AAGT at NAGC 2025: Learning, Leading, and Celebrating

The AAGT team had a productive week at the NAGC Annual Conference. We connected with leaders from across the country, explored new research, and gathered ideas that will support gifted students, families, and educators in Arizona. National collaboration helps us stay aligned with best practices and gives us tools we can bring home to strengthen programs across our state.

A highlight of the week was hearing from the CEO of Fred Rogers Productions. Many of us grew up with public television shaping our understanding of empathy and community. The session was a reminder of how important it is to support the stories and programs that help children feel seen and valued.

Keynote speaker Dwayne Reed built on this theme. His message centered on understanding yourself, knowing the people you serve, and building a shared identity. His framework of “Who are you, who are they, who are we” applies to gifted education and nonprofit leadership. Strong relationships support strong communities, and this remains at the core of our work.

Arizona presenters also made a strong impact. Their dedication and creativity continue to raise the profile of gifted education in our state.

Arizona Presenters at NAGC 2025

Deer Valley Unified School District

1. Ali MurrayLesson Roundtable: Boring Worksheet? Brilliant Fix
2. Dr. Aimee SulitLeveraging Student Agency and Voice: Gifted Student AdvisoryEarly Identification Matters: Nurturing Talent Development in a Gifted Preschool Program

Gary K. Herberger Young Scholars Academy

1. Rebekah West Keur (also AAGT Board)Poster Session: Superpowered Advocacy: Unleashing Your Child’s Gifted Potential
2. Liz MendozaIntersecting Identities: Navigating Giftedness and LGBTQ+ Realities in Schools
3. Liz Mendoza and DJ GrahamFuture Gifted Teachers Assemble. K12 University Partnership for Educator Preparation
4. DJ GrahamNatural 20. Using Tabletop Role Playing in Social Studies Curriculum to Unlock Creativity
5. Casey WarmbrandOpening Up Opportunities for Gifted Students to Be Creative in the Mathematics Classroom

Amphitheater School District

1. Nathan AyersBeyond Boredom. Enhancing Passion Projects Through Intentional Wandering

Arizona State University

1. Dina Brulles, PhD and Kimberly Lansdowne, with Jack A. Naglieri, PhDMaking Gifted Identification Equitable and Inclusive Using Naglieri General Ability Tests
2. Karen Brown, MEd and Dina Brulles, PhDMake the Impossible Possible with Flexible Grouping

Madison School District

1. ElizaBeth Warner, with Karen Brown, MEdTurning Teachers into Teammates. A Gifted Parent’s Guide to Effective Collaboration

University High School, Tolleson

1. Susan Renner and Tyler HillBlending Rigor and Opportunities for Gifted Learners

AAGT Leadership

1. Vicki Greer and Mariane LandrithGifted Coordinator Roundtables

Arizona Highlights at NAGC

We were also proud to celebrate a special moment for one of Arizona’s own. Homero Chavez, AAGT Board Member and Yuma leader, attended the 2025 NAGC La Excelencia Latina Student Awards to support and honor Darianna Castillo, a former student from Gadsden Elementary School District #32. Darianna was selected as a recipient of the 2025 La Excelencia Latina Award, a meaningful recognition of her talent, dedication, and potential. We congratulate Darianna and the educators who supported her growth.

It was also encouraging to see other Arizona representation throughout the conference. Colin Seale contributed to the closing keynote panel, “Won’t You Be My Neighbor? Creating Community and Connection in Gifted Education.” His presence and perspective reflected the innovative thinking coming out of Arizona. We also connected with the team from Chandler Unified School District, who continue to strengthen gifted education throughout their district and statewide.

Looking Ahead

If you were not able to attend NAGC, you still have opportunities to learn from gifted education leaders. Many of the Arizona presenters listed above will join us at the AAGT Annual Conference, and they will be joined by a wide range of national speakers who travel to Arizona each year to share their expertise. Our conference gives you the chance to hear national voices, connect with Arizona leaders, and explore new ideas without leaving your own backyard.

Our team is returning home with practical tools and new insights that will support gifted students, families, and educators across the state. We look forward to building on this momentum and continuing to strengthen gifted education in Arizona.