Supporting Rural Gifted Education with the AAGT Rural Gifted Network

Gifted education matters in every community, but the way gifted services look can vary greatly depending on where students live. In rural schools, educators and families often face different challenges than those in larger districts or more populated areas. Smaller student populations, limited staffing, geographic distance, and fewer specialized programs can all affect how gifted learners are identified, supported, and challenged.

That does not mean gifted learners in rural communities are any less capable, curious, creative, or deserving of meaningful services. It means the systems supporting them may need different strategies, stronger collaboration, and more intentional connection.

That is why AAGT is continuing the Rural Gifted Network for the 2026–2027 school year.

The Rural Gifted Network is designed to support educators and others working in rural schools across Arizona. It creates a space for connection, shared learning, problem-solving, and advocacy for gifted learners whose needs may not always be visible in broader conversations about education.

Why Rural Gifted Education Needs Attention

Rural schools serve a significant number of students across the country, yet rural gifted education is often overlooked in education policy and programming. Many common approaches to gifted education, such as separate gifted classrooms, expanded Advanced Placement offerings, or large peer-group programming, may not be realistic in smaller or more remote districts.

That can leave gifted students with fewer opportunities for advanced coursework, enrichment, talent development, or connection with intellectual peers.

This is not just a school issue. When gifted learners do not receive appropriate support, the impact can extend beyond the individual student. Communities lose opportunities to nurture future leaders, problem-solvers, innovators, and creative thinkers who may one day contribute in meaningful ways to their towns, regions, and the state as a whole.

At the same time, rural schools bring powerful strengths. Many rural educators know their students and families deeply. Schools may have close community relationships, flexible learning environments, and opportunities to think creatively about how students are served. The Rural Gifted Network builds on those strengths while addressing the very real challenges rural educators face.

What the Rural Gifted Network Offers

This school year, the Rural Gifted Network will meet by Zoom beginning Wednesday, August 26, 2026, and then continue on the second Wednesday of every month at 4:00 PM.

The network will provide support for those working in rural schools and create space for participants to share what is happening in their own communities. This year, the group will also participate in a book study of The Positive Shift by Catherine Sanderson, identify key issues that need attention, and explore training opportunities in the areas that matter most to the educators involved.

For those who would like to join the book study, participants are encouraged to purchase or borrow a copy of The Positive Shift before the network begins meeting for the Fall 2026 school year. Support AAGT and buy the book using our Amazon affiliate link here – https://amzn.to/45aXVs7 

The goal is not to offer a one-size-fits-all answer. Rural schools are not all the same, and the needs of one community may look very different from another. Instead, the Rural Gifted Network gives participants a place to ask questions, share strategies, learn from each other, and work together toward stronger gifted services across Arizona.

Led by Experience and Commitment

The Rural Gifted Network is spearheaded by AAGT Past President Vicki Greer.

Vicki is a certified teacher who has served diverse student populations across the United States and internationally. She currently works at a 3–5 elementary school in Show Low as a gifted teacher and interventionist. Before working in Show Low, she spent many years teaching and serving as an Instructional Coach and Director of Curriculum and Instruction at a public school on the White Mountain Apache Reservation.

Vicki has a deep passion for supporting Native American students and ensuring that all students receive the services to which they are entitled. Her work with gifted students is grounded in a belief that their interests, creativity, and ways of thinking challenge educators to grow alongside them.

Her career has also included five years of teaching in Taiwan, as well as work with rescue missions serving people experiencing homelessness in Alaska, Florida, New Orleans, and Philadelphia. She holds an Education Specialist degree with a specialization in Curriculum and Instruction and a master’s degree in International Teaching.

Vicki lives in Lakeside, Arizona, in the White Mountains. She is married and has three gifted children, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. She loves to read and play music.

Join the Network

If you work in a rural school and are interested in connecting with others who care about gifted education, the AAGT Rural Gifted Network is a place to begin.

Participants are invited to register through the Zoom registration link to add their name to the list. Once registered, participants will receive calendar notifications for upcoming meetings and access to recorded meetings.

Meeting Details
First Meeting: Wednesday, August 26, 2026
Ongoing Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: Zoom

For questions, please contact Vicki Greer at vgreer@azgifted.com.

Gifted learners exist in every community. Through the Rural Gifted Network, AAGT is committed to helping educators connect, learn, and build stronger support systems for gifted students across rural Arizona.

RSVP here!

 

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