SDE Update

MEGA 2022

Dr. Eric Mackey, Alabama State Superintendent of Education

This year, Monday, July 11 through Friday, July 15, in Mobile, AL, we are looking forward to hosting a MEGA event that is sure to prepare, educate, and inspire like never before. The dedicated ALSDE staff who have planned and coordinated this year’s MEGA event have taken great strides to make sure attendees receive top-notch instruction and some of the most effective best practices used in education today.

This year’s theme: Turning Obstacles into Opportunities, is particularly meaningful given the challenges education has experienced over the past two years. MEGA coordinators have listened to the suggestions of past attendees and made significant adjustments to maximize the impact of this huge annual professional development bonanza.

This year’s keynote speaker is current high school English teacher, author, consultant, and 2010 National Teacher of the Year, Sara Brown Wessling – one of the most sought-after educators in the nation. In addition to Wessling, MEGA will also add a new twist to this year’s event and showcase a host of featured speakers who bring additional excitement to the event. Featured speakers include: Damon West, The Coffee Bean Guy; Ronnie Thomas, Weird Fun Science; and Jan Bryan, Literacy Guru. These authors and motivational speakers are sure to inspire and present new perspectives on education and leadership.

MEGA mornings will begin with Roundtable Discussions on various topics that lead into indepth breakout sessions. Once again, Food Truck Tuesday is back on the schedule, as is an Ice Cream Social on Wednesday. All of these fun and entertaining accommodations are wrapped around serious professional development meant to transform what could be considered obstacles into opportunities.

Also, the Alabama Multi-Tier System of Supports (MTSS) Preconference, featuring Dr. Greg Benner, will be held on Monday, July 11, from 9 a.m. – 12 noon. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about Academic Supports, Behavioral Supports, and Foundational Wellness.

MEGA provides educators an opportunity to network with other experts in their subject area, learn more about effective solutions to issues they may deal with, enjoy engaging dialogue, and have fun – all within a constructive environment that is conducive to learning.

I sincerely hope educators across the state will have an experience that exceeds their expectations at the 2022 MEGA professional development conference. A lot of hard work and innovative ideas have gone into preparing this year’s event. I look forward to the event itself, but even more so, the impact that such a rich and meaningful conference will have on the lives of the students we serve. Thank each of you for all you do to improve the lives and academic progress of our state’s most valuable asset – our children.