coherence across academic and behavioral MTSS. Participants will learn how to use multiple data sources to identify student needs, align interventions, and build systems that support consistency, progress monitoring, and collaboration. Grounded in research and district examples, this session focuses on practical leadership moves. Leaders will leave with a clear framework to design Tier 2 systems that are integrated, efficient, and able to drive both academic growth and student engagement. Aligned to NVACS ELA (CCRA.R.1, CCRA.W.4, CCRA.SL.1) and Math Practices (MP1, MP4, MP6), along with Nevada Health Standards (1, 5, 7), supporting data-driven academic intervention, problem solving, and student self-management within a cohesive MTSS framework.
       

    • OPTION 5
      The Economic and Social Benefits of Re-Engaging High School Dropouts
      Presented by: Acceleration Academies Dr. Abby Andres and Mark Graves, Co-Founder, Executive Vice President and Chief Engagement Officer
      Marla Bay
      
      Re-engaging high school dropouts and disengaged students creates meaningful benefits for young people while also strengthening communities and economies. Students who return to complete high school are more likely to earn higher incomes, experience better health outcomes, and engage more actively in civic life. Drawing on research and practice, this session will explore how student re-engagement can help districts and states reduce social service costs, strengthen workforce pipelines, and generate long-term economic and social returns.
       

    • OPTION 6
      Conditions for Success: What Data Reveals About Systemwide Improvement Presented by: Cognia Learning AJ Adams
      Glenbrook
      
      Nevada’s districts are navigating a moment where effort is high but results are uneven. Educators are balancing competing initiatives, shifting accountability expectations, and persistent achievement gaps, all while trying to build systems that can sustain improvement. This session offers participants a rare, high‑level look at what Cognia has learned from partnering with thousands of schools across the country. Instead of focusing on symptoms, we’ll examine the system conditions that consistently differentiate districts that accelerate improvement from those that struggle to gain traction. Participants will gain a clear, evidence‑based understanding of: The system conditions that most strongly predict whether improvement efforts will take hold Why some districts see rapid gains even with limited resources How to identify root causes that traditional data sets don’t reveal Behaviors moves that reliably strengthen coherence

      AJ Adams is a strategic education leader with nearly 30 years of experience driving student-focused outcomes in the Clark County School District, the nation’s fifth-largest school system. He has held roles from teacher to School Associate Superintendent, leading teams that served over 30,000 students. Most recently, as Deputy Executive Director of the Nevada Association of School Administrators, AJ led strategic partnerships and growth initiatives. He is recognized for building high-performing teams, advancing organizational effectiveness, and delivering innovative solutions that create measurable impact. Most importantly, he is a proud father of two amazing kids. His oldest attends the University of Nevada, Reno, and his youngest attends Coronado High School.
       

    • OPTION 7
      Every Student + Early Access = College and Career Opportunities with John Long
      Presented by: Edmentum
      Sand Harbor III
       

  • Visit Exhibits & Learn from NASA Partners 12:35 PM - 12:45 PM
    Exhibit Hall
     

  • Lunch & Panel Discussion Allocating Resources Reveals Priorities: Leading Through Funding Uncertainty 12:45 PM - 1:45 PM Moderated By Wanda Washington, WCSD – Department of Human Resources Talent Solutions Division

PANELIST: Mike Kazmierski, Executive Director of Strengthen our Community, & Andrea Sullivan, Senior Director of Supply Chain Management for WCSD Purchasing
 

 

• Visit Exhibits & Learn from NASA Partners 1:45 PM - 2:00 PM
   

• Keynote # 2

  • Leadership When It’s Hard: Stability, Clarity, and Courage 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

    • Leadership is easy when conditions are favorable—but it is defined in moments of pressure. In this powerful keynote, Dr. Drummond challenges school and district leaders to examine who they are when resources are tight, emotions are high, and expectations remain non-negotiable.

      Drawing on more than 15 years of experience as a teacher, professional learning coordinator, university adjunct professor, and principal, Dr. Drummond offers a systems-level perspective on leading through complexity. He explores how strategic leaders create stability without stagnation, clarity without oversimplifying, and courage without unnecessary conflict.

      Attendees will leave inspired to align decisions with values, strengthen organizational trust, and lead with integrity when it matters most.

      Associate Partner at the Center for Model Schools Dr. Adam Drummond passionately believes that “All Means All” when discussing the future of students. Each and every student deserves the opportunity to not only thrive but excel. Adam has served the educational community in many roles, as a teacher, district professional learning coordinator, university adjunct professor, school principal, and most importantly, as a life-long learner. He believes that to effect the change needed for successful 21st-century learning, we need to commit to growth at all levels of leadership; that means teachers, coaches, principals, superintendents, as well as students.

      Adam has spent the past 20+ years building and sharing his expertise in literacy, leadership development, and systemic planning with schools and districts and is lucky to share this passion with the broader community. Adam is the author of Instructional Change Agent: 48 Ways to be the Leader Your School Needs, a leadership book that John Hattie has described as “the leadership bible.” Adam is a firm believer that learning is not restricted to the classroom! Adam splits his time in Wisconsin and Indiana with his partner Danny and their sons Chase, Carson, and Ben, and daughter Carter.
       

• Visit Exhibits & Learn from NASA Partners & Ice Cream Break 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
   

• Breakout Session 3 3:30 PM - 4:45 PM Choose 1 of 8

  • OPTION 1
    Enacting Social Change Through Community Partnerships

    Presented by:
    Washoe County School District and the University of Nevada Reno
    Dr. Joel Pieixoto and Dr. Jafeth Sanchez
    Tahoe A
     

  • OPTION 2
    Proven Ways to Accelerate SBAC Math Achievement All Year

    Presented by:
    NextGen Math
    Erin Walker, CEO
    Joost Demoes, President
    Tahoe D

    Too often, “test prep” becomes a last-minute sprint—detached from daily instruction and disconnected from what students actually need. But what if preparation for state assessments was built into everyday teaching, all year long?

    This session focuses on practical, classroom-ready strategies that help educators prioritize what matters most and accelerate student math growth, without adding more to their plates. Participants will explore how to leverage detailed grade-level expectations—grounded in the standards, framework, and assessment design—to make smarter instructional decisions, target support, and strengthen core instruction.

    Rather than broad review, this approach emphasizes clarity: knowing where to focus, why it matters, and how to adjust instruction in real time.

    Attendees will see what this looks like in action through real examples from classrooms and districts, including insights from Nevada educators implementing this work to improve student proficiency. 

    Participants will: Identify the highest-leverage grade-level priorities that drive student success on state assessments. Connect assessment expectations to daily instruction, intervention, and reteaching—across the school year. Apply practical strategies to embed “test readiness” into everyday lessons, rather than relying on spring review. Use a clear focus to target support and accelerate math growth for a range of learners. Learn from real-world implementation examples, including perspectives from Nevada educators working to improve math outcomes.
     

  1. As a successful entrepreneur and educator with deep expertise in K-12, Erin Walker’s professional journey has spanned roles as a classroom teacher, instructional specialist, and site and district administrator. She has pioneered math intervention programs that yield high results, implementing teacher-friendly data analysis processes, and designing instructional plans aligned with Common Core Math Standards.

     Her greatest passion is to provide educators with a simple solution to the ever-prevalent question: You Have Your Data, Now What? In 2016, she left her role of Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment at Compton Unified SD to found Next Gen Math, LLC, to help close math achievement gaps and simplify complex data analysis for educators across the country. 

     Over the past decade, Erin has grown Next Gen Math into a unique supplemental math solution that gives teachers the real-time data and tools they need to instantly create standards-aligned, personalized learning paths for every student, while continuously monitoring individual progress towards grade level mastery. Under Erin’s leadership, the company continues to expand its impact, helping countless schools close achievement gaps and foster a deeper understanding of mathematics for every student.

     Joost DeMoes, President of Next Gen Math, is recognized for his unwavering dedication to mathematics education, innovative system design, and entrepreneurial leadership in technology. His extensive K-12 experience spans many levels, having served as Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent of Business at two districts, County Administrator of Instructional Services, Middle and Elementary School Principal, and as an educator for elementary, middle, high school with an emphasis in science and mathematics.

     Joost has been a driving force in continuous systems improvement, spearheading The Learning Network, an initiative adopted by numerous California school districts. He is also the creator of the Rigor Mat, a groundbreaking tool that clarifies daily math learning while providing meaningful interpretations of assessment data. His passion for advancing mathematics education and his commitment to innovation has manifested through Next Gen Math.

     At Next Gen Math, Joost drives continuous improvement and product development to equip educators with real-time data and tools to instantly create standards-aligned, personalized learning paths for every student. Proven to accelerate math mastery and drive SBAC growth, Next Gen Math is a preferred platform for schools across California and Nevada.
      

  • OPTION 3
    Writing as a Road to Comprehension: Shifting Practices and Engaging Students

    Presented by:
    Amplify
    Dr. Eugene Greenfield
    Emerald Bay

    How do the Science of Reading and the Science of Writing work together? Teachers will gain an understanding of the importance of foundational sentence writing and how sentences serve as a bridge to developing and increasing reading comprehension.

    Sentence-level activities will be shared, as well as instructional shifts necessary for Science of Writing-based instruction. This session will dive into the interconnectedness of reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

    Participants will…

    1) Gain an understanding of the reciprocal nature of reading (SVR) and writing (SVW).

    2) Learn sentence-level strategies to support reading and writing.

    3) Leave with instructional shifts to support the development of skilled writers.

    Dr. Eugene Greenfield is a Senior Literacy Product Specialist at Amplify, bringing over 20 years of experience as a teacher, principal, and literacy leader. Hailing from Columbus, Ohio, he developed a passion early in his career for urban education and equity in literacy. He holds a Master’s in Special Education from Antioch University and an MBA from Ohio Dominican University. He earned his Doctorate of Education in Reading Science from Mount St. Joseph University, becoming the first male graduate of its prestigious program. His research focused on feedback strategies to support spelling instruction among African American English-speaking students, reflecting his dedication to inclusive literacy practices.

    Driven by a commitment to supporting all learners, he enjoys teaching and presenting on topics related to the science of reading, helping educators translate research into effective classroom practice. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, reading, and traveling.
     

  • OPTION 4
    AI in Action: Supporting Instruction and Student Outcomes

    Presented by:
    HMH
    Ashley Edwards
    Falling Leaf

    Not all AI is created equal. At this event, HMH will share/frame how to think about your district's context when choosing AI tools for the classroom. Learn how districts from across the nation are using AI to stay coherent to their district goals while supporting teachers' diverse instructional needs for AI in the classroom. You'll leave with a set of guiding questions and conversation starters to frame and discuss how AI can be used to support instruction in your classrooms.
     

  • OPTION 5
    Strengthening the Nevada Read by Grade 3 Outcomes with i‑Ready Inform

    Presented by:
    Curriculum and Associates
    Prim Walters
    Marla Bay

    In this session, we will provide an overview of how i‑Ready supports Nevada educators in meeting the requirements of the Read by Grade 3 Act while, more importantly, helping students progress toward grade‑level literacy. i-Ready Inform will provide Nevada educators with a statewide, standards‑aligned benchmark assessment that delivers reliable data for screening, progress monitoring, and instructional decision‑making under the Read By Grade 3 Act.

    Through this partnership with NDE, Curriculum Associates supports districts in building strong data practices and advancing literacy outcomes aligned to the Science of Reading.
     

  • OPTION 6
    Developing Routines that Support the Science of Reading in a K-5 Classroom
    
    Presented by:
    Savvas Learning Company
    Kristen Elizondo
    Glenbrook

    Routines not only prime the brain for learning by freeing up cognitive space, they also contribute to enhanced focus and engagement. In this session, we’ll examine methodology from renowned reading expert and Savvas author, Dr. Sharon Vaughn. Participants will explore the instructional routines that reflect best practices in a “science of reading" classroom and gain insight into how these routines foster meaningful reading experiences for students of all abilities.
     

  • OPTION 7
    Improving Math Outcomes in Nevada: From Initiative Overload to Instructional Coherence
    Presented by: iTeach K12 Coalition Joe Hettler, Chief Partnership Officer & Allison Aliaga, Partnership Director
    General Session Room

Across Nevada, districts are working to strengthen math outcomes while navigating teacher shortages, competing initiatives, and the unique challenges of serving both large urban systems and rural communities. Research from K12 Coalition and Bellwether shows that improvement efforts often stall not because of a lack of programs, but because systems struggle to translate priorities into consistent classroom practice. This session will explore what it takes to move from isolated initiatives to coherent, classroom-level improvement in mathematics. Participants will examine common barriers to implementation, including fragmented professional learning, limited instructional support, and the difficulty of sustaining change across schools. We will highlight practical strategies districts can use to align professional learning, coaching, and instructional expectations so that teachers receive the support they need to deliver high quality math instruction every day. Designed for Nevada administrators and teacher leaders, this session will provide concrete ideas for strengthening math instruction in ways that are realistic within current staffing, funding, and policy constraints, with particular attention to the needs of rural districts and high-need schools. 
 

• OPTION 8
  Fireside Chat: Hear from NASA's VIP Partners to help find solutions to the challenges your schools and departments are facing.
  Presented by:
  Character Strong
  HMH Intervention
  Lorsey.ai
  Edmentum
  Sand Harbor III

  • Visit Exhibits & Learn From NASA Partners 4:45 PM - 5:00 PM
     

  • KEYNOTE #2
    Beyond Boundaries: Reimagining Leadership, Teacher Preparation, and the Future of Teaching & PRIZES DRAWN AT 6:00 PM (Must be present to win) 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
     

    • Traditional practices in education are often outdated. Workforce shortages, budget constraints, and mandates have increased the challenges school leaders face daily, but often our leadership practices remain the same. But what if we looked beyond limitations to see our blind spots in education?

      By leading outside of the box, rethinking teacher preparation, and reimagining the future of teaching, school leaders can boldly push beyond boundaries, choosing to be brave enough to build what the future demands.

      Jina Eksaengsri
      School Improvement Officer
      Socorro Independent School District

With over 23 years of experience as an educator. Jina currently serves as the School Improvement Officer for Academic Services in the Socorro Independent School District, located in El Paso, Texas. In her role, she supports campuses in need of academic improvement, oversees curriculum and instruction, and manages multiple projects including the district’s teacher residency program. Prior to her district level experience,

 

Ms. Eksaengsri has served campuses as a principal, assistant principal, and teacher in the El Paso area, north Texas area, and overseas in Abu Dhabi. Her experiences within Texas and internationally contribute to her deep understanding of school improvement processes which include the meaningful use of data, creating a positive school culture, and utilizing systems for accountability.

Ms. Eksaengsri is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Applied Leaning and Development. She earned her Master of Education Degree in Educational Leadership from Texas State University and holds a Certificate in School Management and Leadership from Harvard University.