Name: Every Learner, Every Strength: Leveraging Ability‑Driven Pathways for Gifted Growth
Start: 2026-10-16T09:45:00-0500
End: 2026-10-16T10:35:00-0500

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.

Every Learner, Every Strength: Leveraging Ability‑Driven Pathways for Gifted Growth

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

LHS Room 15

Educational systems often emphasize intervention while overlooking advanced ability, resulting in unmet needs for gifted and high potential learners. This session presents a strengths based, ability centered approach that aligns directly with Missouri DESE Gifted Education Program Guidelines and 5 CSR 20 100.110, which require programming beyond the general classroom to meet students’ advanced learning needs through enrichment, acceleration, and differentiated instruction. [dese.mo.gov], [regulation...justia.com]Participants will explore how ability driven instructional supports Missouri’s expectations for systematic, multi criteria identification, equitable access, and clearly articulated learner outcomes.
The session further connects strengths based practices to Missouri’s continuum and levels of services model, demonstrating how schools can leverage enrichment, subject acceleration, and flexible grouping as tools for meeting gifted learners’ needs within and beyond the classroom—consistent with state guidance and compliance expectations. [regulation...justia.com], [eric.ed.gov]
This approach empowers educators and leaders to design ability responsive pathways that promote accurate identification, individualized growth, student engagement, and ensure gifted learners make continuous progress aligned with state and district goals.

Speakers

Christina Jordan

National Academic Advisor, Riverside Insights

Riverside Insights has been providing research-backed assessments for nearly a century, empowering educators with the insights needed to understand each student’s strengths and challenges.

Friday October 16, 2026 9:45am - 10:35am CDT
LHS Room 15

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GAM 2026 Conference (Gifted Association of Missouri)

Christina Jordan

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GAM 2026 Conference (Gifted Association of Missouri)

Christina Jordan

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