GAM 2026 Conference (Gifted Association of Missouri): Full Schedule

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.

9:45am CDT

Multidisciplinary GT Activities for People and the Environment

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

LHS Room 52

Engage in hands-on, multidisciplinary activities to spark gifted students to explore environmental sustainability issues and how they relate to communities in Missouri and around the globe. The presented lessons build skills in science, social sciences, and mathematics while applying learning to addressing authentic problems, and emphasizing collaboration and creativity. Take home ready-to-use, standards-aligned lessons, differentiation strategies, and digital tools to foster critical thinking, STEM integration, and global awareness.

Speakers

Brian Keller

District Science & Social Studies Coordinator, Webster Groves School District

Friday October 16, 2026 9:45am - 10:35am CDT
LHS Room 52

Breakout, Educators

10:45am CDT

Spy School for Middle Grades

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

LHS Room 52

Attendees will get an interdisciplinary unit plan to teach Spy School to middle schoolers. This can be adapted to higher or lower grade levels. Topics will include language of espionage, spying and intelligence collection, Human Intelligence (HUMINT), Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), and Imagery Intelligence (IMINT). Attendees will get hands-on experience in each component and walk away with ready-to-teach lessons.

Speakers

Laura Hubbard

Friday October 16, 2026 10:45am - 11:35am CDT
LHS Room 52

Breakout, Educators

11:45am CDT

Regional Caucus Meetings: Region 4

Friday October 16, 2026 11:45am - 12:15pm CDT

LHS Room 52

Friday October 16, 2026 11:45am - 12:15pm CDT
LHS Room 52

GAM Event

2:15pm CDT

Right Fit, Right Now: Harnessing Local Norms for Advanced Learning

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

LHS Room 52

How can schools and districts ensure all students in need of advanced content have access, while considering variations among schools? Local norms offer a research-backed, practical approach to pinpoint learners in each school ready for advanced coursework. This session clarifies the logic behind local norms, explores the benefits and challenges, addresses stakeholder concerns, and provides actionable strategies for district and building leaders to implement or refine local norms policies. Empower your schools to serve advanced learners with targeted, relevant content that meets students where they are

Speakers

Karen Rambo-Hernandez

Fulbright Research Chair, Spring 2026| University of Calgary CEHD Academic Affairs| Faculty Fellow Teaching, Learning, and Culture| STEM Education Educational Psychology| Research, Measurement, & Statistics (affiliate) Educational Psychology| Learning Sciences (affiliate), College of Education and Human Development Texas A&M University

Opening Keynote Title: Variability in Student Academic Needs: One Size Does Not Fit all
Abstract: Many high-achieving students do not always get what they need from school, since most lessons target grade-level expectations and can overlook how far ahead some students are. In this keynote, I’ll share what research shows about the wide range of achievement in classrooms... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2026 2:15pm - 3:05pm CDT
LHS Room 52

Breakout, Educators, Administrators

3:05pm CDT

New to Gifted? Avoid the 10 Biggest Mistakes and Build a Program That Works

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

LHS Room 52

Stepping into a gifted education role can feel overwhelming. Many new gifted teachers are handed a roster of high-ability students, but little guidance on how to design rigorous instruction, align with standards, manage intensities, or build a sustainable program.

In this practical and honest session, participants will explore the 10 most common mistakes new gifted teachers make, and learn how to avoid them. Through real classroom examples, lesson redesign demonstrations, and program-building strategies, attendees will leave with concrete tools to move beyond “more work” and toward meaningful depth, alignment, and long-term impact.

This session blends classroom practice with systems thinking, helping new gifted educators build both strong instruction and a strong foundation for their program. Participants will receive a first-year planning template, lesson redesign framework, and a sustainable program roadmap they can implement immediately.

Whether you are in your first year or rebuilding a struggling program, this session will equip you with clarity, confidence, and direction.

Speakers

Christina Landburg

Friday October 16, 2026 3:05pm - 3:55pm CDT
LHS Room 52

Breakout, Educators, Administrators

9:45am CDT

Real World Mathematical Patterns

Saturday October 17, 2026 9:45am - 10:35am CDT

LHS Room 52

We will connect math to the real world, complete hands-on open ended investigations, follow directions, use geometric construction tools, visualize and develp spactial reasoning skills while discussing famous mathematicians such as Fibonacci, Rubik, and Sierpinski.

Speakers

Michelle Bobo

Saturday October 17, 2026 9:45am - 10:35am CDT
LHS Room 52

Breakout, Educators, Parents, Students

10:45am CDT

Parenting Your Gifted Child Based on Their Strengths

Saturday October 17, 2026 10:45am - 11:35am CDT

LHS Room 52

New research shows that children thrive in environments that focus on strengths, talents, and natural abilities. That sounds great, but what does that look like in everyday parenting — especially for gifted children?
This session explores the principles of strengths-based parenting and how they apply specifically to gifted learners. Attendees will gain an understanding of how identifying and nurturing a child’s strengths can improve confidence, motivation, and family relationships. We will discuss how a strengths-focused approach differs from traditional models and how parents can shift their mindset to better support both achievement and well-being.
This presentation is designed for parents, caregivers, educators, and advocates who want practical tools and a fresh perspective for supporting gifted children in a healthy, meaningful way.

Speakers