Breaking: Liberty Elementary School District's Gifted Education Specialist Resigns
The resignation of a beloved teacher in the West Valley exposes the struggle to replace gifted educators amid costly certification requirements.
West Valley Families has learned of the resignation of longtime educator Connie Crowley, a Gifted Education Specialist and lead teacher for the MAG program in the Liberty Elementary School District. Her retirement leaves a critical gap in leadership and expertise for the district's gifted education program.
After 31 years of teaching in Arizona, including 21 at Liberty, Connie Crowley announces her retirement, reflecting on on an extensive career in gifted education, advocacy, and leadership. Crowley expresses pride in her contributions, concern for the future of the Multiage Gifted (MAG) program, and a continued commitment to supporting the district's mission to meet the needs of gifted students.
After 21 fulfilling years at Liberty and a total of 31 years of teaching in Arizona, I am announcing my retirement and resignation. My journey at Liberty began at Estrella Mountain Elementary as a 3rd grade gifted cluster teacher. Following an opening for a Multiage Gifted teacher, I transitioned to teaching 2nd through 6th grades in the Multiage Gifted class at Liberty Elementary and simultaneously served as the District Gifted Coordinator.
As the number of identified gifted students grew, the MAG class relocated to Westar Elementary, where I continued my role in supporting gifted education. During a challenging period for the district, I took a brief hiatus to serve on the school board. Upon my return after a year, I resumed my responsibilities as a gifted teacher and remained committed to advocating for gifted education.
My belief as an educator is that every child deserves the opportunity to be challenged and to learn something new each day. My own experiences as a gifted student, parent, and grandparent have fueled my passion for ensuring that the needs of gifted students are met in accordance with educational laws and mandates. I have actively advocated for gifted education at both the state level and in our nation's capital, emphasizing the importance of providing adequate identification and learning opportunities for this population.
I want to acknowledge the efforts of former board president Michael Todd, who, through his advocacy, has worked diligently to implement policies that support gifted learners. Upon my return to the classroom, we faced the challenge of finding another qualified teacher. Last year, in the absence of a suitable candidate, I expanded my teaching responsibilities to include 7th and 8th grades. This decision was driven by the needs of my students, who were prepared for high school-level math, and I am proud to report that they successfully completed Algebra 1 and are now engaged in honors Algebra 2 and Geometry, thanks to a partnership with the high school.
While I celebrate these accomplishments for my students and our district, I express concern for the future of the MAG program. The Liberty Mission emphasizes providing an environment where all students learn at a high level, while the Vision aspires to inspire lifelong learners and empower all students to reach their highest potential. Without properly certified teachers who are passionate about serving gifted students, the district will need to find alternatives for these students.
As a dedicated taxpayer and advocate for Liberty, I will continue to support the district’s commitment to creating the best environment for all students but specifically, gifted and talented learners. Thank you for the opportunity to serve and make a difference in the lives of so many students. I am honored to have served.
Connie Crowley | January 2025
Gifted teachers in Arizona are a rare breed, and the hunt for one just got tougher. Connie Crowley, a veteran in gifted education, told us she gave her notice early to give the district a head start in finding her replacement. But here’s the kicker: teachers in this field need a special endorsement—and they’re left footing the bill for it themselves.
West Valley Families will continue to follow this breaking story as we have learned a great deal in this late hour. Be sure to follow
, as well, as we learn more about Gifted Education in the state of Arizona.