PHOENIX — The Arizona Education Association recognized two outstanding public school educators as its 2026 Arizona Educators of the Year: Kaitlin Moriarty, a third-grade teacher at Peralta Elementary School in the Cartwright School District, and Anthony James “A.J.” Benavidez, a Special Education Teaching Assistant and Behavioral Health Technician in Amphitheater Public Schools.
Kaitlin Moriarty, recipient of the 2026–2027 AEA Award for Teaching Excellence, teaches third grade at Peralta Elementary School in the Maryvale community of Phoenix. Since beginning her career in Cartwright as a kindergarten teacher in 2018, Kaitlin has become known for creating a classroom where every student feels supported, valued, and capable of success.
Her path to teaching was shaped by her own experience growing up with dyscalculia — often described as “math dyslexia” — and a working memory deficit. Those experiences fuel her commitment to meeting every child’s unique needs with patience, creativity, and compassion. Kaitlin holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Liberal Studies from Westfield State University and a Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from Grand Canyon University.
“Kaitlin creates a classroom where students feel valued, challenged, and empowered every single day,” said AEA President Marisol Garcia. “Through her deep commitment to equity, strong relationships, and high expectations, students grow not only in achievement, but also in confidence and voice. Beyond the classroom, she is a passionate advocate for public education and a leader who uplifts both students and colleagues.”
Anthony James “A.J.” Benavidez, the 2025–2026 Arizona Education Support Professional of the Year, has spent more than a decade supporting students with diverse learning and behavioral needs. In Amphitheater Public Schools, he has led efforts to implement digital tools that help educators track student needs and behavior patterns in real time, allowing schools to provide proactive, individualized support before challenges escalate.
His work has helped create safer, more inclusive learning environments where students remain engaged in the classroom and connected to their peers. A.J. has also led Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) trainings for district staff and administrators, equipping educators with de-escalation strategies, trauma-informed practices, and safe crisis management techniques. Through these efforts, he has helped reduce student exclusion from class, increase instructional time, and create more supportive environments where students feel safe, connected, and ready to learn.
“A.J. is a true champion for students with diverse needs,” said AEA President Marisol Garcia. “Through innovative behavior supports, inclusive practices, and staff training, he is helping create safer classrooms, stronger connections, and real student success. Beyond the classroom, A.J. supports families, leads a community tutoring program, and advocates for educators through the Amphitheater Education Association, building a culture of collaboration and a powerful collective voice. His work is driven by one goal: ensuring every student and every educator has the support they need to thrive.”
Published: May 22, 2026