#AZGIFTEDSTORIES
Share Your Story
Calling all current Arizona Gifted students, alumni, families and educators: Tell us why and how gifted education has impacted your life!
Each year as we meet with AZ Senators and Representatives, the message we are hearing is consistent – they want to hear your stories. They need to know the struggles you have faced with your gifted student. They should be empowered with the knowledge of what works in gifted education and why funding will make it that much better for our students.
We invite you to submit photos, videos or short stories about the impact these services and programs, or lack of, have had on you.
Read Submitted Stories:
Teacher Appreciation Week 2026 (and beyond!)
Teacher Appreciation Week 2026 has come to a close, and we wanted to take a moment to highlight just a few of the ways AAGT Board Members showed up to celebrate, support, and engage with gifted students, educators, and families this week — and in the weeks leading up to it. Across Arizona, gifted education…
Welcome to AAGT CommUnity: Social Media for Arizona’s Gifted Community, Minus the Noise
If you’ve ever found yourself searching for support, resources, or real conversations about giftedness online, you already know the struggle. Traditional social media can be…a lot. Algorithms. Drama. Endless distractions. Misinformation. That one random argument in the comments section that somehow started over gifted testing and ended in chaos. That’s exactly why AAGT created AAGT…
Where Connection Happens: Inside AAGT’s April Play in the Park
Sometimes the most meaningful moments are the simplest ones. On April 11, AAGT families came together for Play in the Park, creating space for connection, creativity, and community across the Valley. Kids Being Kids (and Then Some) Kids jumped into games, explored the park, and made new connections. Some followed the planned activities, others did…
Risks threatening Gen Z’s retirement — and how to tackle them
Sponsored Partner Post: Edward Jones While older generations worry about having enough money for retirement, many Gen Z workers aren’t even starting to save. Research in 2025 by Edward Jones and Morning Consult shows that nearly half haven’t begun setting money aside for their golden years, and only 22% are contributing to a workplace retirement plan. The culprit…
From Classroom Idea to Real-World Innovation: Meet Cruz
Innovation doesn’t always start in a lab or a boardroom. Sometimes, it starts in a classroom…with a student willing to think a little differently. Cruz, a gifted student from the Avondale Elementary School District, did just that with his project, the “Drippy Zippy.” What began as a creative idea quickly turned into something much bigger.…
A Day of Curiosity and Challenge: Inside Alhambra’s First Gifted Summit
Gifted junior high students in the Alhambra School District recently stepped out of their typical classroom routines and into a day designed just for them…a day centered on curiosity, challenge, and thinking in entirely new ways. The district hosted its first-ever Gifted Summit, bringing together advanced learners for a full day of hands-on sessions, problem-solving,…
Big Growth for Bright Beginnings at Canyon Springs!
Exciting changes are coming to Canyon Springs STEM Academy in the Deer Valley Unified School District! DVUSD Gifted Services are thrilled to announce that our Bright Beginnings gifted program is officially expanding to include 2nd Grade starting in the 2026-27 school year. Bright Beginnings is specifically designed to challenge our youngest scholars through a unique,…
529 education savings plans: More flexible than you think
Sponsored Partner Post: Edward Jones Planning for your child’s education can feel overwhelming. But a 529 education saving plan offers a flexible way to help build a financial foundation for their educational future. While most people know that 529 plans can help cover college and university tuition, these versatile accounts also can pay tuition for…
Celebrating Excellence: Announcing the 2026 AAGT Annual Award Winners
Each year, the Arizona Association for Gifted and Talented honors individuals who embody our mission and core values—integrity, equitable practices, innovation, servant leadership, and strategic vision. Our 2026 Annual Award winners represent the very best of gifted education in Arizona. They are the teachers, leaders, and advocates who ensure gifted learners are not just challenged…
The Hidden Side of Giftedness: Why Bright Kids Sometimes Struggle with Simple Things
By Megan Eldridge, MOT, OTR/L, Founder of Scribble 2 Script Introduction Parents of gifted learners often hear feedback that doesn’t seem to match what they know about their child: “She’s brilliant, but her handwriting is messy.” “He rushes through his work.” “She gets frustrated when things don’t come easily.” It can be confusing and even…
Gifted Education Week 2026: A Week of Recognition, A Year of Purpose
As Gifted Education Week 2026 (February 8–14) comes to a close, it feels like the right moment to pause and reflect — not just on the proclamation itself, but on what this week represents for gifted learners across Arizona. We want to begin with sincere appreciation to Governor Katie Hobbs for officially recognizing Gifted Education…
Meet the 2026 AAGT Board of Directors
We are proud to introduce the 2026 Arizona Association for Gifted & Talented Board of Directors and Executive Board. This group brings together educators, advocates, leaders, parents, and professionals who all share one thing in common: a deep commitment to ensuring gifted learners are seen, heard, and served across our state. 2026 Executive Leadership Past…