Ten North Texas educators have been named finalists for the 2024 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards, spotlighting them as some of the best teachers in Texas.
Two Garland ISD teachers were name finalists:
- Teresa McCutcheon, Spring Creek Elementary, Garland ISD (Principal Elementary)
- Amanda Ramos, Sellers Middle School, Garland ISD (Principal Secondary)
H-E-B’s Excellence in Education is the largest monetary awards program for educators in Texas and is among the largest in the nation. The honor was kept a surprise from the educators, who this week learned they were finalists when H-E-B representatives visited their classrooms and schools.
Teresa McCutcheon
Teachers were presented with a $1,000 check for themselves and a $1,000 check for their school; counselors were presented with a $1,000 check for themselves and a $1,500 check for their school; and principals received a $1,000 check for themselves and a $2,500 check for their school.
All finalists are invited to the Marriott Marquis in Houston on Sunday, May 5, to compete on a statewide level for larger cash prizes totaling $480,000.
About H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards
H-E-B asks customers, Partners (employees) and community members to nominate teachers, counselors, principals, districts, early childhood facilities, and school boards in Texas. Each nominee is sent an invitation to complete an application online and is asked about their professional experiences, educational philosophies and achievements both in and out of the classroom/district.
A team of judges reviews the applications, narrowing the field to semi-finalists. From that pool, five regional judging panels comprised of former winners, administrators, and university and community leaders not affiliated with H-E-B select 50 teacher, counselor, and principal finalists. Finalists and their schools receive a cash prize of $1,000 to $2,500, depending on category.
Amanda Ramos
Three separate panels select eight school districts and five early childhood facilities as finalists, awarding $5,000 in cash prizes to each finalist. Up to five school boards may also be recognized and awarded $5,000 towards the district they serve. Additionally, one or more school boards may receive a special judge’s award totaling up to $25,000. Site visits are conducted to determine winners. Teacher, principal and counselor finalists are invited to compete on a statewide level for larger cash prizes totaling $480,000. A statewide panel of judges, not affiliated with H-E-B, conducts a personal interview with each finalist to select winners.
Ten winners—six teachers, two counselors, and two principals—are announced along with two school districts, one large and one small, a public-school board and an early childhood facility, at a celebratory dinner. The winning large school district receives a $100,000 cash prize and the winning small school district receives $50,000. The winning early childhood facility receives $25,000 and a school board could be awarded up to $25,000.
The six winning teachers include one elementary and one secondary teacher in each of three categories:
- The Rising Star Award—honors exceptionally promising teachers with less than 10 years of experience. These winners will each receive 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 will each receive 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 will each receive $25,000 in cash for themselves and a $25,000 grant for their schools.
The two winning counselors—one elementary and one secondary—receive $10,000 in cash for themselves and $15,000 grant for their school. Each winning principal—one elementary and one secondary—receives $10,000 in cash for themselves and a $25,000 grant for their schools.
About H-E-B
H-E-B, with sales of $43 billion, operates more than 430 stores in Texas and Mexico. Known for its innovation and community service, H-E-B celebrates its 118th anniversary this year. Recognized for its fresh food, quality products, convenient services, and a commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability, H-E-B strives to provide the best customer experience and lowest prices. Based in San Antonio, H-E-B employs over 154,000 Partners in Texas and Mexico and serves millions of customers in more than 300 communities. For more information, visit HEB.com and the H-E-B Newsroom.