Session Title: Take a Chance on Flexibility: Lessons from Homeschooling to Support Gifted Students

• Speaker: Laura Mukerji
• Description: Gifted students thrive with flexibility and choice. This session explores how strategies from homeschooling – like student-led learning and flexible pacing – can enhance gifted education.
• Handouts/Slides

Session Title: Take a Chance on Twice-Exceptional Learners: Seeing Beyond the Struggle

• Speaker: Kathy J Russeth
• Description: Learn how to recognize and support twice-exceptional learners by viewing emotional and behavioral challenges through a strengths-based lens. Real-life examples and actionable strategies will be shared.
• Handout
• Slides

Session Title: Unlocking Potential: Tools for Identifying Gifted Students

• Speaker: Kimberly Lansdowne
• Description: This interactive session provides strategies and tools to identify gifted students more equitably, focusing on thinking and problem-solving over content knowledge.
• Handouts/Slides: 

Session Title: Using AI to Lighten Your Load and Expand Your Reach

• Speakers: Kris Lockhart and Jennifer Cosgrove
• Description: Discover how to use current AI tools to streamline lesson planning, create goals, and reach gifted students more effectively – while protecting privacy. Hands-on session; bring a device.
• Handouts
• Slides

Session Title: Student Superpowers: The 2E Student in Virtual School

• Speakers: Sarah Scovell Muraski and Jennifer Owen
• Description: Twice-exceptional students are learners with both gifts and challenges, and Kiel Virtual Schools is expanding special education services and success coaching to support their unique needs. Join us to explore how to help 2E students thrive academically, build essential skills, and gain confidence in an inclusive environment.
• Handouts/Slides: 

Session Title: Modeling the Masters: Using Mentor Texts to Encourage, Engage, and Inspire Middle & High School Writers

• Speakers: Jane McMahon, Rita Ehlert, and Teresa Kamps
• Description: Middle and high school teachers will learn how mentor texts can help students build confidence and find their voice in writing, with examples and scaffolding techniques shared.
• Handouts/Slides: 

Session Title: So…You Want to Facilitate a Parent/Caregiver Group?

• Speakers: Jackie Drummer and Dal Drummer
• Description: Get tips and tools for leading parent groups that address the emotional and social needs of gifted children. Includes discussion, planning advice, and practice time.
• Handout
• Slides

Session Title: Lonely, But Not Alone: Structured Time to Talk with Other TAG Professionals

• Speaker: Darby Puglielli
• Description: Recharge and connect with fellow gifted educators. This informal session offers space to share stories, ideas, and support.
• Handouts/Slides

Session Title: Prioritizing Wellness: Mental Health Strategies for Gifted Students

• Speakers: Amanda Eake and Nicole Mashock
• Description: Discover strategies like mental health wellness days to support the emotional well-being of gifted learners and help them thrive.
• Slides

Session Title: Stacking the "Gifted Deck" with Competency-Based Education

• Speaker: Mark Schwingle
• Description: Explore how competency-based education can support gifted learners, with practical tips for implementation and pitfalls to avoid.
• Slides

Session Title: “I Can’t Hear You Because My T-Shirt is Too Itchy” – A Guide to Working with the Sensory Needs of Neurodivergent Learners

• Speaker: Dr. Matt Zakreski
• Description: Understand how sensory needs affect neurodivergent learners and discover classroom-friendly ways to support them safely and effectively.
• Handouts/Slides

Session Title: Making Hope Happen

• Speaker: Dr. Dante Dixson
• Description: Learn to implement research-backed hope interventions that help students – especially disadvantaged youth – unlock academic potential. Hands-on and research-informed.
• Handouts/Slides: 

Session Title: Parent to Parent: Sharing Your Wisdom

• Speakers: Jackie Drummer and Dal Drummer
• Description: Parents and caregivers of gifted students will connect over shared experiences and explore topics like perfectionism, friendships, advocacy, and more.
• Handouts/Slides

Session Title: A.I. in Education

• Speakers: Lalitha Murali and Dr. Pam Clinkenbeard
• Description: Gain confidence using AI tools to differentiate instruction and enhance learning for all students. Explore applications at your own pace with hands-on guidance.
• Handouts/Slides: 

Session Title: Unlocking Potential: Inspiring Gifted Children Through the Power of Data

• Speaker: Kaitlin Henze
• Description: Learn how to recognize and support 2e learners by understanding the overlap between strengths and challenges, and how motivation and identity drive success.
• Handouts/Slides

Session Title: Problem-Based Learning for Gifted Thinkers: Take a Chance on Meaningful Challenge

• Speaker: Mary Ann Hudziak
• Description: Discover how real-world problem-solving and high-level questioning can challenge and engage gifted students. Walk away with adaptable strategies and tools.
• Slides

Session Title: Beyond the Labels: Recognizing Giftedness in Bilingual Contexts

• Speakers: Martha Lopez and Sara Bolster
• Description: Explore how language and culture intersect with giftedness and gain tools to better identify and support bilingual gifted learners. Practical, equity-focused strategies provided.
• Slides

Session Title: Leveraging  Psychosocial Perceptions to Develop Academic Potential to Academic Talent

Speaker: Dr. Dante Dixson

Description: Psychosocial factors like hope, motivation, and self-concept are essential to developing academic talent, yet they are often overlooked. In this session, Dr. Dante Dixson explores how these factors influence achievement and how educators can use them to nurture talent and close excellence gaps.

Handouts/Slides: 

Session Title: National Math Stars

• Speaker: National Math Stars
• Description: Learn how to nominate students for the free National Math Stars program and explore how it supports advanced math learners while enhancing gifted programming in your district.
• Handouts/Slides: 

Session Title: Turn Your Classroom Into A Lab! – In-School Field Trips with Club SciKidz

• Speaker: Club SciKidz
• Description: Club SciKidz brings 90-minute, hands-on field trips to your classroom with make-and-take projects in earth, life, and physical sciences for grades K-8.
• Handouts/Slides: 

Session Title: Ignite Your Passion at Minnesota Institute for Talented Youth (MITY)

• Speaker: Minnesota Institute for Talented Youth (MITY)
• Description: Since 1967, MITY has offered 100+ enrichment classes in STEM, humanities, and the arts for advanced learners in grades 1-11. Learn why 99% of participants recommend this unique program.
• Handouts/Slides: 

Session Title: Beast Academy: Powering Math Engagement with Puzzles

• Speaker: Beast Academy
• Description: Experience math puzzles that build critical thinking and engagement at any level. Learn how Beast Academy deepens rigor without relying on memorization or acceleration.
• Handouts/Slides: 

Session Title: Overview and How to Get Started with Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision

• Speaker: Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision
• Description: Explore how ExploraVision, a national STEM competition, empowers K-12 students to imagine future technologies while developing research, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
• Handouts/Slides

Session Title: Exploring the Naglieri General Ability Tests for Fair and Inclusive Identification

• Speaker: Multi Health Systems (MHS)
• Description: This presentation introduces the Naglieri General Ability Tests (NGAT), which use nonverbal tasks to reduce bias and provide an equitable way to identify gifted potential.
• Handouts/Slides: 

Session Title: Wisconsin Future Problem Solving

• Speaker: Wisconsin Future Problem Solving
• Description: Explore how Future Problem Solving teaches students how to think, not what to think, through a six-step model that combines creativity and critical thinking. Participants will see how FPS engages students with real-world issues, competitions, community action, and storytelling.
• Handouts/Slides: Flyer and Slides

Session Title: Between the Lakes Virtual Academy & Kiel eSchool

• Speaker: Between the Lakes Virtual Academy & Kiel eSchool
• Description: Twice-exceptional students are learners with both gifts and challenges, and Kiel Virtual Schools is expanding special education services and success coaching to support their unique needs. Join us to explore how to help 2E students thrive academically, build essential skills, and gain confidence in an inclusive environment.
• Handouts/Slides: 

Session Title: Taking a Chance on Dual Credit: Unlocking Opportunities for Gifted & Talented Students

• Speaker: Melissa Earnest
• Description: Explore how Dual Credit programs offer gifted students access to rigorous coursework, college readiness, and personalized learning. Learn best practices to support student success and remove barriers to these valuable opportunities.
• Handouts/Slides: 

Session Title: Unlocking Potential: Understanding and Supporting Twice-Exceptional Learners

• Speaker: Junko Jacobs
• Description: This session introduces the complex needs of 2e learners, offering insights into IEPs, 504 Plans, and how strengths may mask challenges. Attendees will explore motivation, identity, and strategies for academic and emotional support.
• Slides

Session Title: Elevating Student Engagement through High Impact Instructional Strategies

• Speaker: Amanda Ironside
• Description: Discover practical, research-based strategies to boost engagement and critical thinking in gifted learners. Leave with hands-on tools to foster deeper participation and meaningful classroom experiences.
• Handout

Session Title: Take a Chance on Equity: Embracing Culturally Responsive Teaching

• Speaker: Keelin Eggleston
• Description: Learn how culturally responsive teaching promotes equity in gifted education. This session offers practical tools to create inclusive environments and challenge inequities in learning access.
• Handouts/Slides: 

Session Title: What If I Make a Mistake?: Helping Kids Learn the Power of Making Mistakes

• Speaker: Lauri Budzynski
• Description: Explore how fear of failure affects gifted children and how to reframe mistakes as growth opportunities. Learn how to use a workbook and growth mindset strategies to build resilience in young learners.
• Handouts/Slides: 

Session Title: Gifted & Talented 201, Upping the Ante

• Speakers: Terese Weiler, Jessica Huser, and Cathy Schmit
• Description: Go beyond the basics of gifted identification to explore talent development, advanced learning options, and identity complexities. Learn how to meet evolving needs with responsive, student-centered approaches.
• Handouts/Slides

Session Title: I’m in the Business of Hope: How to Keep Believing When Things Feel Impossible

Speaker: Dr. Matt Zakreski

Description: Life can be tough – but hope is powerful. This session explores the psychology of hope, how to cultivate it authentically in challenging times, and why it is especially important for neurodiverse individuals. We will also identify barriers to hope and workshop practical strategies to overcome them.

Handouts/Slides

Session Title: Introduction to Math Masters: A Competition for Grades 4-6

• Speaker: Math Masters
• Description: Discover how Math Masters challenges 4th-6th graders to build problem-solving skills, compete in a supportive environment, and grow confidence in math. This session covers eligibility, registration, preparation, and what to expect on competition day.
• Handouts/Slides: 

Session Title: Challenging Gifted Students with the Power of Invention

• Speaker: National Inventors Hall of Fame
• Description: Learn how invention education from the National Inventors Hall of Fame engages gifted learners with hands-on strategies that spark creativity, build literacy, and foster collaboration.
• Handouts/Slides: 

Session Title: Discover the Joy of Math with Math Kangaroo

• Speaker: Math Kangaroo
• Description: Get introduced to Math Kangaroo, an international competition that builds problem-solving and critical-thinking skills through playful, engaging math challenges for K-12 students.
• Handouts/Slides: 

Session Title: NNAT3 and How to Enfranchise Diverse Gifted Populations

• Speaker: Pearson
• Description: Learn how the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT3) can identify gifted students from diverse populations to ensure all gifted students reach their full potential.
• Handouts/Slides: 

Session Title: Sparking Curiosity and Creativity with PBS Wisconsin Education

• Speaker: PBS Wisconsin Education
• Description: Discover free multimedia resources from PBS Wisconsin Education that spark curiosity, celebrate creativity, and expand learning opportunities for students, families, and educators.
• Handouts/Slides

Session Title: Maximizing Student Potential with Cambridge Educational Services

• Speaker: Cambridge Educational Services
• Description: Learn how Cambridge Educational Services supports academic success with research-based programs, test preparation, and tools to help students reach their full potential.
• Handouts/Slides

Session Title: Destination Imagination – Project Based Learning

• Speaker: Destination Imagination
• Description: Engage in fun, hands-on Instant Challenges that build teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving. Learn how Destination Imagination uses project-based learning to inspire students.
• Handouts/Slides: 

Session Title: Student Invented Strategies and Notations in Math Learning

• Speakers: Daniel Krill and Niki O’Connor
• Description: Discover how math becomes a creative, flexible language when students are empowered to invent their own strategies and notations. Explore how real-world problem-solving opens doors to deeper understanding and mathematical expression.
• Handouts
• Slides

Session Title: Help! I’m a New Coordinator

• Speakers: Jackie Drummer and Dr. Pam Clinkenbeard
• Description: New to the G/T coordinator role? This session offers essential first steps, key questions to ask, and a supportive network to help you build or strengthen your gifted program with confidence.
• Handouts
• Slides

Session Title: Unlocking Creativity: Using Sigils to Enhance Text Processing for Gifted Learners

• Speakers: Kathryn Zimpel and Jeff Zimpel
• Description: Learn how integrating art and literacy through sigils – symbolic representations – can help gifted students process complex texts. Participants will create their own sigils and gain strategies for classroom use.
• Handouts/Slides: 

Session Title: Supporting the Whole Gifted Learner: SEL & Behavior Strategies

• Speaker: Nicole Mashock
• Description: Explore strategies to support gifted students’ executive functioning, perfectionism, and anxiety. Learn how SEL tools can help gifted learners thrive academically and emotionally.
• Handouts/Slides: 

Session Title: The ABZ’s of Auditory Processing Disorder: Maximizing Student Learning and Emotional Well-Being

• Speakers: Jenny Nilsen and Christy Washkowiak
• Description: Gain a deeper understanding of Auditory Processing Disorder and how it affects gifted, asynchronous learners. Learn holistic strategies to support both academic success and emotional well-being.
• Handouts/Slides: 

Session Title: Socratic Seminar for Kids

• Speaker: Janet Key
• Description: Learn how to use student-led Socratic Seminars to promote critical thinking, discussion, and ownership of learning. This approach benefits students of all abilities and fosters deeper classroom engagement.
• Handouts/Slides 

Session Title: GT 101 for Preservice Teachers

• Speakers: Cathy Schmit and Terese Weiler
• Description: Get a crash course in gifted education! This session covers WI laws, characteristics of gifted learners, programming options, and advocacy tips – perfect for future educators building their GT knowledge.
• Handouts/Slides: 

Session Title: Conscious Leadership & Conscious Love: Guiding Gifted Students with Purpose and Heart

• Speaker: Elijah Nicholas
• Description: Explore how conscious, emotionally intelligent leadership can empower gifted students. This session offers tools for educators to lead with both heart and purpose.
• Handouts/Slides

Session Title: Reading and Writing Strategies for Middle Schoolers with Dyslexia: A Chance to Transform Gifted Education

• Speaker: Shawn Robinson
• Description: Learn effective strategies for supporting gifted middle schoolers with dyslexia through phonological awareness and advanced decoding of complex words. Practical tools will be shared for classroom use.
• Handouts/Slides: 

Session Title: Help! I’m a New Coordinator

• Speakers: Jackie Drummer and Dr. Pam Clinkenbeard
• Description: New to the G/T coordinator role? This session offers essential first steps, key questions to ask, and a supportive network to help you build or strengthen your gifted program with confidence.
• Handout
• Slides

Session Title: Overcoming Perfectionism: How to Stop Moving the Finish Line

• Speaker: Dr. Matt Zakreski
• Description: Explore how perfectionism affects gifted learners and discover practical strategies to manage anxiety and build healthier habits.
• Handouts/Slides

Session Title: Gifted Grows Up: Giftedness in Adults

• Speaker: Cathy Schmit
• Description: Find your tribe in this session which will discuss what giftedness looks and feels like in your adult self.
• Handouts/Slides

Session Title: Betting on Brilliance: Unlocking Untapped Talent Through STEAM

• Speakers: Michelle Burch and Nikki Radcliffe
• Description: Explore how culturally responsive STEAM programs can uncover gifted potential in underrepresented students. Learn strategies to create inclusive and engaging talent development pathways.
• Handouts/Slides

Session Title: All In. Panel of GT Coordinators, Advance Learner Leaders, etc.

• Speakers: Terese Weiler, Jessica Huser, and Amanda Ironside
• Description: Join a panel of GT leaders as they share real-world insights and solutions to common challenges in gifted education.
• Handouts/Slides: 

Session Title: Take a Chance on Asking for What You Want!

• Speakers: Dr. Pam Clinkenbeard and Jen Neuman
• Description: Learn how to advocate effectively for gifted students by crafting clear, actionable “asks.” Leave with tools to influence change in schools and beyond.
• Handouts/Slides: