On May 28, educators, homeschool families, advocates, and gifted education supporters from across Arizona gathered…
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 doesn’t live in just one space. It shows up in classrooms, at events, in conversations with families, and in the relationships built between educators and students every day.
This week and beyond, we saw:
Rowe Van Meter delivering appreciation gifts to 31 gifted teachers in the Washington Elementary School District, recognizing the time, energy, and care that goes into supporting gifted learners every day.
Jessica connecting with students and families at Geeks Night Out, creating space for curiosity, community, and shared interests outside of the classroom.
Dr. Aimee Sulit leading a Gifted Specialist Kick-Off Meeting with a Back to the Future theme, focused on strengthening gifted education practices and setting the tone for the year ahead. It was a reminder that great teaching is always evolving — grounded in what works, while looking ahead to what students need next.
Kari presenting at a Gifted Parent Information Night, helping families better understand gifted education and how to support their students both academically and emotionally.
Sharon Michael Lightfoot spending time with a colleague and students; a simple but important reflection of what this work is really about: connection, mentorship, and showing up consistently.
Alisa Johnson exploring the Grand Canyon with students during a recent field trip — bringing learning to life in a way that extends far beyond textbooks and classrooms.
And Michele Thelen reflecting on her final Oceans field trip with her 6th grade gifted students back in 2015, a reminder that the impact of teaching doesn’t end when the school year does. Those moments stay with students (and educators) for years beyond the classroom.
Taken together, these moments tell a bigger story. Gifted education is not one-size-fits-all, and it doesn’t happen in isolation. It takes thoughtful, engaged educators who are willing to adapt, advocate, and create meaningful experiences for their students.
Teacher Appreciation Week is a chance to pause and say thank you, but we all know the work being celebrated happens all year long.
To all teachers, and especially those supporting gifted learners: thank you for your advocacy, your creativity, your patience, and your commitment to meeting students where they are while still pushing them forward. Your impact reaches further than you probably realize.
We see you, and we appreciate you this week and every week!
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