H-E-B announces 68 finalists for statewide Excellence in Education honors

April 6, 2026 - 19:06

Sixty-eight of Texas's most dedicated educators and school districts have been named finalists for the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards. These individuals and teams, representing classrooms and campuses across the state, are now in the running for a share of $480,000 in cash prizes and grants.

The annual awards program, now in its 23rd year, seeks to recognize exceptional public-school professionals who go above and beyond for their students and communities. Finalists are divided into multiple categories, including Leadership, Rising Star, and Lifetime Achievement for teachers, as well as awards for principals and school districts. The selection process is rigorous, involving anonymous nominations, detailed applications, and surprise campus visits by judges.

The culmination of the process will be a celebratory awards ceremony in Houston this May, where the winners will be announced. For over two decades, these awards have highlighted the critical work of Texas educators, providing not only financial rewards for their schools but also statewide acknowledgment of their innovation, leadership, and commitment to student success. The program underscores the foundational role teachers and administrators play in shaping the future of the state.