Arizona Association for Gifted & Talented

Join AAGT for our next free family Play at the Park event!

We’ll be at Pioneer Park in Mesa on Saturday, June 6 from 10:00 AM–12:00 PM for a casual morning of connection, play, and community.

Gifted kids can explore the playground, meet new friends, and enjoy time with other kids who may think, feel, and play a little like they do. Parents and caregivers can connect with other families, swap stories, ask questions, and meet members of the AAGT Board.

This is a casual pop-up style gathering at the playground, and it’s free to attend. Just show up and join the fun!

Learn more or RSVP through the AAGT event calendar here - https://azgifted.short.gy/playinthepark-jun26

AAGT Board President Jessica and Vice President Rowe recently joined Creighton School District’s Gifted & Talented Program Showcase, where approximately 60 gifted students and their families explored hands-on STEM activities, career connections, creative problem-solving, and community resources.

This event was a great reminder of the impact that happens when schools create spaces for gifted students to feel seen, supported, and excited about their potential.

Read the full recap here - https://azgifted.short.gy/aagt_creighton_26

Our next AAGT Learning Lab is all about helping gifted students actually use their strengths in ways that feel meaningful.

Project-Based Talent Development explores what happens when students follow their curiosity, build something of their own, and work alongside mentors who support their ideas. It’s a shift away from one-size-fits-all learning toward deeper engagement, ownership, and real skill development.

This is the kind of approach that helps students reconnect with learning.

See you May 27th at 7 pm - save your spot: https://azgifted.short.gy/learninglab-pbl-may-s

Teacher Appreciation Week 2026 has come to a close, and we wanted to take a moment to celebrate some of the incredible educators, experiences, and moments shared by AAGT Board Members this week.

From classroom celebrations to field trips, family nights, presentations, and student connections, gifted education shows up in so many different ways across Arizona.

This week and beyond, we saw:

• Rowe Van Meter delivering teacher appreciation gifts to 31 incredible gifted teachers in the Washington Elementary School District
• Jessica supporting students and families at Geeks Night Out
• Dr. Aimee Sulit at her Gifted Specialist Kick-Off Meeting, themed Back to the Future — focused on strengthening gifted education practices to help launch students into the future
• Kari presenting at a Gifted Parent Information Night
• Sharon Michael Lightfoot celebrating alongside a colleague and students
• Alisa Johnson exploring the Grand Canyon with students during this month’s field trip
• Michele Thelen reflecting on her final Oceans field trip with her 6th grade gifted students back in 2015

Gifted education doesn’t happen without passionate, thoughtful educators who continue showing up for students every single day, often far beyond the classroom itself.

To all teachers: thank you for your time, creativity, advocacy, patience, and care. Your impact reaches further than you probably realize, and we’re grateful for everything you do.

Mesa families, this one’s for you!

The next Play at the Park is coming to Pioneer Park in Mesa, AZ on Saturday, June 6 from 10am–12pm. A free morning of connection, conversation, and playground time for gifted kids and their families.

Gifted kids can meet peers who think like they do. Parents can share advice and build relationships that last longer than a single event.

Kids play. Parents swap stories. Questions get answered. Community gets stronger.

See you there! Event info at https://arizonagifted.org/events/

Tomorrow at 7 PM! Join AAGT’s Learning Lab webinar, Seeing Beneath the Surface, and gain practical strategies to better support twice-exceptional students navigating stress, perfectionism, sensory overload, and big emotions.

Walk away with tools to strengthen collaboration between home and school while helping 2e learners thrive.

Register: https://aagt.memberclicks.net/index.php?option=com_jevents&task=icalrepeat.detail&evid=222&Itemid=137&year=2026&month=04&day=29&title=aagt-learning-la

Big ideas start young, and Cruz is proof.

A gifted student from Avondale Elementary School District, Cruz first introduced his creative invention, the “Drippy Zippy,” at his district’s Expertise Expo during a Shark Tank–inspired showcase where gifted students pitched original innovations. But Cruz didn’t stop there.

With determination, creativity, and true entrepreneurial spirit, he continued developing his unique sweater design beyond the classroom and has now earned a grant from Arizona State University to pursue a patent.

From classroom concept to real-world innovation, Cruz is showing what can happen when gifted students are encouraged to think big, create boldly, and pursue their passions.

We love seeing young minds turn imagination into impact. The future is bright.

Special thanks to educator Liz Gonzalez for sharing Cruz’s inspiring journey.

Read more here: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/lizgonzalez1_ceo-to-know-on-the-news-9-year-old-cruz-activity-7338908167726080004-E2tW/

We're extending Early Bird pricing for Summer Seminar for one more week, as a treat 😉

To receive the early bird rate, you must complete your online registration by April 30. The online quote builder is are as a courtesy and does not lock in pricing.

- You can still register after 4/30, but registrations after that date will reflect the higher rate.

- If you plan to use a PO with early bird pricing, you must register by April 30. Submitting a PO alone does NOT count as registration.

- A PO or payment must also be received prior to the event to finalize and lock in your rate.

In short:

- Register online by April 30 to receive early bird pricing
- Submit your PO or payment before May 28
- Quotes alone do not lock in rates

We would love to have you there!