Name: Beyond the Gifted Label: Fostering Student Resilience and Growth
Start: 2026-10-16T10:45:00-0500
End: 2026-10-16T11:35:00-0500

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.

Beyond the Gifted Label: Fostering Student Resilience and Growth

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

LHS Room 15

There is a common misconception that high academic achievement equates to holistic well-being. While being labeled as gifted can open doors to academic opportunities, it can also create a limiting fixed mindset belief, hindering resilience when challenges arise (Dweck, 2007; Mueller & Dweck, 1998). Praising intelligence may lead students to avoid challenges to protect their self-identity (Dweck, 2007). Research shows that pre-adolescents and adolescents often exhibit a negativity bias regarding their skills, unless their strengths are intentionally highlighted (Mezulis et al., 2004). Success and well-being are shaped by the intersection of ability, opportunity, and competence. Students need to recognize their individual strengths—both cognitive and social-emotional—to engage in their agency, apply their strengths, and persevere through challenges. Strong social-emotional skills are critical for fostering resilience, overcoming obstacles and achieving long-term success (Cipriano et al., 2023; Yeager & Dweck, 2012). This presentation explores the social-emotional needs of gifted students, emphasizing how fostering agency and a growth mindset within instruction supports resilience and long-term success. (NAGC Standards 4 and 5) Through reflection and partner discussions, we will examine how cognitive reasoning data, alongside social-emotional skills, allows us to recognize the unique strengths in all students while cultivating a growth mindset to empower students to embrace their challenges, building perseverance and lifelong resilience. Attendees will be able to: describe the unique social and emotional needs of gifted students; explore how a growth mindset can support development and foster resilience; and learn how using cognitive reasoning data alongside social-emotional skills fosters student agency.

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 10:45am - 11:35am 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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