Name: National History Day as a Gifted Learning Model: Inquiry, Challenge, and Authentic Audience
Start: 2026-10-16T15:05:00-0500
End: 2026-10-16T15:55:00-0500

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.

National History Day as a Gifted Learning Model: Inquiry, Challenge, and Authentic Audience

Friday October 16, 2026 3:05pm - 3:55pm CDT

LHS Room 54

National History Day offers a powerful framework for meeting the needs of gifted learners through inquiry, research, critical thinking, creativity, and authentic communication. In this session, participants will explore how the National History Day model can be used in gifted classrooms to promote depth, complexity, student ownership, and interdisciplinary learning. The presentation will highlight how students engage in high-level research, analyze multiple perspectives, develop arguments, solve problems, and create original products for authentic audiences. Attendees will leave with practical ideas for adapting the NHD model across grade levels and settings, whether they are implementing a full program, using selected components, or looking for meaningful ways to increase rigor and engagement for gifted learners. This session draws from direct experience using the National History Day model with gifted middle school learners to foster advanced research skills, deeper historical thinking, student voice, and authentic presentation opportunities.

Speakers

Dr. Heather Van Otterloo

Teacher; District Gifted Coordinator, Joplin

2025-26 will be my 20th year in education. I teach 6-8 ELA and Special Investigations for gifted students as well as 8th grade Advanced Reading at South Middle School in Joplin, Missouri. I also serve as the district's Coordinator for Gifted Services. Over the years, I have taught... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2026 3:05pm - 3:55pm CDT
LHS Room 54

Breakout, Educators, Administrators

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GAM 2026 Conference (Gifted Association of Missouri)

Dr. Heather Van Otterloo

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GAM 2026 Conference (Gifted Association of Missouri)

Dr. Heather Van Otterloo

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