AAGT 51st Annual Conference Recap: Bright Minds, Bold Ideas

This year’s AAGT 51st Annual Conference: Bright Minds, Bold Ideas was an unforgettable gathering of educators, administrators, and advocates dedicated to supporting Arizona’s gifted learners. With 456 attendees, 48 engaging breakout sessions, and two incredible keynote speakers—George Couros and Genein Letford—the energy and enthusiasm were unmatched.

Celebrating Arizona Gifted and Talented Education Week

We were thrilled to host this conference during Arizona Gifted and Talented Education Week, officially recognized by the Governor’s Proclamation. This week highlights the importance of fostering creativity, curiosity, and talent in gifted students across the state.

Inspiring Keynotes & Thought-Provoking Breakouts

Attendees were captivated by our keynote speakers:

• George Couros, renowned educator and author, challenged us to rethink learning and leadership in the modern classroom.
• Genein Letford sparked creativity by showing how intercultural creativity can be a game-changer in education.

With 48 breakout sessions covering a wide range of topics—including social-emotional learning, advocacy, instructional strategies, and enrichment programs—participants left feeling equipped with fresh ideas and practical strategies. One attendee shared:

“I truly enjoyed meeting new people who are quirky and passionate just like me. I feel like I’ve found my people. The breakout sessions sparked my interest, equipped me with new ways of doing things, and validated much of what I’m already doing with my students. Thank you for an enjoyable and inspiring conference!”

Honoring Our Award Winners

This year, AAGT recognized outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to gifted education in Arizona.

• Dr. Karen Hudson received the AAGT Gifted Educator of the Year Award for her five decades of dedication to gifted students, particularly her groundbreaking work with twice-exceptional learners in the Paradise Valley School District.
• Julie Gunnigle was honored with the Dr. James T. Webb Friend of the Gifted Award for her relentless advocacy in securing funding for gifted education and her leadership within AAGT.
• Dr. Dina Brulles received the Dr. Sanford J. Cohn Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her extensive work in program development, teacher mentorship, and advocacy, shaping the future of gifted education on both state and national levels.

Click on each name for a deeper dive into their incredible contributions and achievements.

A Huge Thank You to Our Sponsors & Partners

Our expo hall was buzzing with supplier partners who provided valuable resources, innovative tools, and exciting programs to support gifted learners. With the generosity of our sponsors and donors, we gave away over 100 raffle prizes, making the event even more fun for attendees!

Looking Ahead to 2026—Let’s Top 500!

With 456 attendees this year, we’re setting our sights on 500+ attendees in 2026! If you attended, please share your experience with your colleagues and invite them to join us next year.

One final thought from an attendee:

“The keynotes were inspiring, and I’m glad I attended to know a little bit more about how to feed the needs of kids, socially and emotionally.”

Thank you to everyone who made this conference a success! We can’t wait to see you next year for another incredible experience. Stay connected with AAGT for updates and opportunities throughout the year!