Welcoming our Robot Overlords: Gifted Education and the Ever Evolving World of AI
Gifted Education has long championed creative productivity and critical thinking, but what happens when our devices begin to think and create on their own? Rather than shying away from AI, let’s examine how to boldly embrace its power and potential to leverage new possibilities and pathways with this collection of lessons incorporating ethical decision making, collaboration, design, and knowledge construction.
Brian Housand, PhD, UNC Wilmington, Gifted360

Identifying and Supporting Gifted Multilingual Learners
Course Overview: This professional development course is designed to equip educators with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively identify and support gifted multilingual learners. Participants will explore the unique characteristics and needs of these students, learn about culturally responsive identification practices, and discover strategies for providing appropriate services and support.
Jessie Thompson, Jefferson County Public Schools

The Basics of Gifted Education
What do people new to gifted education need to know and those experienced in the field want to review? That is the focus of this session that will include policies, best practices, research, and practical information that are foundational in gifted education.
Dr. Julia Roberts, EdD, The Center for Gifted Studies

Infinite Campus (Useful Reporting Tools for GT)
This session will include several ways to utilize Ad Hoc Reporting for the benefit of Organizing GT Data and using those reports for: report cards, IC Messenger, mailing information, test scores etc. We will also look at KY State Reporting for available reports to assist.
Tammy Toomes, Bullitt County Schools

Sharing Responsibility: A District Move to Active School Committees
In this session you will learn how Shelby County Public School District shifted from District coordinated TAG programming/service delivery to school based ownership and partnership on service delivery and responsibilities.  Session will include our district 3-year plan process, sharing district and school based programming, professional learning and scaffolded support for school committees, developing partnerships with schools and community and parent communication.
Rebekah Bastin, SCPS Teacher of Talented and Gifted
Susanne Burkhardt, SCPS Talented and Gifted Coordinator
Amanda Harris, SCPS Teacher of Talented and Gifted
Karen McPherson, SCPS Teacher of Talented and Gifted

Navigating New Frontiers: AI’s Impact on Gifted and Talented Education
Artificial intelligence is a major technological development influencing our society. While AI has been around for years, generative AI is very different, and our students will need experience with generative AI for their future careers. This session is designed to provide tools and discussion for educators interested in starting to use AI
Tyler Clark EdD, Elizabeth Joyce, The Center for Gifted Studies

Learning for ALL: Gifted & MTSS Systemic Integration
Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) is designed for schools to improve student outcomes through systemic improvement, but many MTSS frameworks do not consider the needs of gifted and twice-exceptional students. Integrating advanced learning into MTSS promotes responsive programming, supports continual service to meet needs, and breaks down silos between gifted education and the general education classroom. Improving responsiveness to student needs will not only help gifted and 2E students, but the school system as a whole. This framework’s ability to address diverse student needs makes it a crucial tool for nurturing potential and for equitable learning opportunities that include high-ability and twice-exceptional students. 

This session will provide a framework and processes for systemic integration of gifted into existing MTSS frameworks, provide strategies for implementation, and explore one state’s experience with state-wide implementation.
Shayanne Smith

Acceleration
Many people are quick to think there is one meaning for acceleration – grade skipping.  Actually, grade skipping is one of more than 20 types of acceleration. This session will share myths, practical information on making acceleration decisions, research, and resources related to this important topic.
Julia Roberts, PhD, The Center for Gifted Studies; Lynette Breedlove, PhD, The Gatton Academy

Building Resilience in Gifted Student
Asynchronous development, sensitivity, and intensity in gifted and twice-exceptional youth can affect their growth and development. Uncertainty fuels frustration, perfectionism, and anxiety for some as they struggle to adjust to the world around them. Loss, trauma, and existential concerns complicate their situation. Dr. Amend will explore these challenges and their effects on gifted and 2e students as well as strategies to foster healthy growth, manage frustration, and build resilience. Ideas for self-care will help participants recharge in the wake of the challenges that come with teaching and raising these amazing kids.
Ed Amend, PsyD

Enhancing Literacy Instruction Through the Arts
This two-part presentation from Fayette County Public Schools will provide an overview of each arts discipline, familiarizing participants with an arts-integrated approach to enrich literacy instruction through the visual and performing arts. Through this hands-on workshop, using Peter Reynolds’s The Dot, educators will learn how to guide students to adapt stories, develop scripts, and create performances that showcase their understanding of literary elements integrated with the arts. Participants will leave with materials to implement this activity with their GT students.
Lauren Case, Gifted & Talented Visual & Performing Arts Specialist
David Fonda, District Fine Arts Instructional Specialist
Cassady Gorrell, HS Speech and Drama Instructor
Rachel Losch, District Fine Arts Instructional Specialist
Kelly Mayes, District Fine Arts Instructional Specialist

Pop Culture Meets the Boardroom: Teaching Gifted Students to Think Like Leaders
Get ready for a fun and engaging session where pop culture collides with leadership! Together, we’ll dive into how icons like Marvel superheroes, Taylor Swift, and even Stranger Things can inspire gifted students to develop leadership and entrepreneurial skills. You’ll walk away with fresh activities, creative lesson plans, and strategies that blend storytelling, decision-making, and innovation. Whether your students dream of running the next big startup, leading a team, or changing the world, this session will help you guide them toward their goals-all while keeping learning exciting, relatable, and full of energy!
Justin Mitchell, Franklin Simpson Schools