This winter newsletter details some of WATG’s current initiatives – efforts near and dear to my heart, things I’m truly passionate about. It seems that passion has been building for a lifetime as I’ve found my voice of advocacy, going from student to teacher to parent to G/T educator. I hope you’ll forgive a bit of story telling as I reflect on the sources of my passion for educating gifted children. I’m guessing each of you will see yourselves in here somewhere!
I spent my childhood as a creatively divergent kid in a teeny conservative Wisconsin town and knew first-hand the secret loneliness of being different. My first teaching job was in high school English before the days of differentiated instruction and I really struggled with the one-size-fits-all curriculum that ignored the needs of
the most intellectually gifted students. Then I was a stay-at-home mom when my own kids entered our local G/T program where they loved the enrichment classes, but faced the teasing of other students and callousness of some teachers, something a parent can’t control. Next I went back to work as a G/T Junior Great Books leader, reveling in the lively discussions, but exhausted from covering six grades in six different schools. And finally I moved on to full-time G/T coordinator, in charge of revising an out-dated program in a district of 5500 students, with little money and even less administrative support! (Sound familiar?) Through each of these roles I came to value the unique characteristics of gifted children and the struggle we face when advocating for their appropriate education. I also learned the value of collaborative advocacy. Sadly, one voice often sounds like whining; many voices sound like a cause.
WATG is delighted to be your organizational voice of advocacy for gifted and talented children in Wisconsin.
But during the next few months, it’s your individual voices we want to hear. What do YOU and your gifted children need? How can we help?
We’ve planned a couple different ways for you to share your thoughts with us. It will strengthen our collective voice as we continue to champion the cause. Please check out our listening sessions and online WATG Survey
And finally, never forget, you DO make a difference: “The single most powerful predictor of positive outcomes for vulnerable children is a relationship with a caring adult.” (Dr. Maureen Neihart, clinical psychologist)
Deb Douglas
WATG President
I spent my childhood as a creatively divergent kid in a teeny conservative Wisconsin town and knew first-hand the secret loneliness of being different. My first teaching job was in high school English before the days of differentiated instruction and I really struggled with the one-size-fits-all curriculum that ignored the needs of
the most intellectually gifted students. Then I was a stay-at-home mom when my own kids entered our local G/T program where they loved the enrichment classes, but faced the teasing of other students and callousness of some teachers, something a parent can’t control. Next I went back to work as a G/T Junior Great Books leader, reveling in the lively discussions, but exhausted from covering six grades in six different schools. And finally I moved on to full-time G/T coordinator, in charge of revising an out-dated program in a district of 5500 students, with little money and even less administrative support! (Sound familiar?) Through each of these roles I came to value the unique characteristics of gifted children and the struggle we face when advocating for their appropriate education. I also learned the value of collaborative advocacy. Sadly, one voice often sounds like whining; many voices sound like a cause.
WATG is delighted to be your organizational voice of advocacy for gifted and talented children in Wisconsin.
But during the next few months, it’s your individual voices we want to hear. What do YOU and your gifted children need? How can we help?
We’ve planned a couple different ways for you to share your thoughts with us. It will strengthen our collective voice as we continue to champion the cause. Please check out our listening sessions and online WATG Survey
And finally, never forget, you DO make a difference: “The single most powerful predictor of positive outcomes for vulnerable children is a relationship with a caring adult.” (Dr. Maureen Neihart, clinical psychologist)
Deb Douglas
WATG President
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