Gifted Association of Missouri

ACTION ALERT: THE MISSOURI SCHOOL FUNDING MODERNIZATION TASK FORCE NEEDS TO HEAR FROM GIFTED!

As the Task Force continues to examine funding, we need them to know that gifted education deserves to be an added weight. It has been discussed in some of the proposed models, so let's encourage them to rank gifted as a priority!

Go to https://moexperience.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cMhvu5ddKsxr07Y and take two minutes to show your support. Not sure what to say? Here is a sample statement:

Gifted education deserves to be a priority as a weight in the state funding formula. The research is clear: without appropriately challenging instruction, gifted learners underperform, disengage, and — at disproportionate rates — drop out. These are students with enormous potential to contribute to our state's workforce, economy, and civic life; adding gifted education as a weight in the funding formula is an investment in Missouri's future. The state mandate on gifted education recognizes that gifted students have real learning needs, and that requires inclusion in the funding formula. A dedicated line item is the most straightforward way to ensure those needs are met, equitably and consistently, in every district across the state.

Let's keep fighting the good fight!

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Do you want to network with other gifted education specialists? Join Christine Nobbe, DESE's Director of Gifted Education, for one of theSmall & Mighty workshops to explore the latest in gifted education.

This workshop is designed for gifted education specialists who are the only teacher of the gifted in their district or charter, or who are a member of a tiny team.

Participants will gain an in-depth understanding of the Gifted Education Program Guidelines, the Portrait of a Gifted Learner, the Missouri Gifted Learner Outcomes, and strategies to meet the needs of all gifted learners. The workshop will be held on Zoom.

Bring something to share with the group (e.g., a lesson plan, mini-unit, or your schedule) during the breakout session.

Two dates and times to choose from:
Wed, Aug 5
Tues, Aug 11

Register now to secure your spot and learn how to enhance your gifted education program! https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/2026-summer-gifted-education-workshops-4804975

MO-GLOs Assessment Toolbox
Join Christine Nobbe, DESE's Director of Gifted Education, for one of several MO-GLOs Assessment Toolbox workshops.

The goals of this workshop are to:
💡engage Missouri’s gifted education community to enhance gifted programs, improve teaching and learning, and document student growth on the Missouri Gifted Learner Outcomes (MO-GLOs);
💡collect model examples of assessment tools being used in gifted programs;
💡develop new tools to assess Missouri Gifted Learner Outcomes; and
💡create a “Toolbox to Assess the Missouri Gifted Learner Outcomes and Document Gifted Learner Growth” or “MO-GLOs Assessment Toolbox”

📅Tues, June 9 in Jefferson City
📅Tues, June 16 in St. Louis
📅Wed, June 24 online
📅Thurs, June 25 online
📅Wed, Jul 15 in Kansas City

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/2026-summer-gifted-education-workshops-4804975

Bootcamp for Gifted Program Leaders

Hosted by Christine Nobbe, DESE's Director of Gifted Education

Join the online Bootcamp to unlock your full potential in guiding and inspiring gifted learners.

This online event is designed for leaders who are passionate about nurturing gifted learners and growing gifted programs. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, this bootcamp will empower you with the knowledge and tools needed to create an exceptional learning environment for gifted students. This online event is designed for leaders who are passionate about nurturing gifted learners and growing gifted programs. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, this bootcamp will empower you with the knowledge and tools needed to create an exceptional learning environment for gifted students. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to enhance your skills, connect with other like-minded leaders, and make a lasting impact on gifted education. Topics will include the Portrait of a Gifted Learner, the Missouri Gifted Learner Outcomes (MO-GLOs), and the updated Gifted Education Program Guidelines. Register now and get ready to unlock the full potential of your gifted program!

Wed, June 3
Thurs, June 4

Register for this free workshop here: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/2026-summer-gifted-education-workshops-4804975

Share this with all of the gifted program leaders you know!

GAM NEW TEACHER WORKSHOP

Designed to support teachers who are new to gifted education, this two-day conference will take place on July 20 & 21, 2026 at Truman State University in Kirksville.

Registration is Now Open: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScwto1WbIafwKEnu0R9l16mYcQOnUjSMFxEtqCoANKwodnbAw/viewform

Share with a teacher who is new to gifted education!

GAM CONFERENCE - EARLY BIRD TICKETS ON SALE NOW

This year’s theme celebrates the journey of gifted education—charting new paths, navigating challenges, and discovering innovative practices that support gifted and twice-exceptional learners. Whether you are a seasoned explorer or just beginning your journey in gifted education, your voice and experiences matter.
The conference is designed to connect new and veteran gifted educators, families, schools, and districts, creating a collaborative space where the gifted education community feels supported, inspired, and empowered. Do you have an idea, strategy, or story that can help others on their journey? If so, we encourage you to submit a proposal.
Registration is Now Open
💸Early Bird Registration: $300 (through August 3)
💸Standard Rate: $375 (starting August 4)
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect and grow. We can’t wait to see all of you in St. Louis!
https://gam2026conference.sched.com/

📣CALL FOR PROPOSALS
The Gifted Association of Missouri (GAM) invites teachers, educators, researchers, administrators, counselors, parents, and specialists to submit proposals for the 2026 Annual Conference, Adventures in Gifted Education!
This year’s theme celebrates the journey of gifted education—charting new paths, navigating challenges, and discovering innovative practices that support gifted and twice-exceptional learners. Whether you are a seasoned explorer or just beginning your journey in gifted education, your voice and experiences matter.
The conference is designed to connect new and veteran gifted educators, families, schools, and districts, creating a collaborative space where the gifted education community feels supported, inspired, and empowered. Do you have an idea, strategy, or story that can help others on their journey? If so, we encourage you to submit a proposal.
Adventure Pathways: Topics of Interest
We are especially seeking proposals aligned to the following strands:
🚀Identification & Assessment – Equitable practices, alternative pathways, universal screening, and meaningful assessment
🚀Curriculum – Differentiation, depth and complexity, enrichment, acceleration, and interdisciplinary learning
🚀Affective & Psychosocial Needs – Social-emotional learning, twice-exceptional learners, well-being, and identity development
🚀Programming – Models, structures, scheduling, and systems that support gifted learners
🚀Methodology (The 4Cs) – Creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication in action
🚀Overarching Gifted Issues – Advocacy, policy, equity, access, and the future of gifted education
Proposal Review & Presenter Benefits
➕General Proposals must be submitted by May 25, 2026
➕Keynote Proposals must be submitted by April 3, 2026
➕A confirmation email will be sent upon receipt
➕Proposals are reviewed by the GAM ➕Conference Planning Committee
Notification of acceptance: June 2026
➕Each accepted proposal receives one 50% discount on conference registration
‼️Click on the link to submit your proposal: https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSdRI5bajVt.../viewform...
If you have questions or do not receive a confirmation email after submitting, please contact Colleen Patrick, GAM Executive Secretary, at [email protected].
Join us as we embark on this shared adventure—learning from one another, exploring bold ideas, and shaping the future of gifted education together. 🚀

What do we know about giftedness and the brain?

It was a delight and an honor to close out the Gifted Association of Missouri 2025–26 Virtual Speakers Series! Grateful to the educators from across Missouri who joined me to explore strategies for supporting regulation, connection, and resilience.

Your work—and your advocacy—are shaping brain-healthy classrooms and stronger school communities.

THURSDAY! April 16–
Hippos Teeth Have Awful Odors
(Neuroanatomy Mnemonics for Understanding the Emotional Needs of Gifted Learners)
with Dr. Kathryn Fishman-Weaver (“Dr. KFW”)

A wholehearted, story-rich session on supporting the social-emotional development of gifted learners. Building on her research and school-based practice, Dr. KFW uses memorable mnemonics and stories to teach about neuroanatomy and its connection to emotions, relationships, and learning. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of brain-based learning and practical tools to help gifted learners navigate challenges with confidence, purpose, and even laughter.

Session Objectives:
Examine brain-based research on the emotional needs of gifted learners.
Apply practical strategies to support social-emotional development.
Leverage story, gratitude, and humor to foster connection and resilience.

Register here: https://forms.gle/J4qyU1a6TwGmmPP38

The Senate Education Committee scheduled a hearing for GAM’s priority legislation – House Bill 1757 – on Tuesday,
March 31, at 8am.

House Bill 1757 Establishes procedures for school districts to test for gifted students.
Read more about it here: https://house.mo.gov/BillMobile.aspx?year=2026&code=R&bill=HB1757

Committee: Education, Senator Rick Brattin, Chairman
Date: Tuesday, March 31
Time: 8:00am
Room: Senate Lounge - 3rd Floor
HCS HB 1757 - Shields

Requires school districts to screen all students at least once before third grade for the purpose of identifying gifted students

PLEASE CONTACT YOUR SENATOR AND ASK THEM TO VOTE YES ON HB1757!!

Not sure who your senators are? Look them up here: https://www.senate.mo.gov/BillTracking/LegislatorLookup/

Thank you,
Kyna