Literacy is traditionally defined as the ability to read and write, but in today’s world, it extends far beyond those foundational skills. True literacy includes exposure to experiences that build understanding, confidence, and readiness for real-world challenges. One increasingly important area is financial literacy. Teaching students about spending, saving, investing, and borrowing equips them with essential knowledge that will serve them throughout their lives.

With this in mind, fourth-grade students engaged in a unit of study aligned to Economics and History standards. They explored topics such as resources, choice, opportunity cost, and the basic economic problem. Students also examined risk-taking, pricing, and marketing strategies before developing plans to produce products using recycled materials. Working in teams, students created prototypes and presented them during a classroom market, where peers used play money to “purchase” their favorite ideas. The top-earning concepts were then selected for large-scale production by the entire class.

To extend this learning beyond the classroom, the City of Scottsdale, Scottsdale Public Library, and SUSD collaborated to host a Young Entrepreneurs Market. On December 6, 2025, students from Laguna Elementary brought their finished products to Scottsdale Civic Plaza to sell to community members. Students earned real revenue from their creations, gaining invaluable experience in an authentic, hands-on environment.

Following the event, students reflected on their earnings and brainstormed how to reinvest their funds to generate future revenue in preparation for a second market opportunity in the spring. Concepts such as marketing, pricing, and even price elasticity of demand became part of their learning, remarkably, all at the fourth-grade level.

The students of Laguna Elementary, supported by their teachers Sarah Clor and Brooke Barnes, have deepened their understanding of financial literacy through this innovative unit of study. Watch for details about the spring market and join us in supporting these young entrepreneurs as they continue to develop their skills and confidence.

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In a moment when artificial intelligence is reshaping how we teach and learn, SUSD has enhanced the AI Ambassador Program to incorporate a tiered level of AI knowledge.  This program is designed to build teacher capacity, accelerate classroom innovation, and improve student outcomes. More than a professional development sequence, this pathway cultivates teacher leadership: educators progress from AI Enthusiasts to Advocates and ultimately to AI Leaders, each tier combining hands‑on training, practical application, and district-level influence.

Why this matters now:  Teachers are on the front lines of helping students develop the skills they’ll need for an AI‑enabled world—critical thinking, ethical reasoning, creativity, and digital fluency. The AI Ambassador Program removes barriers to adoption by offering clear learning milestones, scaffolded supports, and aligned incentives. Participants gain concrete skills (from foundational AI concepts to building classroom chatbots), a supportive professional community, and recognition that elevates their voice in district decisions about AI tools and policy.

A practical, meaningful pathway. The program’s tiered structure meets teachers where they are. Tier 1 (AI Enthusiast) focuses on foundational certifications and exposure—ideal for teachers curious about classroom uses of AI. Tier 2 (AI Advocate) deepens practice through advanced certifications, coursework, and evidence of AI integration in lesson planning or productivity. Tier 3 (AI Leader) develops district influencers capable of building site chatbots, facilitating systemwide professional learning, mentoring colleagues, and contributing to strategic planning. Each level balances achievable requirements with tangible benefits like digital badges, newsletter spotlights, and opportunities to beta‑test district tools.

Grounded in teacher growth and student impact. The program intentionally aligns with the Danielson Framework for Teaching. Ambassadors strengthen targeted components such as 1c (Setting Instructional Outcomes) by designing AI‑enhanced lessons with clear, standards‑aligned goals; 3c (Engaging Students in Learning) by creating technology‑rich tasks that spark inquiry and collaboration; and 4e (Growing and Developing Professionally) by taking ownership of ongoing skill development and leadership. This alignment ensures that AI adoption is not technology for technology’s sake but a lever for higher‑quality instruction and improved student learning.

A call to action. For teachers, this program is an invitation to explore, experiment, and lead. For school leaders, it’s a strategic investment in workforce capacity and equitable access to innovative learning. Join the movement: enrolling as an AI Enthusiast could be the small step that leads to schoolwide transformation. SUSD’s AI Ambassador Program is not just about mastering tools—it’s about empowering educators to design richer learning experiences, mentor peers, and shape policy so every student benefits from thoughtful, ethical AI integration.

Start today—become an Ambassador, grow your practice, and help SUSD shape a future where technology amplifies the power of great teaching.

Unlocking Classroom Innovation: SUSD’s AI Ambassador Program Empowers Teachers to Lead the Future

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping how we teach and learn, and SUSD is taking a proactive approach by enhancing its AI Ambassador Program with a tiered learning pathway. This strengthened structure is designed not only to build teacher capacity and accelerate classroom innovation but also to cultivate teacher leadership across the district. Educators advance from AI Enthusiasts to Advocates and ultimately to AI Leaders, with each tier blending hands-on training, practical application, and opportunities to influence districtwide strategies.

The timing couldn’t be more important. Teachers are on the front lines of preparing students for an AI-enabled world, one where critical thinking, ethical reasoning, creativity, and digital fluency are essential. The AI Ambassador Program supports this mission by removing barriers to AI adoption. It offers clear milestones, step-by-step guidance, and meaningful incentives that help participants grow with confidence. As teachers move through the program, they gain concrete skills ranging from foundational AI concepts to building classroom chatbots, join a supportive professional community, and earn recognition that amplifies their voice in district decisions about AI tools and policies.

At its core, the program’s tiered structure is designed to meet educators where they are. The AI Enthusiast tier introduces foundational certifications and early exposure for those just beginning to explore AI’s potential in the classroom. The Advocate tier deepens practice through advanced coursework and demonstrations of AI integration into lesson design and instructional workflow. The final tier, AI Leader, prepares educators to serve as district influencers, building site-based chatbots, leading professional learning, mentoring colleagues, and contributing to long-term strategic planning. Each stage balances achievable requirements with tangible benefits such as digital badges, newsletter spotlights, and opportunities to beta test emerging district tools.

The program is also intentionally grounded in teacher growth and student impact, aligning directly with the Danielson Framework for Teaching. Ambassadors strengthen components, such as Setting Instructional Outcomes, by designing AI-enhanced lessons with clear, standards-aligned goals; Engaging Students in Learning by creating technology-rich tasks that spark inquiry and collaboration; and Growing and Developing Professionally by embracing ongoing learning and leadership. This alignment ensures that AI integration remains focused not on novelty, but on improving instruction and elevating student learning.

Ultimately, the AI Ambassador Program is a call to action. For teachers, it’s an invitation to explore, experiment, and lead. For school and district leaders, it represents a strategic investment in building a future-ready workforce and expanding equitable access to innovative learning opportunities. Becoming an AI Enthusiast may be a small first step, but it has the potential to spark schoolwide transformation.

SUSD’s AI Ambassador Program is about far more than mastering tools, it’s about empowering educators to design richer learning experiences, mentor peers, and help shape thoughtful, ethical AI integration that benefits every student. Start today: become an Ambassador, grow your practice, and help lead SUSD into a future where technology amplifies the power of great teaching.

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The Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) continues to set the standard for academic excellence, once again earning an “A” rating from the Arizona Department of Education and topping Maricopa County in student performance.

According to Spring 2025 state assessment results, SUSD achieved the highest overall performance in both English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics among all districts in Maricopa County. On the statewide stage, SUSD stands out as Arizona’s top-performing district serving more than 10,000 students in both subjects, a remarkable achievement that highlights the strength of the district’s academic programs and community partnerships.

This success reflects the district’s ongoing commitment to excellence, innovation, and student growth. SUSD has made targeted efforts to boost math achievement across all grade levels, implementing expanded course offerings, specialized interventions, professional learning for educators, and stronger family engagement to ensure every student has the tools to succeed.

Those efforts are clearly making an impact. Of SUSD’s 30 schools, 22 earned an “A” rating, six earned a “B,” and two earned a “C.”

“We are incredibly proud of our students, teachers, and staff for their hard work and dedication,” said Superintendent Dr. Scott Menzel. “Earning an ‘A’ rating once again reflects the strength of our academic programs and the deep partnership we share with our families and community.”

SUSD’s “A”-rated schools include:
Anasazi, Cherokee, Cheyenne, Cochise, Cocopah, Copper Ridge, DCES, DCMS, Echo Canyon, Hopi, Kiva, Laguna, Navajo, Pima, Pueblo, Redfield, Sequoya, Tavan, Arcadia, Chaparral, Desert Mountain, and Saguaro.

“B”-rated schools: Hohokam, Ingleside, Mohave, Mountainside, Yavapai, and Coronado.

“C”-rated schools: Tonalea and SOL.

“These results are a reflection of the exceptional work happening in classrooms across our district,” said Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Lea Mitchell. “We are grateful for the dedication of our educators and the ongoing support of our parents and community.”

SUSD’s strong results reaffirm the district’s commitment to providing every student with an education that prepares them for success in college, career, and life.

To learn more about Scottsdale Unified School District programs and performance, visit susd.org.

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Scottsdale Unified School District is excited to announce the next step in the K–11 Math Curriculum Adoption process, the launch of the Try and Apply initiative.

This hands-on opportunity allows teachers and students to explore new math programs in classrooms. By trying out materials directly, our educators can see which resources best support student learning, engagement, and success. 

The K–11 Curriculum Adoption Committee has reviewed a variety of resources and has narrowed down the list. The following curricula have been selected to move on to the next phase of our adoption process:

Elementary Schools

• SAVVAS enVision+ 2027
• McGraw Hill Reveal Math
• HMH Into Math v2 2026

Middle Schools

• SAVVAS enVision+ 2027
• McGraw Hill Reveal Math

High Schools

• SAVVAS enVision 2024
• McGraw Hill Reveal Math
• Cengage

What Is Try and Apply?

From October 27 through December 12, teachers across the district will explore resources from these finalist programs. During this time, they’ll plan and teach lessons using the materials, gathering feedback from both teachers and students.

This experience will help our Math Adoption Committee make an informed recommendation to the Governing Board later this school year, ensuring our final selection truly meets the needs of our students and staff.

See the Materials for Yourself!

All finalist materials are available for public review at the Mohave District Annex (MDA), 8500 E. Jackrabbit Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85250.

• Display Dates: October 20, 2025 – March 10, 2026
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–3:00 PM (district operating days)

To schedule a visit outside these hours, please call 480-484-5103. We are happy to accommodate your schedule.

We invite families and community members to stop by, explore the materials, and share feedback.

Looking Ahead

After the pilot concludes in December, teacher and community feedback will be reviewed before a final recommendation is made to the Governing Board.

Thank you to our teachers, staff, and families for your continued partnership as we work together to ensure every student experiences meaningful, high-quality math learning every day.

Learn More at the Source