AAGT 46th Annual Conference Recap: 2020 Vision

Another AAGT Annual conference and expo has come to a close and we hope that everyone that attended feels invigorated and ready to continue meeting the unique needs of our creative and talented youth! This year’s conference focused on Creators and Innovators in Gifted Education.

Thank you to Superintendent Kathy Hoffman for stopping by on Friday!

Keynote Speakers

Thursday’s keynote speaker was Dr. Nicole Tetreault who spoke on “Understanding the Latest Neuroscience of Giftedness”. She opened our eyes to latest developments in recent studies that looked at the heightened emotional, sensory, motor, imaginational, and intellectual processing of our gifted children. “Gifted” students are not better, not worse, but neurodiverse. Nicole was a wonderful engaging speaker, and so fun to be around. We are grateful she took time to come and speak to our conference.

On Friday, we had a switcheroo of keynote speakers. Originally, Dr. Susan Baum was slated to speak, but due to an unforeseen injury, we were able to have Del Siegle attend and speak in her place. Del spoke on “Getting to the Heart of the Matter: Why Gifted Education Works” which focused on the importance of having gifted educators play a role in the development of our children’s talents. Del was a fabulous addition to our schedule and the attendees loved his transparency and passion for his topic.

Breakout Sessions

Throughout the rest of the conference, we had an amazing array of speakers and topics shared with attendees. We want to take a moment to thank everyone who came out and shared their ideas, projects and programs with us. We appreciate your hard work in preparing your presentations and for being willing to share them with us. Members have access to presentations on our Members Only page. Presentations are added as they are received.

View the 2020 AAGT Conference Program

Spotlight Sessions

During Thursday’s Spotlight Session, we heard what is happening on a national level in gifted and talented services. Dina Brulles shared NAGC celebrations and programs. AAGT also presented the Annual AAGT Awards to three inspiring leaders and educators in Gifted Education. We admire your hard work and dedication in what you do on a daily basis.

2020 AAGT Dr. James T. Webb Friend of the Gifted Award – Peter Laing, Arizona Department of Education | Director of Gifted Education/ Advanced Placement

2020 AAGT Gifted Education Leadership of the Year Award – Dr. LeeAnn Aguilar-Lawlor, Superintendent | Cartwright School District

2020 AAGT Gifted Education Teacher of the Year Award – Gail Oxford, Gifted Specialist | Buckeye Elementary School District

Friday’s spotlight session was all about the the “Great Gifted Journey in Arizona” where we celebrated our advocacy wins. Who enjoyed the celebration and had a “ball”?

We were so grateful to have Kaitlyn Harrier, Education Policy Advisor to the Governor’s Office, share with us the initiative they have for gifted education funds at the capital. We also had an advocacy panel that shared with our audience next steps, what we ALL need to do to advocate for our kids and what is happening at the legislative level. Thank you to our panelists Senator Kate Brophy McGee (LD#28), Senator Heather Carter (LD#15), Representative Michelle Udall (LD#25) and Ann O’Brien (Member DVUSD Governing Board & President-Elect ASBA Governing Board) for taking time out of your busy schedules to join our conference!

Thank you Exhibitors:

Bright Child Books

Dynamynd

Engine-Uity, Ltd

Fusion Academy

Genius Coaching

The Great Books Foundation

H-IQ

Kendall Hunt Publishing Co.

RenzulliLearning

Riverside Insights

School Tours of America

Serin Center

thinkLaw

USBORNE Books

ASU Prep Digital

Duke University Talent

Identification Program (Duke TIP)

Grand Canyon University

Gary K. Herberger Young

Scholars Academy

Pearson Clinical Assessments

Stratum Laser Tag & Family

Entertainment Center

AZ Aspire Academy

Boys Hope Girls Hope of Arizona

San Tan Charter School

Sphero EDU

Photos

Visit our Facebook page to view the Annual Conference Album!