Arizona Association for Gifted & Talented

When success stops being easy, does your gifted child freeze?

Gifted children are often praised for being quick, capable, and advanced. But when achievement starts to feel harder, some gifted learners may experience perfectionism, intense self-criticism, or a fear of struggle that makes it difficult to keep going.

Join AAGT for our next Learning Lab, Growth Mindset for Parents, on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, from 7:00–8:00 PM MST.

Dr. Aimee Sulit will help parents better understand the unique perfectionism that can show up in advanced learners and offer practical ways to support gifted children when learning no longer feels effortless.

Parents will learn how to:

- Praise strategy over raw smarts
- Reframe struggles as neurological growth
- Cultivate lasting academic resilience

This session is free for AAGT members and $15 for nonmembers. One hour of PD is available. Register today and join us for this important conversation - https://azgifted.short.gy/learninglab-growth-june

AAGT’s STEMSational Summer Seminar brought Arizona’s gifted community together for a day centered on curiosity, creativity, and hands-on STEM learning.

Educators, homeschool families, advocates, and gifted education supporters gathered to explore practical ways to bring STEM experiences to life for gifted learners. From accessible classroom strategies and creative problem-solving to student spotlights, competition showcases, and connection with community resources, the day highlighted the many ways STEM can support advanced learners across talent areas.

Our newest blog post shares a look back at the seminar and the energy, ideas, and inspiration that made the day meaningful.

Read the full recap and celebrate the students, educators, and community members helping STEM learning grow across Arizona. https://azgifted.short.gy/gtss2026-recap

There’s a lot happening from AAGT this summer! In our latest AAGT Illuminate newsletter, we shared:

- Save the Date for the 2027 AAGT Annual Conference, happening February 8–9, 2027. This year’s theme is **All That Glitters is Gifted**, with keynote speakers Emily Mofield and Stephanie Higgins.

- Details for our June Learning Lab, **Growth Mindset for Parents**, happening June 24 from 7:00–8:00 PM MST with Dr. Aimee Sulit.

- A recap of our STEMSational Summer Seminar, including student STEM highlights, hands-on learning, and community connection.

- A look inside AAGT CommUnity, our new online space for AAGT members to connect, ask questions, and stay in the loop.

Want updates like this sent straight to your inbox? Sign up for AAGT emails and stay connected to gifted education news, events, and resources across Arizona. - https://azgifted.short.gy/getemails

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/