ABOUT THE H-E-B EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AWARDS

H-E-B launched the Excellence in Education Awards program in cooperation with the

Texas Association of School Administrators in 2002 as a positive way to support public education in Texas. This year, H-E-B celebrates the 19th anniversary of the program with cash incentives for teachers, principals, schools and districts, ranging from $5,000 to $100,000.

A major goal of the Excellence in Education Awards is to make a statement about the great things going on in Texas schools by spotlighting best practices and celebrating the work of

Texas educators. Since its inception, more than $12 million has been awarded to educators, schools, districts and early childhood facilities across the state. This is the largest monetary awards program for educators in Texas and one of the largest in the nation.

In order to find the best teachers, principals, early childhood facilities, districts and school boards in Texas, H-E-B began by asking its customers, Partners (employees) and community members to submit the names of their favorite educators, administrators, schools and districts. A letter was sent to each nominee directing them to the website to complete an application, asking them to share their professional experiences, educational philosophies and achievements, both in and out of the classroom.

Teams of judges from the Colleges of Education at Trinity University and Texas State University reviewed all completed applications. They faced the difficult task of selecting semifinalists in each award category. The semifinalists went on to compete in the regional judging process in January. Five regional judging panels comprised of former winners, administrators, and university and community leaders selected the 40 individual statewide finalists. All of the teachers and principals were notified during surprise visits from H-E-B, from February through March.

The teachers were each awarded a $1,000 check for themselves, plus a $1,000 grant for their schools. The principals were awarded a $1,000 check for themselves, plus a $2,500 grant for their schools. The eight district finalists — five large and three small — five early childhood facilities and five selected school boards were selected by separate judging panels that reviewed their written applications and conducted individual site visits, during which each finalist was presented with a grant ranging from $2,500 to $5,000.

Due to the coronavirus, finalists had virtual interviews with the judges panel. After the judges made their decision, the winners were announced on a special virtual call on May 5th.

In total, 12 overall winners were announced. Six teachers and two principals received an additional cash award of $5,000, $10,000 or $25,000 based on their years of service in the classroom, as well as a matching grant for their school. An early childhood facility received a $25,000 grant. An outstanding school board received $25,000 toward the district it serves. A winning small school district received a cash prize of $50,000. Finally, a winning large school district received $100,000.

While the H-E-B Excellence in Education team, judges, and winners were not able to celebrate this year in-person, all finalists will be invited to the ceremony and awards weekend in 2021 to be recognized.

H-E-B sincerely appreciates the support and assistance of the Texas Association of School Administrators, the

Texas Association of Secondary School Administrators, the

Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association, the Texas PTA and the Texas Association of School Boards, as well as all of the professionals who served on both the regional and statewide judging panels.

H-E-B would also like to thank the hundreds of Texas educators who participated in this year’s program for the things they do each day to inspire and enlighten young minds.