We regret to announce that effective February 19, 2025, the Southwest Comprehensive Center has lost its funding from the U.S. Department of Education. Consequently, website updates and maintenance are currently paused. We are committed to exploring all possible avenues to continue our support in the Southwest. We appreciate your understanding.
“As Deputy Director for the Southwest Comprehensive Center, I'm honored to support our region's education leaders in their critical work of improving student outcomes.”
About Steve Canavero
(She/Her/Hers)
Steve Canavero brings 28 years of experience in education to his role as Deputy Director of the Southwest Comprehensive Center. Previously, he served as the State Superintendent of Public Instruction for Nevada, where he led the education of over 485,000 students across many districts. In this role, Dr. Canavero spearheaded a department restructuring and implemented a strategic plan focused on accountability and improved student outcomes.
He was the Director of the 2019-2024 cohort of the Comprehensive Centers Program’s Region 13 Comprehensive Center, which served Oklahoma, New Mexico, and the Bureau of Indian Education. At the Southwest Comprehensive Center, Dr. Canavero supports state education agencies in designing and developing evidence-based initiatives to enhance student achievement and operational excellence.
Career Highlights
Dr. Canavero is a nationally recognized leader with a distinguished record of service on prominent boards and organizations. He currently serves on the board of Opportunity 180 and previously served three terms on the board of the National Association of Charter School Authorizers. In 2017, his peers elected him to the board of the Council of Chief State School Officers. He is also a member of Chiefs for Change and an Aspen-Pahara Fellow.
As Nevada's State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Steve Canavero oversaw a diverse education system serving over 485,000 students. He led a significant restructuring of the education department, implementing a strategic plan and performance management system to improve accountability and align resources with educational goals. As Deputy Superintendent for Student Achievement, Dr. Canavero led the development and implementation of an ambitious Every Student Succeeds Act plan focused on addressing educational disparities and improving outcomes through evidence-based practices.
Areas of Expertise
Strategic Planning
Operational Excellence
Education Policy
Communications
Leadership
Education
PhD in educational leadership, University of Nevada, Reno
MEd in educational leadership, University of Nevada, Reno
BS in ecology and systematic biology, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
