Welcome to the Gifted Association of Missouri’s 2026 Annual Conference! Join us October 16–17, 2026, at Lindbergh High School in St. Louis, Missouri, for this year’s conference, Adventures in Gifted Education. Designed with both gifted specialists and general education teachers in mind, this year’s conference invites you to explore practical, engaging ways to support advanced learners in every classroom.
Our adventure begins with opening keynote speaker Karen Rambo-Hernandez, who will explore the wide variability of student needs and challenge the idea that “one size fits all” in today’s classrooms. Grounded in research and real-world application, her message will resonate with anyone working to meet students where they are—especially those ready for more challenge.
We’ll close our journey with Bryan Pearlman, a nationally recognized educator and speaker known for his dynamic, inspiring approach to teaching and learning. Bryan will leave you energized with creative ideas and a renewed sense of purpose as you continue your work with students.
Throughout the conference, you’ll have opportunities to engage in sessions that offer immediately applicable strategies, fresh perspectives, and meaningful collaboration—no matter your role or experience with gifted education.
Don’t miss your chance to connect, learn, and be inspired—register early and take advantage of the discounted early bird rate of $300, available through August 3rd. After that, registration increases to $375 starting August 4th. We can’t wait to see you in St. Louis for this exciting adventure!
Parking Free parking is available at Lindbergh High School in the GREEN lot.
Hotel Information Comfort Suites St. Louis - Sunset Hills - Choice Hotels or La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham St Louis Route 66 Click on the Hotel & Meal tab for morning information!
Meals A coffee/pastry bar will be provided both Friday and Saturday. The awards luncheon on Friday will take place at Royale Orleans (2801 Telegraph Rd. 63125). A boxed lunch will be provide for attendees stay on Saturday for the GAM general meeting to occur at 1:30 pm.
Walk away with 2 practical SEL mini-lessons to use tomorrow. The amygdala lesson helps students understand the role the brain plays in emotional regulation during obstacles. The teamwork lesson gives students fun vocabulary to identify and improve their role in collaborative settings. It's fun, it's engaging and it will improve student success.
Gifted students thrive when presented with a problem-based learning project that doubles as a service project! Through planning a gifted conference for middle school students, gifted learners develop life-long skills. Come to learn how to empower your own students to host a conference!
The Future City Competition is a project-based STEM program that challenges middle and high school students to imagine, design, and build cities of tomorrow. This year’s theme, “Fire Resilient Future!”, invites participants to develop innovative solutions that help cities prevent, withstand, and recover from fire-related disasters. Teams explore engineering principles and sustainability while completing deliverables: a scale model, an essay, a live presentation to judges, and a project plan. The competition is open for grades 6-12, but the curriculum can be used with younger gifted students. Curriculum and rubrics will be shared.
Cluster grouping is a widely used model in gifted education, but its effectiveness depends on intentional design, consistent implementation, and ongoing support. This session focuses on building an equitable, sustainable approach. Participants will examine key components, including balanced classroom composition and the use of multiple data sources—such as ability and achievement—to support thoughtful placement and more representative identification. Assessment literacy and data-based decision making are emphasized to guide placement, monitor growth, and evaluate effectiveness. The role of the cluster teacher is central, with strategies for differentiation, flexible grouping, and extending learning through depth, complexity, and curriculum compacting. Social and emotional needs, including belonging and engagement, are also addressed. Participants will explore systems that support sustainability, such as administrative support and communication, and leave with practical strategies to strengthen implementation and improve outcomes for all learners.
