Arizona Educational Foundation

Arizona Educational Foundation
Celebrates Excellence in Education

Great schools have great leaders. Great schools have great teachers. Great schools foster excellence through outstanding programs and practices. The Arizona Educational Foundation (AEF) fosters excellence in education by administering statewide programs that enhance the capabilities of Arizona’s schools to strengthen the teaching profession, design high quality curricula, stimulate high student achievement and celebrate the successes in K-12 public education in Arizona.

Since 1983, through its Arizona Teacher of the Year Program, A+ School Recognition Program, State Spelling Bee, Polly Rosenbaum Writing Contest and Principals’ Leadership Academy, AEF identifies, recognizes and rewards many great schools, many great leaders, many great teachers and many great students.

As a private, 501(c)3 non-profit corporation, AEF’s board is comprised of business, community and education leaders. Support for all programs administered by the Arizona Educational Foundation is derived from corporate and private donations.

Visit the A+ Schools Recognition Program page to view
Best Practices shared by participating schools.

The "A+" recognizes and celebrates outstanding K-12 public schools that serve as models of educational excellence in Arizona.

This is the only statewide program to spotlight and honor Arizona’s Teacher of the Year and four Ambassadors.

This one-year academy prepares 1st & 2nd year principals to be effective leaders and guide their schools to excellence.

Winners from every county in Arizona compete to determine who will represent Arizona in the National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C.

Winners of this creative writing contest for students in grades 7-12 are recognized at the State Capitol on Statehood Day.