Name: Escaping the "I" in Team: Building Student Leaders Through Immersive Design
Start: 2026-10-16T14:15:00-0500
End: 2026-10-16T15:05:00-0500

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.

Escaping the "I" in Team: Building Student Leaders Through Immersive Design

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

LHS Room 15

When a student told me, "You didn’t do anything!" I realized I had succeeded. In this interactive workshop, I pull back the curtain on Maschmann Escapes LLC, a project-based model where gifted learners evolve from individual perfectionists into a high-functioning design firm. This is not a "sit and get" session. Attendees will step into the shoes of the students, engaging in hands-on "PST" (Puzzle Stress Testing) to experience the same frustration and "aha!" moments we foster in the classroom.

We will explore how to manage high-ability students who are destined to be future leaders but must first learn that true leadership is about using the whole team, not being overbearing.

Through hands-on stations, you will: Solve & Analyze: Interact with student-designed puzzles using Simple Machines, Makey Makeys, and "Kitchen Chemistry" to see how high-tech and low-tech elements merge. Learn how to facilitate "invisible leadership," where your role is to tirelessly clear the path behind the scenes so your students can take center stage. Come prepared to collaborate, iterate, and perhaps get a little frustrated -- it's all part of the process!

Speakers

Lauren Maschmann

MS Gifted Teacher, Lindbergh Schools

With 24 years of dedicated service, I have a proven track record of success in the classroom. My educational background includes a Bachelor's in Psychology and a Master's in Elementary Education from Truman State University, as well as a Gifted Teaching Certification from the University... Read More →

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

Breakout, Educators, Administrators

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GAM 2026 Conference (Gifted Association of Missouri)

Lauren Maschmann

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GAM 2026 Conference (Gifted Association of Missouri)

Lauren Maschmann

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