H-E-B Education Awards: $480K in Prizes for Texas Educators

0:00HEB just announced 68 finalists for its 2026 Excellence in Education awards, a statewide contest handing out nearly half. A million dollars to top Texas public school teachers, counselors, principals, districts, and more. The line-up features 50 educators, five early childhood centers, five school boards, and eight districts from across the state. These finalists already snag initial checks totalling $120,000 during surprise visits by HEB teams. Teachers got $1,000 each plus another 1,000 for their schools, while counselors and principals scored personal awards with bigger. School grants up to $2,500. Early childhood spots, boards, and districts each pulled in $5,000 of front. Educators and communities are buzzing about the recognition, especially since this program has pub nearly $15 million into Texas. School since 2002. Finalists hail from five key regions, Central Texas, Houston, North Texas,

1:04San Antonio, and South Texas, highlighting standout work in places like Austin, Dallas, and Corpus Christi. Now they head to final judging, with winners revealed at a big ceremony on May 3rd at the Marriott Marquis in Houston. Expect another $480,000 in prizes there, including $25,000 lifetime achievement awards, and up to $100,000 for top large districts, or $50,000 for small ones. As this wraps up, HEB opened nominations for 2027 awards. Texas folks can submit certified public school pros online through September 30th next year, keeping the momentum rolling for those shaping the next generation. From your city, powered by AI, this is Dallas News Today. I'm Corey with The Story.