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.
“Perfectionism comes with the territory of giftedness. It is not created by bad parenting, nor is it ‘cured’ by self-help techniques. It is a permanent part of the personality that has a positive function” (Silverman, 2007, p. 242).
Perfectionism in gifted learners can serve as both a strength and a challenge in home and school environments. This session examines the positive and negative dimensions of perfectionism through the perspectives of children and researchers. Participants will explore different perfectionism profiles, including self-oriented, other-oriented, and socially prescribed perfectionists, as well as patterns such as the academic achiever, the aggravated accuracy assessor, the risk evader, the controlling image manager, and the procrastinating perfectionist.
Drawing on student voices (ages 8–18) and current research, this presentation highlights practical strategies for supporting perfectionist learners. The goal is to help students move beyond stress, procrastination, paralysis, underachievement, and shame toward flexibility, resilience, grit, and self-confidence.
Participants will engage with evidence-based strategies including W.I.N. (What’s Important Now), 5+5+5, breathing techniques, mind mapping, the 80/20 rule, S.W.A.T. (Should, Would, Automatic Thoughts), and W.O.O.P. (Wish, Outcome, Obstacles, Plan). These tools provide actionable approaches for parents, caregivers, and educators to better support gifted learners in both academic and personal contexts.
Research referenced in this session draws on the work of Hewitt and Flett, Mofield and Parker Peters, Peterson, and Silverman.
