H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards: Recognizing and Rewarding Exceptional Educators

The H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards stand as a prominent recognition program in Texas, celebrating the dedication and commitment of public school professionals. Since 2002, this initiative has awarded almost $15 million in funding to finalists, winners, and their schools, acknowledging educators who go the extra mile to serve their students and communities. The awards not only provide financial support but also elevate the work of exceptional educators, schools, and the neighborhoods they serve.

A Tribute to Educators

The H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards program pays tribute to those educators who go the extra mile each day to serve their students and communities and who inspire others to do the same. The awards recognize teachers who show passion and commitment to the teaching profession, innovation and creativity in the classroom, and professional growth and development.

Recognizing Excellence in Various Roles

The H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards recognize outstanding public school professionals and thank them for their dedication and commitment. The awards program acknowledges the diverse roles within the education system, with nomination categories including:

Teacher
School Counselor
Principal
Early Childhood Facility
School Board
School District

Eligibility and Nomination Process

All state-certified public school educators currently teaching in Texas are eligible for the awards program, as well as Texas early childhood education centers/schools. Eligibility is not dependent on proximity to H-E-B store locations.

Nominations are open to anyone who wishes to recognize a deserving educator. From now until September 30, 2025 anyone can nominate their favorite Texas educator at HEBLovesTeachers.com/nominate. Educators who are nominated will receive an invitation to apply before November 2, 2025. While a nomination is not required to apply for an award, a nomination lets an educator know they are appreciated and should apply for the awards program.

Selection and Awards

Finalists and winners are selected by a panel of judges composed of educators, administrators, and community leaders throughout the state. Ten winners-six teachers, two counselors, and two principals-along with an early childhood facility, public school board, and two school districts, will be announced at an awards ceremony in Houston in Spring 2026. Each award recipient’s school will also receive a matching grant.

In 2025, the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards program distributed $782,000 in cash and grants to educators and schools.

Examples of Recognized Educators

The H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards have recognized numerous outstanding educators throughout Texas. Here are a few examples:

Veronica Stapper: In 2024, San Angelo ISD’s Veronica Stapper, a 2nd-grade teacher at Glenmore Elementary, was named the H-E-B Excellence in Education Lifetime Achievement Winner. For being nominated as finalist for the Lifetime Achievement Award, which salutes teachers with more than 20 years of experience, Mrs. Stapper received a check for $1,000 and a $1,000-grant for Glenmore. Mrs. Stapper competed against four other Texas teachers for the title of 2024 Lifetime Achievement Elementary winner. As the Lifetime Achievement Winner.
Melinda Gaona Schermerhorn: This award recognizes teachers with less than 10 years of experience. No matter the culture, background or ability of her students, Melinda Gaona Schermerhorn makes sure each child knows they have a special gift worthy of sharing with the world.
Cindy Jones: This award honors teachers with 10 to 20 years in the classroom. From helping her deaf sister learn to fit in to helping her son walk and talk again after a traumatic brain injury, teaching is in her blood.
Erica Crowder: From the way Erica Crowder dresses every day to the sound of her voice and the creative instructional strategies she uses in her kindergarten class, many say she's like a Dr. Seuss book come to life.
Watson: Society doesn't need yes men. It needs critical thinkers who can challenge the status quo and find a better way to do things.
Norm Sands: This award salutes teachers with more than 20 years of experience. For Norm Sands, teaching elementary music is like building a house.
Michael Clark: As a 12th grade Advanced Placement (AP) economics teacher, Michael Clark eliminates the intimidation factor of the course by using fun, real-world examples in each of his memorable lessons.
Aaron Pena: Aaron Pena loves animals. "We need to bring more things from outside of our walls into the school," Pena said.
Larry Berger: Pearland High School is like a small, diverse city and Principal Larry Berger is the mayor. In his six years as principal, Berger has tripled the amount of Advanced Placement tests given, increased graduation rates to 98 percent and increased average SAT scores by 62 points.

Recognized School Districts and Programs

The H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards also recognize outstanding school districts and programs that contribute to student success. Here are a few examples:

Burnet ISD: Burnet ISD is the only rural district to implement the Advancement via Individual Determination (AVID) College Readiness System.
Humble ISD: More than a decade ago, Humble ISD trustees sought a visionary superintendent who could guide the district through rapid growth. Since Dr. Guy Sconzo took the helm in 2001, enrollment has increased by more than 10,000 students.
Aldine ISD: At Aldine ISD's eight pre-K centers in suburban Houston, 92 percent of students are lowincome. To help at-risk students achieve success, the center provides free transportation, breakfast and lunch for all of its students.
Arlington ISD: For many years, budget constraints prevented the Arlington ISD from addressing facility and capital needs. Trustees knew that positioning the AISD as a premier district that offered leading-edge learning experiences depended upon a long-term plan for building and renovating facilities.

The Impact of the Awards

The H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards have a significant impact on educators, schools, and communities. The awards provide financial resources that can be used to support innovative programs, improve facilities, and enhance the learning environment for students. The recognition also boosts morale and inspires educators to continue striving for excellence.

Supporting Innovation and Best Practices

The H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards support innovation and best practices in education. By recognizing educators who are implementing creative and effective strategies, the awards encourage others to adopt similar approaches. This leads to a continuous improvement in the quality of education throughout Texas.

Strengthening Communities

The H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards strengthen communities by investing in the education system. By supporting educators and schools, the awards help to create a brighter future for students and the community as a whole.

Read also: Eligibility for ASAHP Scholarship

tags: #heb #excellence #in #education #programs