About AEF

The mission of AEF is to administer programs that develop and celebrate excellence in pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade public education in Arizona through community partnerships.

The Arizona Educational Foundation promotes excellence in education by honoring and celebrating outstanding students, teachers, administrators, and schools. AEF administers 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 successes in pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade public education in Arizona.

AEF was founded in 1983. Through its Arizona Teacher of the Year Program, A+ School of Excellence Program, State Spelling Bee, Polly Rosenbaum Writing Contest, Principals’ Leadership Academy, and UnitED, AEF identifies, recognizes and rewards many great schools, many great leaders, many great teachers and many great students.

As a private, non-profit corporation, the Foundation Board is comprised of business, education and community leaders. The diversity and expertise of the AEF board bring about a full partnership between the business and the educational communities.

The Foundation’s founders include former State Superintendent of Public Instruction Carolyn Warner, Basha’s CEO and education advocate Eddie Basha, and retired director of public relations for The Arizona Republic, Bill Shover.