We are back at the Griffin Gate Marriott in Lexington, Kentucky! The 2024 KAGE Annual Conference continues the advocacy envisioned by KAGE’s founders, featuring two days of presentations from national and state experts on topics and exhibits of interest to educators and parents of gifted children. If you are planning to join us at the annual conference, you can pre-book your room in advance using the link below.
Keynote Speakers
Kristen Hengtgen PhD,
Senior Analyst, Education Trust
“Who Belongs: Advanced Coursework for Students of Color and Students from Low-income Backgrounds”
Monday, February 26, 8:30 am
Kristen Hengtgen is a senior analyst on the P-12 policy team at The Education Trust. She focuses on policies and practices that advocate for educational equity and increased access to and success in rigorous, culturally sustaining coursework that prepares students of color and students from low-income backgrounds for college, career, and beyond. A native of metro Detroit, Kristen holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Indiana University-Bloomington, a master’s of Education in History and Philosophy of Education from Indiana University-Bloomington, and bachelor’s degrees in History and Secondary Education from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.
Yvette Robinson
CEO, The Xavier House
“Identifying Potential through the Panes of Adversity”
Monday, February 26, 12:30 pm
Yvette R. Robinson, M. A. Ed., is CEO and Founder of Xavier House Unlimited, Inc..She has worked in the field of child welfare for almost 25 years specializing in serving foster youth involved in juvenile justice, human trafficking, and teen parenting. She has a Bachelor’s in Social Work degree and a Master’s of Arts in Education where her studies focused on At-Risk and Alternative Education.
Justin Mitchell
Teacher, Franklin-Simpson Middle School
“Developing Creativity: Lessons from Disney”
Tuesday, February 27, 2:30 pm
Justin Mitchell is an 8th grade Social Studies teacher and Gifted & Talented Coordinator at Franklin-Simpson Middle School in Simpson County, KY. He was named the 2021 Kentucky History Teacher of the Year, 2021 National History Teacher of the Year Finalist, and was recently named one of the 2023 Middle School Teacher Achievement Award Winners for Kentucky. In addition to his role as a classroom teacher he is the Chair for the Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB), the Secretary of the Kentucky Association for Gifted Education, and is a member of the National Association for Gifted Children Public Policy and Advocacy Committee.
Parent Event: 5 Essentials of Parenting Gifted Kids
If only our children came with instruction manuals! Every child has his or her own subtle needs and differences, so what works with one child does not necessarily work with another. When you add giftedness, it gets even more complicated. Many parents of gifted and talented (GT) children find it difficult to talk to others about their parenting challenges and concerns. It can feel as though you are humble-bragging even though your concerns are legitimate. Understanding more about your gifted child can help. This session, sponsored by KHEAA and led by Dr. Lynette Breedlove, focuses on five points to keep in mind as you navigate the incredible journey of GT parenthood. Join us on February 26 at 7 PM, link to registration below.