board updateS

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

March 2026: Each One Reach (at Least) One

Gifted and talented students work better when everyone around them is informed, connected, and working together. As we look ahead to the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) Annual Conference, the Wisconsin Association for Talented and Gifted is asking you to take on an easy but very powerful challenge. We would like you to reach out to at least one other person and invite them to consider attending NAGC the NAGC conference November 5-8, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.


The success of gifted education does not fall on just one group of people. Instead, it depends on a strong, diverse community of advocates and collaborators. Here’s why each voice matters:

  • Gifted and Talented Coordinators – bring a vision and ensure services are aligned, equitable, and sustainable
  • Classroom Teachers – often the first people to recognize the potential of a student being gifted and benefit from NAGC’s practical strategies and research-based practices
  • Special Education Teachers – ensure that twice-exceptional students receive support that balances the students’ strengths and needs
  • Administrators – make the decisions about the policy and resources in the school and gain valuable insight at NAGC into building effective, district-wide gifted systems
  • School Counselors and Psychologists – support social-emotional development in gifted students and can learn how to guide gifted students both academically and personally
  • Parents, Caregivers, and Grandparents – can become stronger advocates through NAGC’s parent sessions and national perspective
  • Business and Community Leaders – can gain a deeper understanding of how investing in gifted students can strengthen local workforce and community innovation


The NAGC Conference offers learning, collaboration, and inspiration for all of these groups of people, and when we attend together, the impact multiples.


This month, WATG challenges you to reach out to at least one person. Share why WATG and NAGC matter. Invite them to attend the NAGC conference with you in November. Together, we can expand and strengthen the network that supports gifted students across Wisconsin and beyond. We are counting on you.


Stacy Novak, WATG Executive Assistant