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.
This interactive session will equip educators with practical strategies for empowering student agency in the gifted classroom. While focusing on the Complex Reasoning portion of the Portrait of a Gifted Learner, participants will explore how student-driven selection of problem-solving frameworks can transform learning. Grounded in the MO-GLO standard for Complex Reasoning: Test, Analyze, and Iterate, attendees will examine how to integrate the Engineering Design Process, Design Thinking Process, and the Scientific Process into their curriculum. Through hands-on activities and a STEAM curriculum case study, participants will gain insights into how learners can tackle real-world scenarios by selecting the problem and the process that best fits their needs. We will also cover scientific defense using the Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning model and share techniques for metacognitive development. Leave with a toolkit of actionable resources to nurture the whole learner by intentionally bridging cognitive growth with strategic decision-making.
Disrespectful! Impulsive! Immature! Maybe. Or, maybe it’s an imbalance or underdevelopment of the 4 Cs. When that occurs, gifted students are often woefully misunderstood. Fortunately, these skills can be improved. Come learn the tenets of the 4 Cs, how they can be expressed, social and affective problems occurring when they are misinterpreted, and ways to help students cultivate these skills.
