Intrepid by Design Professional Learning Conference - June 25, 2026
Summer Talent Development Event for Educators and Youth Development Specialists
Join CTD for this day of learning and reflection where through panel discussions, lesson workshops, and shared-practice sessions, we explore talent development strategies, specifically those that develop critical psychosocial skills, and approaches you can use with students in and outside of school settings.
Keynote: Cultivating Courageous Learning through Talent Development
Dr. Vicki Phelps
What if the most important design element in a school was courage? The courage to try, to question, to persevere, and to grow. To be intrepid, characterized by resolute fearlessness, fortitude, and endurance, is not simply a personality trait. In powerful learning environments, it is something that can be intentionally cultivated. When educators design learning environments that value challenge, curiosity, and perseverance, both students and teachers are empowered to take meaningful risks that lead to authentic growth. Join us as we explore what it means to be Intrepid by Design.
Using Gagne’s (2020) Differentiating Model of Giftedness and Talent as a guiding framework, this keynote will spotlight how to challenge, support, and stretch gifted and high-potential students beyond what feels comfortable - empowering them to courageously develop their talents, create connections with others, and ultimately, grow their own self-agency.
About the Keynote Presenter: Dr. Vicki Phelps is Executive Director/Head of School for Quest Academy, a school for gifted learners in Palatine, IL. She has been involved in gifted education for over 25 years, including teaching and leading gifted services at both the elementary and secondary levels as well as serving as an assistant professor of education. She regularly keynotes and presents at gifted conferences and is the recipient of the 2021 NAGC Book of the Year (with Emily Mofield) for Collaboration, Coteaching, and Coaching in Gifted Education. Dr. Phelps is Chair for NAGC’s Special Schools & Programs and serves as a reviewer for articles, books, and proposals.
Date: June 25, 2026
Location: Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Illinois PD Hours Available: 6
Price:$175
For registrations with 3 or more participants from a school or district/organization, each participant will be discounted $50.
Free for CTD summer program staff members
Susan Corwith
(847) 491-7879
Email