board updateS
January 2026
Several WATG board members had the opportunity to spend time in Pittsburgh last month at the annual National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) Conference. We began our time together early Thursday morning by participating in the State Affiliate and Special Interest Group Leadership meetings, an energizing start that grounded us in both connection and purpose.
One of the biggest treats was hearing from Paul Siefken, a former high school English teacher and CEO of Fred Rogers Productions. Siefken shared an inspiring journey rooted in Pittsburgh native Fred Rogers’ enduring messages of kindness, inclusion and social/emotional learning. Those themes were woven throughout the conference, serving as gentle reminders of the importance and humanity in the work we are called to do in gifted education.
This year, our time at NAGC was intentionally split between learning and leading. We immersed ourselves in sessions focused on best practice and emerging ideologies in gifted education, while also keeping a forward-looking lens on NAGC 2026, coming to Milwaukee. From connecting with Visit Milwaukee’s Representative, Tim, who was enthusiastically serving Usinger’s sausage at his exhibitor booth, to spending time learning from Pennsylvania Association for Gifted Education (PAGE) leaders, the host affiliate for NAGC25, and attending the Friday evening NAGC event at the Heinz History Museum, every minute in Pittsburgh sparked ideas and fueled our excitement for the year ahead.
We are also thrilled to announce that NAGC just announced their Call for Proposals for NAGC 2026. This is a fantastic opportunity for our members and constituents to submit presentations that balance theory with real-world application. We strongly encourage teachers, administrators, coordinators, psychologists, counselors, and leaders in the field to consider submitting a proposal. For more information, please visit the
NAGC website prior to the February 2, 2026 deadline.
We can’t wait to welcome you to Milwaukee in November 2026 as we come together to learn, connect and continue advancing gifted education!
- Mary Pape, President-Elect, WATG
Thank you to Dr. German Diaz of Milwaukee Public Schools, and WATG treasurer, for his translation
of this article for our Spanish speaking educators and families.
December 2025
As 2025 comes to an end, it is a great time to pause, reflect, and express our gratitude for a vibrant community that makes gifted education in Wisconsin thrive.
This year has been full of growth, connection, and purpose for the Wisconsin Association for Talented and Gifted (WATG). From our Annual Conference, “Take a Chance on Gifted Education!” to ongoing partnerships and advocacy efforts, we have continued working toward a shared mission: to educate about and advocate for the needs of gifted in Wisconsin.
Our conference brought together educators, administrators, counselors, parents, and preservice teachers from across the state to exchange ideas, learn from experts, and celebrate gifted education. Through partnerships with organizations like Between the Lakes Virtual Academy/Kiel eSchool, Future Problem Solving, The Walking Classroom, and many more, we expanded access to creative learning opportunities that inspire curiosity and critical thinking. And through our advocacy work, we continued to elevate the voices of families and educators who champion equitable support for gifted learners.
Most importantly, we are grateful for our community of advocates. To the educators who differentiate daily, the parents who nurture curiosity at home, the students who remind us why this work matters, and the partners who walk beside us – Thank you! Your dedication fuels WATG’s mission and strengthens our impact across Wisconsin.
As we look ahead to 2026, we remain inspired by the passion and persistence within this community. Together, we will continue to take chances, build connections, and advocate for the needs of gifted learners.
- Stacy Novak, WATG Executive Assistant
