Wyoming's largest professional development conference for educators starts Monday at the Parkway Plaza Hotel and Convention Centre.

The North Central Association Spring 2008 School Improvement Conference will host the two-day conference for educators to network and learn new teaching techniques and innovative education practices.

The association hosts school improvement conferences twice a year.

Sessions include presentations on brain-based learning, improving reading comprehension and advocating for gifted children.

This year's keynote speaker is Jason Ryan Dorsey. Dorsey wrote a bestselling book, "Graduate to Your Perfect Job," at age 18. The book became a course in 1,600 schools and colleges.

Dorsey has also been featured on "60 Minutes," "20/20," the "Today" show and "The View." He is also the author of "50 Ways to Improve Schools for Under $50."

The NCA and the Wyoming Department of Education are expecting more than 800 attendees and speakers to the event, according to a news release from the department of education.

"We want to continue to make sure our education professionals have the opportunity for professional development and networking," said Jim McBride, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, in the release. "This conference provides teachers an excellent opportunity to interact with their peers and develop new ideas and skill sets to take back to the classroom."

Also speaking at this year's conference is Annette Breaux, who serves as the Teacher Induction Coordinator for Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, La. Breaux developed the FIRST introduction program for new teachers. The program has been adopted by the Louisiana Department of Education as a statewide model.

A full listing of times, presentations and more conference information is available on the Wyoming Department of Education Web site at www.k12.wy.us.