GAM 2026 Conference (Gifted Association of Missouri): Full Schedule

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.

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9:45am CDT

Let's Take a Trip! Interdisciplinary Thinking Through Travel Planning (Project-Based Unit, Grades 6-8)

Friday October 16, 2026 9:45am - 10:35am CDT

LHS Room 54

Looking to teach problem-solving, budgeting, research, global awareness, and marketing all in one unit? Teach your students the art of travel planning! This session will focus sharing the "Let's Take a Trip" project unit I facilitate with my middle school students to pursue their sense of adventure, hone a variety of interdisciplinary skills, and equip them with knowledge they can actually apply in real life. By the end of this session, participants will leave with access to materials used for the unit (including evaluation rubrics) as well as ideas and suggestions for modifying the unit to fit your individual or program needs. While this presentation focuses on curriculum for middle school gifted learners, the unit presented can be adapted for upper elementary students as well as high school.

Speakers

Caitlin Selle

Friday October 16, 2026 9:45am - 10:35am CDT
LHS Room 54

Breakout, Educators

10:45am CDT

Missouri Alliance for Arts Education Supports the Arts and Gifted.

Friday October 16, 2026 10:45am - 11:35am CDT

LHS Room 54

The Missouri Alliance for Arts Education champions arts-centered learning in gifted education, empowering educators to chart new paths through creativity and innovation. As a nonprofit service organization dedicated to strengthening the arts across Missouri, MAAE provides resources, professional learning opportunities, and meaningful support for arts integration in gifted classrooms.
In this session, Rachel Johnson will share strategies for bringing music into the gifted classroom. Participants will explore creative approaches that expand student voice, foster collaboration, and transform learning experiences through the power of the arts. In addition to practical classroom ideas, educators will discover how MAAE can serve as an ongoing resource and partner in advancing innovative practices in gifted education.

Speakers

Rachal Johnson

Friday October 16, 2026 10:45am - 11:35am CDT
LHS Room 54

Breakout, Educators, Parents, Administrators

11:45am CDT

Regional Caucus Meetings: Region 5

Friday October 16, 2026 11:45am - 12:15pm CDT

LHS Room 54

Friday October 16, 2026 11:45am - 12:15pm CDT
LHS Room 54

GAM Event

2:15pm CDT

Expedition to Equity Using the Naglieri General Ability Tests

Friday October 16, 2026 2:15pm - 3:05pm CDT

LHS Room 54

Explore how to recognize gifted potential without relying on language and achievement. Engage in simulated, bias-reduced assessment experiences and analyze reasoning-based tasks designed to uncover diverse strengths. Learn practical strategies and tools to expand identification practices, increase access for underrepresented learners, and align equitable identification with inclusive, responsive gifted programming.

Speakers

Dr. Kimberly Lansdowne

Friday October 16, 2026 2:15pm - 3:05pm CDT
LHS Room 54

Breakout, Educators, Administrators

3:05pm CDT

National History Day as a Gifted Learning Model: Inquiry, Challenge, and Authentic Audience

Friday October 16, 2026 3:05pm - 3:55pm CDT

LHS Room 54

National History Day offers a powerful framework for meeting the needs of gifted learners through inquiry, research, critical thinking, creativity, and authentic communication. In this session, participants will explore how the National History Day model can be used in gifted classrooms to promote depth, complexity, student ownership, and interdisciplinary learning. The presentation will highlight how students engage in high-level research, analyze multiple perspectives, develop arguments, solve problems, and create original products for authentic audiences. Attendees will leave with practical ideas for adapting the NHD model across grade levels and settings, whether they are implementing a full program, using selected components, or looking for meaningful ways to increase rigor and engagement for gifted learners. This session draws from direct experience using the National History Day model with gifted middle school learners to foster advanced research skills, deeper historical thinking, student voice, and authentic presentation opportunities.

Speakers

Dr. Heather Van Otterloo

Teacher; District Gifted Coordinator, Joplin

2025-26 will be my 20th year in education. I teach 6-8 ELA and Special Investigations for gifted students as well as 8th grade Advanced Reading at South Middle School in Joplin, Missouri. I also serve as the district's Coordinator for Gifted Services. Over the years, I have taught... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2026 3:05pm - 3:55pm CDT
LHS Room 54

Breakout, Educators, Administrators