Outstanding Texas educators win $480,000 in cash and grants
Today, H-E-B announced the statewide winners for the 2026 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards during a ceremony at the Marriott Marquis Houston. H-E-B awarded $480,000 in cash and grants to six teachers, two counselors, two principals, one early childhood facility, one public school board and two school districts. Since 2002, the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards program has awarded almost $15 million in funding to educators who go the extra mile to serve their students and their communities.
Emmy, Critics Choice, and Independent Spirit Award Winner Sheryl Lee Ralph delivered the keynote address to hundreds of educators and community leaders. Ralph can currently be seen starring on ABC’s hit comedy series “Abbott Elementary,” where she plays veteran kindergarten teacher Barbara Howard. Her message set the tone for the evening, as H-E-B recognized the outstanding educators whose work reflects that same commitment, care and impact in classrooms across Texas.
“In every corner of Texas, educators are guiding students through a rapidly changing world while helping them build confidence, curiosity and a sense of possibility,” Winell Herron, H-E-B Senior Vice President of Public Affairs, Diversity and Environmental Affairs, said. “At a time when the role of public education is more important than ever, we are proud to recognize these exceptional leaders who are strengthening not only their classrooms, but their communities and the future of our state.”
Teachers
Six winning teachers, including one elementary and one secondary teacher, were selected in each of the following three categories: The Rising Star Award honors exceptionally promising teachers with less than 10 years of experience. These winners received a $5,000 check for themselves and a $5,000 grant for their schools.
The Leadership Award honors teachers with 10 to 20 years in the classroom. These winners received a $10,000 check for themselves and a $10,000 grant for their schools.
The Lifetime Achievement Award salutes teachers with more than 20 years of experience. These teachers received $25,000 in cash for themselves and a $25,000 grant for their schools.
Carmen Anaya Elementary School, Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD, (Elementary Rising Star)
North Shore Senior High School, Galena Park ISD, (Secondary Rising Star)
Herman Becker Elementary School, Austin ISD, (Elementary Leadership)
Gladys Porter Early College High School, Brownsville ISD, (Secondary Leadership)
Joslin Elementary School, Austin ISD, (Elementary Lifetime Achievement)
New Braunfels High School, New Braunfels ISD, (Secondary Lifetime Achievement)
Counselors
Two counselors—one elementary and one secondary—received $10,000 in cash for themselves and a $15,000 grant for their school.
Amanda Still
Kristen Guerra
(Secondary School Counselor)
Principals
Two principals—one elementary and one secondary—received $10,000 in cash for themselves and a $25,000 grant for their schools.
Michelle Gonzalez
(Elementary School Principal)
Ruth Peña
(Secondary School Principal)
Early Childhood Facility
One winning early childhood facility received $25,000.
School Board
One winning school board received $25,000.
School Districts
Two school districts–one small and one large–received awards. The winning small school district received $50,000, and the winning large school district received $100,000.
Alice Independent School District
(Small School District)
Garland Independent School District
(Large School District)
Judging Process
Each year, H-E-B announces a statewide call for nominations and applications to recognize outstanding educators in Texas. Educators can be nominated for an award by community members throughout the state, or they can apply directly. Nominees are sent invitations to complete an online application.
For the 2026 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards, students in the Department of Education from Texas State University and Trinity University reviewed all applications and narrowed them down to semi-finalists. Five regional judging panels including school administrators, community leaders and former winners selected 50 teacher, principal and counselor finalists. These individuals received the news they were finalists from H-E-B representatives during surprise visits to their schools earlier this year. A statewide panel of judges interviewed these finalists on May 2 to determine winners.
Three separate judging panels selected five early childhood facilities, five school boards, and eight school district finalists. Site visits were conducted to determine the winners in these categories.
Do you know an excellent educator?
Nominate them for the 2027 Excellence in Education Awards!
Nominations for the 2027 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards are now open to all state-certified public school professionals currently working in Texas. Teachers, counselors, principals, early childhood centers, school boards and districts can win cash prizes for their outstanding work. Nominations will close on September 30, 2026. Nominate your favorite Texas educator at heblovesteachers.com/nominate.
About the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards
Each year, the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards program awards cash prizes to honor outstanding public school professionals, and to thank them for their dedication and commitment. Through this program, H-E-B seeks to pay tribute to those educators who go the extra mile every day to serve their students and their communities and who inspire others to do the same.
Since the program’s inception in 2002, H-E-B has awarded almost $15 million in funding to outstanding Texas teachers, counselors, principals, public schools, early childhood centers, school boards and school districts. A longtime supporter of public education, H-E-B answers the call by donating more than $12 million each year to Texas education initiatives.
To learn more, visit HEBLovesTeachers.com.
