WATG 2024 Annual Conference

One of my many hats in my job as an “Advanced Learning Specialist” (i.e. gifted and talented resource teacher) is to educate and support TAG parents. A lot of that role is to help parents and students navigate the peculiarities of our specific school district, but part of that role is more universal. This session will be aimed at some generalities of parenting gifted students while also having time to talk about your specific student. -Darby Puglielli


Participants will be guided by two SENG (Supporting the Emotional Needs of Gifted) facilitators. My co-presenter, Jackie Drummer, is a nationally certified SENG trainer and facilitator with decades experience working with parents/caregivers, students, and educators nationally and internationally.

The Gifted population has long been synonymous with the term perfectionism, but what does that word really mean? Perfectionism has long been described as problematic, but what if it's not? This presentation will dive into the myths and misunderstandings surrounding perfectionism as well as how to identify it in individuals who may not present in the "typical" way. Let's get down to the root of the meaning behind the word so we don't have to fear it.

How to support gifted students in PreK-Grade 2 at school & home

Your goal is to help your students become the transformational leaders and thinkers our world needs, right? Then breaking down the walls of our classrooms and inviting students into communities where they can learn more about how thinkers with similar talents have shaped our reality can be a great way to start them along their talent development pathway. Lave and Wenger talk about the common languages, products, problems and processes that professional groups develop through building a community of discourse and practice. By leveraging this theory to create affinity groups that include students in other classrooms, schools, districts, states, and even countries, students learn more about themselves and begin to envision themselves as change makers.

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.

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.