Looking for Preservice Teachers

As an educator at the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point, I am extremely interested in the preparation of our preservice teachers to meet the needs of their advanced learners. Gifted education for preservice teachers is vital because well-prepared teachers contribute to gifted students’ achievement and success. 
We at the Wisconsin Association for Talented and Gifted are aware that training in gifted education is rare in teacher training programs in our state; that’s why we are planning on developing some training programs and workshops for pre-service teachers. Providing preservice teachers with opportunities to gain knowledge and skills in gifted education can significantly maximize their ability to help gifted students reach their potential. We are already working with some campuses, but we would like to reach more preservice teachers on more campuses. By providing this training now, future teachers will be ready for gifted students as they enter the profession.
At this writing, we are preparing some workshop packages for preservice teachers. These workshops will help future teachers understand the academic and social/emotional needs of gifted learners. Please reach out to us at www.watg.org if you want us to organize workshops on your campus. Also, please reach out to us if you are a preservice teacher who wants to know more about gifted learners. We are hoping to increase our membership to include more preservice teachers, so help us spread the word.
Finally, know that WATG offers scholarships to our annual fall conference for preservice teachers, and discounted memberships. Our fall conference is an excellent way to add tools to your teaching toolkit to reach all learners, and membership in our organization will help keep you informed on research, best practices, and networking opportunities. We are here to serve you!

Dr. Uzeyir Ogurlu, WATG Board President-Elect 
​  
WATG extends a huge thank you to Dr. German Diaz of Milwaukee Public Schools for translating this article into Spanish for our families and educators who speak Spanish. The translation can also be found on our website.