Teachers, principals, counselors, school boards, school districts and early childhood education centers across Texas are eligible for more than $1 million in awards through the 2027 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards program.
Nominations are open through Sept. 30, and anyone may nominate an outstanding educator or school at www. HEBLovesTeachers.com/ nominate.
The 2027 awards mark the program's 25th anniversary. Since its inception in 2002, H-E-B has awarded more than $15 million to recognize Texas public school professionals and schools.
'For 25 years, the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards have celebrated Texas educators whose commitment reaches far beyond the classroom,' Winell Herron, H-E-B senior vice president of public affairs, diversity and environmental affairs, said in a news release. 'Their dedication to strengthening our communities and preparing the next generation of Texas leaders reflects the very best of public education.'
The 2027 program will award increased cash prizes in several categories.
Six teachers will be recognized through Rising Star, Leadership and Lifetime Achievement awards, with individual prizes ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 and matching grants for their schools.
Elementary and secondary counselors will each receive $15,000, with an additional $20,000 awarded to their schools.
Elementary and secondary principals will each receive $15,000, with their schools receiving $30,000.
The awards program also includes a $50,000 prize for an early childhood education facility, $50,000 for a school board, $75,000 for a small school district and $150,000 for a large school district.
All state-certified public school educators currently teaching in Texas are eligible, as are Texas early childhood education centers and schools. Eligibility is not based on proximity to an H-E-B store.
Educators who are nominated will receive an invitation to apply before Nov. 1.
While a nomination is not required to submit an application, H-E-B said the process helps recognize educators for their work and encourages them to apply.
A panel of educators, administrators and community leaders will select the finalists and winners. The recipients will be announced during an awards ceremony in Austin in spring 2027.
More information about the awards program is available at www.HEBLovesTeachers. com.
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