WATG 2024 Annual Conference: Full Schedule

Join us for a Keynote from Emily Kircher Morris!

Embrace neurodiversity and lean into the weird! Neurodivergent people (like gifted and 2e kids) are a bit different, but these differences are what make the world a vibrant and thriving place. Rather than conforming, kids can live their authentic lives - through vulnerability, self-advocacy, risk-taking... and not being afraid of being a little weird.

About Emily: Inspired by her own experiences as a twice-exceptional (2e) learner, she is dedicated to supporting 2e children—including her own—in a way she wasn’t during her academic years. She has taught in gifted classrooms, has been a school counselor, and is now in private practice as a licensed professional counselor, where she specializes in helping gifted, twice-exceptional, and neurodivergent kids. Emily is also the host of The Neurodiversity Podcast.

Speakers

Emily Kircher Morris

Licensed Professional Counselor, The Neurodiversity Podcast

Emily Kircher-Morris, LPC, is the host of The Neurodiversity Podcast. Emily is a mental health counselor and taught in several gifted education programs. She is the author of several books for parents and educators related to the development of children and teens who are neurodivergent... Read More →

Tuesday October 8, 2024 8:45am - 10:00am CDT
Sandstone Ballroom

10:00am CDT

Visit Exhibitors

Tuesday October 8, 2024 10:00am - 10:15am CDT

Sandstone Ballroom

Tuesday October 8, 2024 10:00am - 10:15am CDT
Sandstone Ballroom

10:15am CDT

Inspire Student Learning Through Strengths-Focused Grouping--Exhibitor

Tuesday October 8, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT

Tundra EF

Explore the power of critical reasoning in tailoring instruction for individual student needs in this session. Learn how to create an engaging advanced learning environment through strategically grouping students to foster and enable their self-understanding and strengths. Discover practical strategies using ability and achievement data for a strengths-based approach to differentiating instruction, igniting and inspiring learning for all students.

Speakers

Kendall Forsberg

Originally from Green Bay, Kendall brings a wealth of experience in Special Education, having taught K-2 in Minneapolis Public Schools. Holding licensures in Academic Behavioral Strategy and Learning Disabilities, Kendall is passionate about inclusive education, equitable accommodation... Read More →

Tuesday October 8, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
Tundra EF

Curriculum & Instruction

10:15am CDT

Inspired by Challenges! Math Pathways Re-Imagined.

Tuesday October 8, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT

Tundra CD

In the Hamilton School District, we spent the last 3 years developing and implementing our new math vision which states: Where all mathematical learners are valued, and all learners are driven by curiosity, inspired by challenges, and committed to deep, conceptual understandings in order to navigate the world as flexible thinkers and doers of mathematics. To realize this vision, we created choice, compacted pathways for middle school, a wide variety of content and pacing options for high school, and an applied-math certificate for graduating seniors who venture off the "beaten path" of traditional math learning. Our comprehensive new programming took many hands focused on many minute details. In the end, we've created an innovative new vision for 5-12 mathematics that will inspire our next-generation mathematicians!

Speakers

Dan Krill

Math/Science Coach (5-12), Hamilton School District

Dan Krill is a father, educator, and songwriter. He double-majored in math education and philosophy, then earned his master’s in math education from UW-Madison with an emphasis on learning sciences. He has taught secondary and post-secondary math for over 20 years. He currently... Read More →

Niki O'Connor

5-12 Math and Science Instructional Coach, Hamilton School District

I was a classroom middle school math teacher for 24 years. I am currently beginning my 3rd year as an instructional coach. I have been loyal to the Hamilton School district my entire career.

Tuesday October 8, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
Tundra CD

Curriculum & Instruction

10:15am CDT

Building from the Ground Up: Leveraging Community Partnerships to Grow Programming in the Five Areas of Gifted Identification

Tuesday October 8, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT

Tundra B

This hands-on workshop is designed for all who are interested in discovering how to build their gifted program from the ground up. Participants will embark on a journey to develop programming in the five essential areas of Gifted Education: General Intellectual, Specific Academic, Creativity, Leadership, and the Arts. Through hands-on activities and collaborative brainstorming, attendees will gain practical strategies and insights to tailor programming to the unique strengths and interests of gifted students.
The workshop will emphasize the importance of leveraging community resources to expand and enrich programming. Participants will explore innovative ways to establish partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and professionals to provide authentic learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom.

Speakers

Michelle Burch

Gifted & Advanced Coordinator, Racine Unified School District

Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, I have dedicated over 20 years to the field of education. This year, I am excited to step into my third year as a Coordinator of Gifted and Advanced Programs. My focus is on providing identification, programming, and resources for our K-12... Read More →

Nikki Radcliffe

Gifted & Advanced Coordinator, Racine Unified School District

Hi there! I'm Nikki Radcliffe and have been working in the Racine Unified School District for a year and a half. Prior to this, I worked as a 5th-grade teacher in Glendale and at various schools around Milwaukee. I'm very passionate about our gifted learners because I was one myself... Read More →

Tuesday October 8, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
Tundra B

Program Development & Evaluation

10:15am CDT

The Data! Identifying Exceptional Learners--Exhibitor

Tuesday October 8, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT

Sandstone 9

This session will discuss the various ways data may be used to identify students for gifted education services. Please join us to discuss how DRC InView data will help to plan effective programs for your students, diagnose possible learning disabilities, and screen students for placement into special programs. By improving identification practices, we focus on recognizing demonstrated advanced learning needs so that no potential is unnoticed or overlooked for gifted education.

Speakers

Michele Ruszkowski

Assessment Solutions Consultant, Data Recognition Corporation (DRC)

Federally Approved TABE Adult Education Assessment & Workforce Reports

Tuesday October 8, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
Sandstone 9

Program Development & Evaluation

10:15am CDT

¡Sí Se Puede! Understand, Recruit, and Retain Gifted Latino Students

Tuesday October 8, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT

Tundra A

This session will focus on attaining a deeper understanding of being Latino and gifted in the American educational system. Increasing gifted Latino representation and retaining them in your school’s gifted is a missed opportunity that will enrich the diversity in the gifted population. Research continues to show there is a considerable disparity of Latino students being identified and retained in gifted programs. To address this, we will present three parts: 1. Developing a deeper understanding of key cultural considerations that are unique to Latino students; 2. Reflect on current practices which may exacerbate representation and retention in gifted programs and services; and 3. Learn effective strategies to help main stakeholders meet the social and cognitive needs of gifted Latino students.

Speakers

Dr. German Alonso Diaz Cardenas

Teacher, Milwaukee Public Schools

My name is German Diaz. Currently, I work as a Javits Teacher-coach in the Milwaukee Public School District (MPS). I am a native of Colombia who is passionate about education, social justice, and multiculturalism. I have been working with the district for about fourteen years. My... Read More →

Dr. Martha Aracely Lopez

Javits Grant Teacher Coach, Milwaukee Public Schools

Tuesday October 8, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
Tundra A

Program Development & Evaluation

10:15am CDT

Navigating the High Cs of Giftedness: Cognition, Compassion, Confidence, Curiosity, and Creativity

Tuesday October 8, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT

Sandstone 8

In this session, participants (parents/caregivers and educators) will explore five facets of working with gifted children. We will delve into cognition, creativity, curiosity, compassion, and confidence as pillars of the gifted child's experience. In this workshop, we will imagine, innovate, and inspire adults to discover and nurture these unique and promising characteristics of gifted children. The workshop will provide lots of resources, ideas, and thought-provoking discussion and activities.

Speakers

Jackie Drummer

Founder & CEO, Education Works!

Jackie Drummer is a Past President and current advisor to the Board of Directors of WATG. She is a nationally certified SENG (Supporting the Emotional Needs of Gifted) trainer and facilitator, and a certified Literacy, Team/Organizational, Systems, and Transformational coach. As the... Read More →

Tuesday October 8, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
Sandstone 8

Social Emotional/Parent Focus

10:15am CDT

Pobody's Nerfect

Tuesday October 8, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT

Sandstone 3

One child panics when a single mistake is made. Another child breaks down when asked to work in groups. A third child has low self-esteem and refuses to turn in work. What do they all have in common? They are all perfectionists. While many professionals who work with children are able to recognize perfectionism when they see it, they may be unsure how to help a child overcome this barrier. This presentation will give specific strategies to use in the classroom or counseling setting to work both individually and in groups with students to overcome perfectionism.

Speakers

Emily Kircher Morris

Licensed Professional Counselor, The Neurodiversity Podcast

Tuesday October 8, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
Sandstone 3

Social Emotional/Parent Focus

11:15am CDT

Visit Exhibitors

Tuesday October 8, 2024 11:15am - 11:30am CDT

Sandstone Ballroom

Tuesday October 8, 2024 11:15am - 11:30am CDT
Sandstone Ballroom

11:30am CDT

Lunch/Business Meeting/Prize Drawings

Tuesday October 8, 2024 11:30am - 1:00pm CDT

Sandstone Ballroom

Tuesday October 8, 2024 11:30am - 1:00pm CDT
Sandstone Ballroom

1:00pm CDT

Active Followership: How to Lead By Following

Tuesday October 8, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

Tundra B

Leadership this, and Leadership that! Schools around the globe push leadership, leadership, leadership. We won't always get the option to be the leader, but we can always be an active follower. Together we will explore what it means to be a good teammate and how that perspective can be crucial to the journey in developing leadership skills.

Speakers

Lance Thompson

Tuesday October 8, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Tundra B

Creativity/Leadership/Performing Arts

1:00pm CDT

Imagining Writing in the Age of AI

Tuesday October 8, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

Sandstone 3

The rise of Artificial Intelligence in schools has led to questions about the impact on student writing. How can we inspire students to find joy and efficacy in using their unique and authentic voices while also acknowledging that AI tools can provide assistance for many writing tasks? This session will inspire participants to focus on writing joy in the age of AI.

Speakers

Sharon Daly

I am a member of the Wisconsin Fellowship of Poets and the Greater Madison Writing Project. I have presented at many conferences and workshops on Joyful Learning, The Power of Poetry, Artificial Intelligence, Using Design Principles for Teaching and Learning, and Writing Across... Read More →

Tuesday October 8, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Sandstone 3

Curriculum & Instruction

1:00pm CDT

Inquiry-based GT Activities for People and the Planet

Tuesday October 8, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

Tundra A

In this hands-on session, discover inquiry-based activities for advanced learners that integrate knowledge and skills in multiple disciplines to address authentic problems from climate change and pollution to equitable resource use and more. Presented activities incorporate STEM skills, critical thinking, modeling and inspire innovative thinking. Receive activities and readings linked to Wisconsin Academic Standards in several disciplines.

Speakers

Sue Strutz

Family and Consumer Science Educator, School District of Wisconsin Dells

I have been at family and consumer sciences teacher at both the middle and high school levels. I've taught a broad range of courses: interior design, fashion analysis, foods and nutrition, child development, and middle school comprehensive. In 2019, I spent a weekend training with... Read More →

Tuesday October 8, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Tundra A

Curriculum & Instruction

1:00pm CDT

Inspiring Mathematical Rigor in Innovative Settings

Tuesday October 8, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

Tundra EF

During this session, participants will engage in best practices in mathematics education coupled with thinking about our advanced learners in the classroom to ensure that learners are appropriately challenged and developing depth of knowledge of mathematical concepts. Participants will experience a specific lesson plan and collaborate with peers in the room around ways to extend and enrich the experience for students with exceptional mathematical promise.

Speakers

Lisa Hennessey

Teaching Faculty and Secondary Math Program Coordinator, UW-Madison

Pro-active | Communicator | Organized | Coach | Problem-solverDetermined lifelong learner and educator. Dedicated to leading team and individual growth and development, centering equity. Warm demander in all relationships.My purpose is to ensure that all students are seen and valued... Read More →

Tuesday October 8, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Tundra EF

Curriculum & Instruction

1:00pm CDT

National Math Stars--Exhibitor

Tuesday October 8, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

Sandstone 9

Speakers

Alexander Lochoff

Oakland Promise Fellow, National Math Stars

Tuesday October 8, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Sandstone 9

Curriculum & Instruction

1:00pm CDT

GT Professional Development Tools and Resources to Take Back to Your District Part 1 of 2

Tuesday October 8, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

Tundra CD

Bring the WATG conference back home with you! You will leave with the necessary tools (including a power point on a flash drive) to mentor your district staff on Gifted 101. This session includes: WI GT laws, 5 areas of giftedness, strengths and challenges of gifted children, intensities, Du Four's BIG question, advocacy, programming options and working with the parents of gifted children. Participating schools with more than three conference attendees will receive one-on-one coaching with WATG consultants.

Please note this is PART ONE of TWO.

Speakers

Cathy Schmit

Past president, WATG

Tuesday October 8, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Tundra CD

Program Development & Evaluation

1:00pm CDT

Nurturing Your Child’s Passions and Lifting the Burden of Being Gifted

Tuesday October 8, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

Sandstone 8

This session aims to present a unique approach to engaging parents as part of a rich discussion about how to nurture and develop students’ passions and talents. Research shows that parents of gifted children seem to fully recognize the uniqueness of their children, but only a few understand their child’s ability profile and emotional peculiarities.Therefore, they may struggle to manage their child’s socioemotional needs, passions and special interests. Parents often struggle when they realize their child is gifted. Trying to provide a framework, regarding the profiles of gifted children, of the challenges faced by their parents, is a complex issue. Not only because of myths and misconceptions about giftedness, but also because of parents' high expectations.

Recent studies have questioned the traditional conception that considers giftedness as an immutable trait of the person, linked merely to the individual’s cognitive abilities. Indeed, innate abilities play a role in the emergence of giftedness, however other key factors relating to psychological and social dimensions appear to be central to the development and expression of individual potential. This evidence allows us to reinterpret giftedness from a developmental perspective, which considers the complex interdependence of different variables at the individual, familial, educational, and societal levels. Gifted children are first and foremost children and therefore, it is crucial to create the environmental conditions that can best support the gifted child’s harmonious development of cognitive and socio-emotional competencies in schools and at home.

Speakers

Dr. German Alonso Diaz Cardenas

Teacher, Milwaukee Public Schools

Dr. Martha Aracely Lopez

Javits Grant Teacher Coach, Milwaukee Public Schools

Tuesday October 8, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Sandstone 8

Social Emotional/Parent Focus

2:00pm CDT

Break

Tuesday October 8, 2024 2:00pm - 2:15pm CDT

Ballroom Hallway

Tuesday October 8, 2024 2:00pm - 2:15pm CDT
Ballroom Hallway

2:15pm CDT

Fostering Student Online Interactions--Exhibitor

Tuesday October 8, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT

Sandstone 9

Online interactions are becoming an essential element of daily life, but how do we foster this skill in our students? In this session we will address fostering online expectations, providing an environment for rich online interactions, steps in developing online conversation skills and building a safe space for peer critiques and collaboration.

Speakers

Susan Freiss

Lydia Bertram

Educator, The Center for Advanced Academics

Mandi Buehl

Director, The Center for Advanced Academics

Tuesday October 8, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT
Sandstone 9

Curriculum & Instruction

2:15pm CDT

2e Milwaukee Project Journey

Tuesday October 8, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT

Sandstone 8

To respond to the needs of gifted students with disabilities, the 2E Milwaukee Project is responding through the implementation of comprehensive systems that include culturally responsive, research-based practices that have been shown to a) increase the ability of educators to use culturally effective tools and assessments to identify and serve 2e students from underrepresented populations; b) increase gifted identification rates among students with special needs; c) increase access to Gifted and Talented (GT) services for 2e student through enrichment opportunities in and out of the regular school day. This session shares the different paths and learning of this project’s journey and invites participants' input.

Speakers

Martha Silva-Krieger

Tuesday October 8, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT
Sandstone 8

Program Development & Evaluation

2:15pm CDT

GT Professional Development Tools and Resources to Take Back to Your District Part 2 of 2

Tuesday October 8, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT

Tundra CD

This is PART TWO of this session.

Bring the WATG conference back home with you! You will leave with the necessary tools (including a power point on a flash drive) to mentor your district staff on Gifted 101. This session includes: WI GT laws, 5 areas of giftedness, strengths and challenges of gifted children, intensities, Du Four's BIG question, advocacy and programming options. Participating schools with more than three conference attendees will receive one-on-one coaching with WATG consultants.

Speakers

Cathy Schmit

Past president, WATG

Tuesday October 8, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT
Tundra CD

Program Development & Evaluation

2:15pm CDT

Measuring Growth for Advanced Learners--Exhibitor

Tuesday October 8, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT

Tundra EF

How do you know if advanced learners are growing academically? How much growth is enough? What are growth norms? Measuring growth for advanced learners can be difficult. This session will explore growth of grade-level and above-grade-level assessments, review best data practices using NAGC standards, and discuss the most useful approaches to understand advanced learner growth and impact of services and instruction.

Speakers

Melissa Hinshaw

Assessment Director, Northwestern University

Melissa Hinshaw is the Assessment Coordinator at Northwestern University’s Center for Talent Development. Throughout her thirty-year career as an education professional, she has served as a classroom teacher, administrator, consultant and Account Manager for NWEA. You can find recent... Read More →

Tuesday October 8, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT
Tundra EF

Program Development & Evaluation

2:15pm CDT

Behind the Scenes: A Therapist's Insight into Practices that Work to Support the Social and Emotional Needs of Gifted Students

Tuesday October 8, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT

Sandstone 3

This breakout session will be around what gifted students have shared can be challenging in their academic settings regarding their social and emotional needs. The session will include background/ psychoeducation around some of the mental health, social and emotional concerns that can arise for a gifted student in the classroom and the playground.

Speakers

Caitlyn Schmit

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, NeuWoven Therapy

Tuesday October 8, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT
Sandstone 3

Social Emotional/Parent Focus