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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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

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

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

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