GAM 2024 Conference (Gifted Association of Missouri): Full Schedule

We can’t wait to see all of us in Columbia!

Registration

Registration starting Sept 1: $350

Click here to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-gifted-association-of-missouri-annual-conference-registration-879505032227

PLC Hours

For teachers who need professional learning clock hours, this conference provides 7.5 hours of content on the nature and needs of gifted, advanced, and neurodiverse learners. Certificates of attendance will be provided for attendees who request a certificate.

Parking
Hitt Street Parking Garage Visitor Parking: Please see the Mizzou parking policies for more information. Kiosks or a phone app are available for payments.

2024 Preferred Hotels

Hampton Inn & Suites at the University of Missouri

1225 Fellows Place, Columbia, MO 65201

573-214-2222

October 6-8

Rate of $125/night is good October 3 - 11 for extended stays.
Guests responsible for individual rooms and charges.
Rooms will be released back to the public on September 9, 2024.
Free breakfast, free parking, free wifi, and indoor pool/fitness.

Online Reservations Link: https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/deeplink/?ctyhocn=COUUMHX&groupCode=CHH91A&arrivaldate=2024-10-06&departuredate=2024-10-08&cid=OM,WW,HILTONLINK,EN,DirectLink&fromId=HILTONLINKDIRECT

Reservations may also be made by calling the hotel.

Drury Plaza Hotel - Columbia East

3100 Interstate 70 Dr SE, Columbia, MO 65201

573-441-0090

Rate is $124 for stays during October 6 - 8.
Free breakfast, free parking, free wifi, free evening reception, and indoor pool/fitness center
Released back to public on September 4, 2024.

Online Reservation Link:

https://www.druryhotels.com/bookandstay/newreservation/?groupno=10104045

Reservations may also be made by calling 1-800-325-0720 and referring to your group number 10104045.

Break-out Session Schedule-at-a-Glance (See full schedule on tab)

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8:00am CDT

Registration

Monday October 7, 2024 8:00am - 4:30pm CDT

2nd Floor North Lounge

Monday October 7, 2024 8:00am - 4:30pm CDT
2nd Floor North Lounge

8:00am CDT

Vendors

Monday October 7, 2024 8:00am - Tuesday October 8, 2024 3:00pm CDT

N204

Please visit our vendors:

Multi-Health Systems
College of Education and Human Development, University of Missouri
Destination Imagination - Missouri

Monday October 7, 2024 8:00am - Tuesday October 8, 2024 3:00pm CDT
N204

9:00am CDT

Welcome from the GAM President

Monday October 7, 2024 9:00am - 9:15am CDT

N201 BC

Speakers

Tracy Bednarick-Humes

GAM Executive President, Program for Exceptionally Gifted Students: Lindbergh Schools

Friend of GAM Conference SponsorLindbergh's program for exceptionally gifted students offers a specialized curriculum designed to challenge and stimulate advanced learners. The program provides differentiated instruction, enrichment activities, and opportunities for independent study... Read More →

Monday October 7, 2024 9:00am - 9:15am CDT
N201 BC

9:00am CDT

Basket Auction

Monday October 7, 2024 9:00am - Tuesday October 8, 2024 12:00pm CDT

2nd Floor North Lounge

Monday October 7, 2024 9:00am - Tuesday October 8, 2024 12:00pm CDT
2nd Floor North Lounge

9:15am CDT

Building Community Among Gifted Learners

Monday October 7, 2024 9:15am - 10:00am CDT

N214 B

Providing opportunities for gifted students to build social skills and develop relationships with like minded peers is one component of effectively supporting the social emotional needs of gifted students. The gifted teacher should use a variety of strategies to create an atmosphere that fosters community building for gifted students at all levels.

We all need love and belonging. Our students are no different. The environment created in the classroom, and the connections made there, impact student academic performance and emotional well being. Gifted and talented students possess a unique set of abilities, develop asynchronously and often exhibit intensities all of which can impact emotional development and the ability to build and maintain healthy relationships. Gifted educators should strive to create an environment that reduces social isolation, encourages the sharing of diverse perspectives, and builds community among intellectual peer groups. Having this support network in place can help students cope with self esteem challenges, perfectionism and peer relations.

In this session I will share strategies I have used in my classroom for building community among gifted students at all grade levels.

Monday October 7, 2024 9:15am - 10:00am CDT
N214 B

Advocacy

9:15am CDT

Nurturing the Whole Gifted Child: Strategies for Developing Psychosocial Skills

Monday October 7, 2024 9:15am - 10:00am CDT

N201 BC

This interactive session will equip educators with practical strategies for supporting the holistic development of gifted students. While academically advanced, gifted learners often face unique psychosocial challenges. Participants will explore research-based approaches for cultivating critical skills like social skills, motivation, resilience, and positive self-concept. Through hands-on activities, case studies, and small group discussions, attendees will gain insights into common psychosocial needs, learn techniques for creating supportive classroom environments, partner with families and counselors, and build a toolkit of resources. Leave empowered to nurture the "whole gifted child" by intentionally addressing their psychosocial needs alongside cognitive growth.

Speakers

Katherine Rottjakob

Elementary Gifted STEAM Specialist, Center for Creative Learning

Monday October 7, 2024 9:15am - 10:00am CDT
N201 BC

Advocacy

Audience Educators, Parents, Administrators

9:15am CDT

Magic in the Middle: Hands-on Challenges for Middle School Gifted Learners

Monday October 7, 2024 9:15am - 10:00am CDT

N201 A

Teaching gifted and highly capable middle schoolers can be entertaining, exhausting, and exhilarating. Are you ready for some practical ideas to light up your classroom of tweens and teens? This fast-paced interactive session will share 8 ready-to-use lesson plans that are connected to MO-GLOs and provide hands-on challenges to ignite curiosity, joy and learning in middle school. Experience an interactive piece of each lesson and complete a tournament style bracket to determine which winning lessons you want to apply in your own classroom.

Speakers

Jessica LaFollette

Adjunct Professor, University of Missouri - Columbia

Monday October 7, 2024 9:15am - 10:00am CDT
N201 A

Curriculum/Assessment

Audience Educators

9:15am CDT

Hidden Potential: Strategies for Engaging Students With Relative Non-Verbal Strength

Monday October 7, 2024 9:15am - 10:00am CDT

N214 A

Our classrooms excel at nurturing verbally strong students. Reading, writing, and speaking are often the main focus of our lesson plans. But can we do more? Many students with high nonverbal abilities, often quiet observers, possess untapped potential. They might surprise you with insights, solve problems intuitively, or excel in visual tasks.
This workshop explores fluid reasoning and visual-spatial intelligence, uncovering what these strengths look like in the classroom. We'll delve into research-backed strategies to easily integrate them into your lessons, fostering engagement and achievement for all learners, not just our verbally gifted.

Speakers

Diana Iborg

Psychometrist / Adjunct Professor, Rockwood School District / Lindenwood University

Monday October 7, 2024 9:15am - 10:00am CDT
N214 A

Identification

Audience Educators

9:15am CDT

Fostering Talent: Equitable Strategies for Gifted and Neurodivergent Learners

Monday October 7, 2024 9:15am - 10:00am CDT

N214 C

How might educators begin to create an equitable impact for all gifted learners, including neurodivergent learners in their classrooms? This session teaches participants about research-based activities and tools for how to spot talent and strengths in all gifted learners. With practice, participants can apply these tools in their classrooms to seek additional understanding of their students’ strengths, talents, and interests. In turn, these best practices will allow educators to increase their familiarity, knowledge, and skills to refer neurodivergent learners for gifted services in K-12 settings.

Monday October 7, 2024 9:15am - 10:00am CDT
N214 C

Unity

Audience Educators

10:15am CDT

New Teacher Workshop Take 2

Monday October 7, 2024 10:15am - 11:00am CDT

N201 A

Speakers

Mrs. Becky Spellmeyer

Monday October 7, 2024 10:15am - 11:00am CDT
N201 A

10:15am CDT

National History Day as Gifted Education

Monday October 7, 2024 10:15am - 11:00am CDT

N214 B

National History Day (NHD) is a program that allows students from across the United States and affiliate territories to participate in a scholastic competition and develop critical thinking and research skills. Students in grades 6-12 identify a topic of their choice, conduct research, and present their findings as either a paper, exhibit, performance, documentary, or website. These projects are evaluated by professional historians, professors, teachers, and information professionals as they rise through contest levels, eventually making their way to the National competition in Maryland.

NHD is an excellent opportunity for gifted children to develop their project management and communication skills, as well as preparing for higher education by learning how to do scholarly research and compile primary and secondary sources. With purposefully broad annual themes and limited project requirements, students are free to make their projects about topics that interest them personally. Ultimately, this results in products of a higher caliber than their typical school report.
In our presentation, we will examine the way NHD ties into the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Missouri Gifted Learner Outcomes (MO-GLOs), how NHD is implemented in gifted classrooms in the central Missouri region, as well as how the Missouri State Archives can support students statewide with their research and project development.

Speakers

Dr. Beth Winton

Monday October 7, 2024 10:15am - 11:00am CDT
N214 B

Curriculum/Assessment

Audience Educators

10:15am CDT

Empowering Parents: Transforming Projects into Shared Learning Experiences

Monday October 7, 2024 10:15am - 11:00am CDT

N201 BC

Gifted students thrive on challenge and engagement. This session explores a unique method for fostering deeper learning by actively including parents in the project-based curriculum. Learn how to design projects that encourage collaboration between students and parents, fostering a love of learning that extends beyond the classroom walls.

Speakers

Lauren Maschmann

MS Gifted Teacher, Lindbergh Schools

I have been teaching for 23 years. I am excited to share how I help students think outside the box and learn and think in new ways. Teaching our gifted students how to relate emotionally is critical to their success.

Monday October 7, 2024 10:15am - 11:00am CDT
N201 BC

Parents

Audience Parents, Educators

10:15am CDT

Gifted and Exceptionally Gifted Students - What’s the Difference, and How Can We Meet The Needs of Each?

Monday October 7, 2024 10:15am - 11:00am CDT

N214 A

Meeting the academic and emotional needs of gifted students is an everyday challenge for parents, teachers, and administrators. Working with exceptionally gifted students adds complexity to the challenge. Teachers of regular gifted and exceptionally gifted students will share their experiences and successes, as well as strategies and lesson ideas. Some key points will include: incorporating personalized learning into core learning targets, pre-correcting for emotional regulation, and maintaining rigor while keeping students engaged.

After sharing their experience and ideas, the presenters will give time for attendees to share their own victories and challenges. Brainstorming together with the gifted community may result in new ideas to try, confirmation of your own solid practices, and hopes for meeting the varied needs of your students.
It’s a win-win for everyone involved!

Speakers

Elizabeth Brisch

Gifted Teacher, Pattonville School District

Allison Bennett

Gifted Teacher, Pattonville School District

Monday October 7, 2024 10:15am - 11:00am CDT
N214 A

Policies for Program Design

Audience Educators

10:15am CDT

Molding Motivation in Gifted Students

Monday October 7, 2024 10:15am - 11:00am CDT

N214 C

While some gifted students sail through school with few to no academic problems, others struggle to be engaged with school. Sadly, as gifted students travel through their academic careers, school motivation often decreases. Maintaining and building motivation can be challenging in both the regular classroom (where student achievement levels might span seven years) and in gifted programming (where student strengths can be remarkably diverse). Fortunately, motivation is not a fixed trait; it is malleable and can be cultivated. To best help gifted students maximize enthusiasm for learning and academic drive, educators need to be familiar with this particular experience, understand the nuances of motivation, and employ strategies to nurture it. Within this session, biopsychosocial development of gifted adolescents, mechanics of theories regarding motivation, classroom techniques to build associated skills, and general tips and pitfalls will be addressed, because being intellectually gifted, in and of itself, does not guarantee life success.

Speakers

Dr. Brandi Klepper

Psychologist, A Place To Grow, LLC

Monday October 7, 2024 10:15am - 11:00am CDT
N214 C

SEL

Audience Educators

11:15am CDT

District Caucuses

Monday October 7, 2024 11:15am - 11:45am CDT

N201 BC

District Leaders Room
District 1 – Crystal Koenig and Ginger Beaird – North Lounge Chairs
District 2 – Brian Stuhlman and Jody Thompson – N214 B
District 3 – Jenna Nelson, Jody Brison, and Kurt Austin – N214 C
District 4 – Angie Cochran, Anna McNay, and Emily Woodall – N214 B
District 5 – Ashley Zeiler and Sarah Mason – N214 C
District 6 – Michelle Bobo and Christina Wallace – N201 C
District 7 – Heather Van Otterloo and Christina Landburg – N201 A
District 8 – Aisha Hasan and Jennifer Blank – N201 B
District 9 – Marissa Cochran and Lori Peel - North Lounge Couches

Monday October 7, 2024 11:15am - 11:45am CDT
N201 BC

11:45am CDT

Awards Lunch

Monday October 7, 2024 11:45am - 1:30pm CDT

N201 BC

Monday October 7, 2024 11:45am - 1:30pm CDT
N201 BC

1:30pm CDT

Keynote: Dr. Denise Ford

Monday October 7, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT

N201 BC

Speakers

Dr. Denise Ford

Gifted Teacher, Kirkwood School District

Passionate about Gifted Education, innovation, creativity, and learning.

Monday October 7, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
N201 BC

2:45pm CDT

School of Rock

Monday October 7, 2024 2:45pm - 3:30pm CDT

Memorial Union (Conference Location)

Aided by the application of music theory and fundamentals of music composition, each “band” will create original compositions. Along with the music, we will study the graphics that are used to package and advertise the music we love, including album art and band logos. Students will delve into math, economics, and marketing to figure out how to survive on the road, conserving resources and charting out their trip across the nation. This session will show you how to utilize a unit that not only teaches students about a variety of musical styles with rigor and critical thinking skills; but, also allows students to use their creativity to make music and art.

Speakers

E. Ariele Lee

School of Rock

Monday October 7, 2024 2:45pm - 3:30pm CDT
Memorial Union (Conference Location) Memorial Union, 518 Hitt St, Columbia, MO 65201, USA

Curriculum/Assessment

Audience Educators

2:45pm CDT

A Call for Equity in Gifted Identification Practices

Monday October 7, 2024 2:45pm - 3:30pm CDT

N201 BC

Increasing diversity and achieving equity has long been a goal of gifted education. Even so, Brown and Black students and those living in poverty remain glaringly missing. Language demands of verbal and quantitative ability tests are barriers for many students. Learn methods for equitable identification and building inclusive gifted programming.

Speakers

Dr. Dina Brulles

Academic Associate, MLF Teacher's College, Arizona State University

Dina Brulles, Ph.D., is the Gifted Masters Program Coordinator at Arizona State University and the former Director of Gifted Education at Paradise Valley USD in Arizona. Dina has served as NAGC’s Governance Secretary and the board’s School District Representative. She received... Read More →

Monday October 7, 2024 2:45pm - 3:30pm CDT
N201 BC

Identification

Audience Administrators

2:45pm CDT

An Overview of Nevada High School's Gifted Program

Monday October 7, 2024 2:45pm - 3:30pm CDT

N201 A

This presentation will provide attendees with an overview of grades 9 through 12 gifted program. Whether you are interested in starting or expanding your school’s secondary program or looking for new curriculum ideas to add to your high school’s gifted program, there is something for you. This presentation will dive into all facets of Nevada High School’s gifted program including compacted classes, independent studies, small projects, affective needs activities and mentoring programs

Speakers

Tina Sudkamp

Teacher of the gifted, Springfield Public Schools

Monday October 7, 2024 2:45pm - 3:30pm CDT
N201 A

Policies for Program Design

Audience Administrators, Educators

2:45pm CDT

No More "Lonely Onlies"

Monday October 7, 2024 2:45pm - 3:30pm CDT

N214 B

Gifted teachers are often "lonely onlies," or the only person in a district working in that capacity. As such, they often struggle to be a part of a Professional Learning Committee that focuses on what they are doing in their programs. Join three mid-Missouri gifted teachers as they chronicle their journey to finding each other and developing their own informal PLC. We'll discuss overcoming feelings of isolation, working to support each other in and out of the classroom, developing best practices for solo gifted educators, and collaborating to develop programs and activities that allow the students in our programs to meet and network with one another. You will have the opportunity to join an ongoing network for continued support throughout the year.

Speakers

Justine Rogers

Gifted Resource Teacher, Southern Boone R-1 Schools

Mel Hamm

Monday October 7, 2024 2:45pm - 3:30pm CDT
N214 B

Policies for Program Design

Audience Administrators, Educators

2:45pm CDT

Get Excited about Overexcitabilities!: Harnessing the energy of Gifted Learners

Monday October 7, 2024 2:45pm - 3:30pm CDT

N214 A

Dabrowski's Overexcitabilities theory establishes a profound link with traits commonly found in gifted individuals. This session provides a thorough exploration of each Overexcitability, highlighting parallels between theory and the real-life experiences of gifted minds.

Moving beyond theory, practical insights are shared on creating conducive learning environments through thoughtful room setup, incorporating areas for physical exertion, calming corners, and comforting spaces. The focus is on understanding how the physical environment influences emotional well-being and concentration.

A significant emphasis is placed on teaching self-regulation skills. Recognizing the heightened emotions, intellect, and sensitivities of gifted students, the session explores strategies to navigate these aspects successfully. Educators and parents are equipped with specific tools to foster students' self-awareness and emotional regulation, including suggested routines and engaging activities.

Whether you're an educator refining your teaching approach, a parent navigating giftedness complexities, or an enthusiast intrigued by unique traits, this session delivers a holistic perspective. It's an opportunity to acquire theoretical knowledge and practical strategies seamlessly integrated into interactions with gifted learners, enriching their educational experience.

Speakers

Carly Mansfield

Gifted Specialist, Kirkwood Schools

Cindy Voller

Gifted Specialist, Kirkwood School District

Jennifer Moore

Gifted Specialist, Kirkwood School District

Monday October 7, 2024 2:45pm - 3:30pm CDT
N214 A

SEL

Audience Educators
Subject Identification

2:45pm CDT

Intelligence and Intimate Relationships: What the Gifted Population Needs in a Partner

Monday October 7, 2024 2:45pm - 3:30pm CDT

N214 C

Relationships and community are the number one key to happiness, as discovered by a Harvard research study, and gifted relationships should be no exception. Based on a research project completed by Mizzou student Lauren Huff in 2023-24, this presentation describes what traits are beneficial for gifted individuals to have in a partner, and offers suggestions on how to handle common conflicts that may arise in a relationship where one or both partners are gifted. Anyone curious about how to improve their own relationships, or what to look for when exploring potential partners, can benefit from this presentation.

Speakers

Lauren Huff

Student, University of Missouri-Columbia

Monday October 7, 2024 2:45pm - 3:30pm CDT
N214 C

Unity

Audience Educators, Administrators, Parents, Teens

3:45pm CDT

Service Learning: Teaching Communication & Problem-solving Through Community Engagement

Monday October 7, 2024 3:45pm - 4:30pm CDT

N214 A

Service learning can help gifted middle and high school students identify their strengths and passions as they consider their roles in school and local communities. With support, students learn to communicate effectively with members of their communities to address unmet needs they have identified through observation and research. This session will explore the benefits of service learning and provide examples and resources for implementation in the gifted classroom.

Speakers

Ms. Megan Burian

Gifted Resource Teacher, Rockwood School District

Monday October 7, 2024 3:45pm - 4:30pm CDT
N214 A

Curriculum/Assessment

Audience Educators

3:45pm CDT

Success in Cluster Grouping: Making It Work Using Local Norms

Monday October 7, 2024 3:45pm - 4:30pm CDT

N201 BC

Many say they cluster-group, but few say they do it successfully. Dr. Brulles offers approaches for overcoming common obstacles. Learn how to create fair and equitable systems by incorporating cluster grouping into existing school structures, which include methods for placing students, supporting cluster teachers, monitoring success, and building community support.

Speakers

Dr. Kim Lansdowne

Dr. Dina Brulles

Academic Associate, MLF Teacher's College, Arizona State University

Monday October 7, 2024 3:45pm - 4:30pm CDT
N201 BC

Policies for Program Design

Audience Administrators

3:45pm CDT

Empowering and Powering Down Perfectionism

Monday October 7, 2024 3:45pm - 4:30pm CDT

N214 C

Sometimes perfectionism is necessary, required, and beneficial; sometimes perfectionism impairs decision making, progress, and communication. Thus, we ought not eradicate perfectionism, but rather hone and channel it. Adults can help gifted students struggling with maladaptive perfectionism decrease adverse thinking patterns and behaviors. To do so, we must understand perfectionism, identify indicators of it, identify if it’s appropriate, decrease negative perfectionism, and promote positive perfectionism. These themes are addressed in this session, along with strategies that can be implemented within the regular classroom, gifted classroom, and in the home, with the goal of helping these students become more balanced and adaptable.

Speakers

Dr. Brandi Klepper

Psychologist, A Place To Grow, LLC

Monday October 7, 2024 3:45pm - 4:30pm CDT
N214 C

SEL

Audience Administrators, Educators, Parents, Teens

3:45pm CDT

Music Therapy and the Gifted Child

Monday October 7, 2024 3:45pm - 4:30pm CDT

N201 A

According to the American Music Therapy Association, research on music therapy in special education shows strong connections for motor behavior, rhythm, recall memory, and retention of academic material, as well as enhancing mood, behavior, and attention to strengthen a student’s ability to interact and learn. See how our district used music therapy in our gifted program for all of these things, including using rhythm and therapy for mindful growth and healing. Attendees will be invited to participate in a sample of a music therapy session, as well as to ask questions about implementation and funding.

Speakers

Mrs. Jennifer Kidwell

TAG Facilitator, De Soto 73 School District

I have been teaching students how to speak world languages for 23 years. During that time I have also been blessed to work with the gifted students for 13 of those years.

Monday October 7, 2024 3:45pm - 4:30pm CDT
N201 A

SEL

Audience Educators, Parents

3:45pm CDT

Creating Inclusive and Supportive Environments for LGBTQ+ Gifted Students

Monday October 7, 2024 3:45pm - 4:30pm CDT

N214 B

This session aims to equip educators with the knowledge and strategies needed to support LGBTQ+ gifted students in both gifted and regular classrooms. It will address the unique challenges these students face and provide practical approaches to create inclusive and supportive learning environments. Learning Objectives: 1. Understand current LGBTQ+ terminology and the importance of using correct pronouns. 2. Develop strategies to create classrooms of belonging for LGBTQ+ gifted students. 3. Recognize the mental health risks specific to LGBTQ+ gifted students and identify ways to support their well-being.

Speakers

Shannon Fuller

Teacher, North Kansas City Schools

Monday October 7, 2024 3:45pm - 4:30pm CDT
N214 B

Unity

Audience Administrators, Educators, Parents

4:30pm CDT

Ballyhoo "Happy" Hour

Monday October 7, 2024 4:30pm - 5:30pm CDT

N201 BC

Ballyhoo is a fun way to get a lot of information to participants quickly. It's like "Speed Dating" for gifted activities. Our Ballyhoo sessions will last for 10 minutes, and they are typically "make and take" activities that can be used immediately in classrooms. We'll continue the theme, "All of Us" for Ballyhoo, so activities will relate accordingly. This could involve (but not limited to) teamwork, diversity, parent involvement, affective needs, etc.

Speakers

Jennifer Hawkins

Gifted Teacher/GAM Board Secretary, St. Clair R-XIII

I'm the gifted education teacher for grades K-8 in the St. Clair R-XIII School District. I've been teaching gifted students for 17 years, and I've been in education for 29 years. I am also the GAM Secretary. My students have competed in several competitions: Destination Imagination... Read More →

Monday October 7, 2024 4:30pm - 5:30pm CDT
N201 BC

6:00pm CDT

Networking Dinner (Offsite)

Monday October 7, 2024 6:00pm - 7:30pm CDT

Logboat Brewing Company

Join us at one of the restaurants around Logboat Brewing Company for a dine-in experience followed by fun social at the brewery!

Monday October 7, 2024 6:00pm - 7:30pm CDT
Logboat Brewing Company 504 Fay Street, Columbia, MO 63401