Nominate a teacher or two
Nominations are now open for the 2026 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards, one of the state’s largest monetary awards programs for public school professionals. All state-certified public school educators currently teaching in Texas are eligible for the awards program, as well as Texas early childhood education centers/schools. Eligibility is not dependent on proximity to H-E-B store locations.
Texas teachers, counselors and principals are eligible to win cash prizes for themselves and their schools, while early childhood centers, school boards and school districts can receive cash awards in recognition of their exceptional contributions. From now until Sept. 30, anyone can nominate their favorite Texas educator at HEBLovesTeachers.com/nominate.
Educators who are nominated will receive an invitation to apply before Nov. 2. While a nomination is not required to apply for an award in November, a nomination lets an educator know they are appreciated and should apply for the awards program.
Since 2002, the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards program, which recognizes educators who go the extra mile to serve their students and their communities, has awarded almost $15 million in funding to finalists, winners and their schools.
“The H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards celebrate the transformative impact of Texas educators who pour their hearts into empowering students and uplifting communities,” Jill Reynolds, H-E-B Public Affairs Manager, said. “A nomination is more than recognition—it’s an invitation to unlock resources and elevate the work of exceptional educators, schools and the neighborhoods they serve.”
Nomination categories include:
- Teacher
- School Counselor
- Principal
- Early Childhood Facility
- School Board
- School District
Finalists and winners will be selected by a panel of judges composed of educators, administrators and community leaders throughout the state. Ten winners—six teachers, two counselors and two principals—along with an early childhood facility, public school board and two school districts, will be announced at an awards ceremony in Houston in Spring 2026. Each award recipient’s school will also receive a matching grant.
To learn more about the 2026 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards and past winners, visit www.heblovesteachers.com.
