How AEF Donors Support Public Education in Arizona
Share
The Power Behind the Programs
Here’s how donors fuel AEF’s mission.
For Marcus Behling, winning the 2015 Arizona Spelling Bee was about more than words. A decade later, the graduate researcher credits the Bee with teaching him how to study and work hard — skills that shaped his education and career.
Thanks to presenting sponsor Thunderbirds Charities and the support of various donors, more than half a million Arizona students each year have the chance to compete, learn and grow through the Bee.
Donor support fuels AEF’s signature programs and empowers students, educators and public schools statewide.
Why Donors Matter
In addition to the Spelling Bee, donations make possible the A+ School of Excellence® program, which celebrates outstanding Arizona public schools, and the Arizona Teacher of the Year (presented by Desert Financial Credit Union), the state’s highest honor for educators.
Through donor generosity, new and aspiring principals gain strategies and mentorship at the Principals Leadership Academy of Arizona (PLAA). “I learned a lot from the classes and made connections with colleagues there that have become mentors and friends,” says Jason Failla, principal of Highland Park Elementary in Gilbert. “The connections I made at the PLAA have continued to support me through my career.”
Students benefit from teachSTEM, inspiring the next generation of STEM educators, while communities value Take Your Legislator to School, which fosters meaningful conversations between policymakers, educators and students.
Supporters also power AEF fundraising events like Tee Up Fore Teachers, presented by First International Bank & Trust.
“At First International Bank & Trust, we believe that our community’s strength relies on its ability to educate future generations. Supporting teachers helps to ensure a strong future workforce,” says Scott Williams, president of the Scottsdale Airpark office, whose wife taught for 38 years. “Supporting teachers through the Arizona Educational Foundation isn’t only about valuing their dedication; it’s also about investing in our community.”
Longtime board member Renee Levin and her sister, Denise Levin-Signorelli, funded the new Levin Educator Training Center. The space, which opened in December 2024, hosts the Principals Leadership Academy of Arizona and educator training programs.
“We both understand the importance of a thriving educational system and know teachers are at the heart of it,” Levin says. “Training teachers for success is paramount, and that’s what AEF is doing at the Education Training Center.”
And with support from the BHHS Legacy Foundation, AEF launched Pathways to A+, a new initiative with a transformative impact on rural schools in Arizona.
How to Give
There are a number of ways to contribute to AEF and support Arizona public schools:
- Be a GEM: Give Every Month. Set up a monthly recurring donation of at least $10 per month to support our various programs.
- Planned giving. Give through your estate or trust to support AEF while meeting your personal financial goals.
- AZ Gives Day. Be a part of a statewide movement to support nonprofits across Arizona.
- Employer matching funds. Encourage your company to participate in matching gifts to maximize your impact.
- Event sponsorship. Sponsor an event to increase brand visibility while making a meaningful impact.
- Partnership. Make a donation that supports programs and services for over 2,000 schools a year.
- Donate raffle items. Donate tickets, gift cards and other items for our raffles and other fundraisers.
- Purchase merch. Visit our store and grab your AEF gear. Proceeds directly benefit our programs.
By supporting AEF, you’re not just supporting teachers. You’re helping our whole state thrive.
“Without strong educators, we wouldn’t have the workforce needed for critical industries like renewable energy, aerospace, healthcare, agriculture, water and advanced manufacturing,” Levin says. “Education is truly the foundation that allows all of these fields to thrive.”
