board updateS

May 2026: Make 2026 the Year You Take Action with WATG

As the academic school year winds down, I often find myself overwhelmed by the sheer volume of "year-end" tasks. Between planning programs for the upcoming year and collaborating with department chairs to grow my district's opportunities, there are moments where I simply freeze.


While I may occasionally, or frequently, feel the end-of-year freeze, the WATG Board of Directors remains in high gear. They are the engine behind several exciting initiatives currently in motion. Including:

  • collaborating with NAGC around the annual conference
  • hosting a bookclub
  • planning a virtual meet up
  • reaching out to state legislators and advocating for JAVITS funding nationally
  • updating resources on our website
  • scouting locations for WATG 2027
  • reviewing and awarding scholarship applications
  • following up with parents and educators who reach out through website
  • connecting with DPI
  • revisiting our purpose for existing


This doesn't happen by chance. Dedicated individuals have stepped into positions to drive these ideas forward. We have welcomed to our Board a number of new Directors. Lalitha Murali and Dr. Scott Peters are returning to the Board after some time away. Keelin Eggleston officially joined the Board after contributing to our Membership Committee for the last year. Mary Ann Hudziak came onto the team after thinking about it for years and lending her expertise to the Government Action Committee. Dr. Sara Bolster made it official after the publication of her book. Kris Lockhart decided this was the time to join the Board. They join other dedicated Directors and Advisors in furthering our mission and vision.


Many hands make light work. Your WATG Board is creating and capitalizing on opportunities to advocate for gifted education and advanced learners in our state. How will you warm up with WATG this summer? Will you register for NAGC? Will you explore the WATG website? Will you offer time and talent to one of our many initiatives?


Make 2026 the year you take action with WATG!


- Terese Weiler, WATG President


Thank you to Keelin Eggleston, WATG Director,  for the translation of this article for our Spanish-speaking educators and families.

April 2026 - Your Hub for Gifted Education in Wisconsin

When was the last time you visited the WATG website? If it has been a while, you might be surprised by how much can be found there.


Over the past several months, a lot of work has gone into building and expanding the site so it can serve as a true hub for gifted educational resources across Wisconsin. You will still find our newsletters and updates there, but the site now includes many additional resources designed to support educators, families, and advocates for gifted learners.


For our members, the website includes a growing collection of practical tools that can be used right away. These include facilitator guides, educator toolbox resources (ready to print and go!), professional development materials, and resources for parents and families. The goal is to provide tools that support the real work educators and families are doing every day with advanced learners. If you have not explored these sections yet, we encourage you to take a few minutes to look around. And if you are not currently a WATG member, this is a great time to consider joining so you can access these materials.


Another feature on the website is a new way for people to get involved with WATG. Throughout the year, we have a variety of projects and initiatives underway, and we are always looking for volunteers. Opportunities might include helping with a specific project, supporting the work of a committee, or even exploring service as a future board member. If you are interested in getting involved in any capacity, you can find more information on the website.


We have also recently shared information about WATG summer scholarships and the Nicholas Green Distinguished Student Award. These opportunities are a wonderful way to recognize and support gifted learners across the state. If you would like to learn more about eligibility, nominations, or application details, we encourage you to visit the website or follow WATG on social media, where updates and reminders are regularly shared.


If you do not find yourself visiting the website very often, have no fear. We also share many of our updates, upcoming events, and resources on social media. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and LinkedIn. Following WATG there is an easy way to stay connected and see all the exciting things happening across our gifted education community.


Behind the scenes, WATG has been busy as well. This month, the organization has been working with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction as we continue to advocate for gifted education across the state. Our Programming Committee has also been developing new opportunities designed to serve our constituents, including educators, families, and students.


At the same time, many members of our community are contributing their time and expertise to help prepare for the National Association for Gifted Children conference coming to Milwaukee this November. Hosting NAGC is a tremendous opportunity for Wisconsin, and we are grateful to the many volunteers who are serving on committees and helping make this event possible.


There is a lot of momentum right now, and we are excited about what is ahead. Thank you for being part of the WATG community and for the work you do to support gifted learners across Wisconsin!


- Laura Mukerji, WATG Board Secretary