Applications for the 2026 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards close November 2
SAN ANTONIO, Texas—H-E-B is now accepting applications for the 2026 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards, which awards cash prizes to educators who go the extra mile to serve their students and their communities. All state-certified public school educators currently teaching in Texas, as well as Texas early childhood education centers/schools, are eligible to apply before November 2, 2025 at heblovesteachers.com/apply/.
The 2026 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards categories include:
- Teacher
- School Counselor
- Principal
- Early Childhood Facility
- School Board
- School District
Since 2002, the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards program has awarded almost $15 million in funding to finalists, winners and their schools.
“The H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards is about more than recognition–it’s about celebrating the heart and soul of our schools,” Jill Reynolds, H-E-B Public Affairs Manager, said. “Every application is a reminder of the dedication, passion and leadership that educators bring to their classrooms and communities every day.”
Every year, H-E-B accepts nominations for the Excellence in Education Awards before applications open. While a nomination is not required to apply for an award, a nomination lets an educator know they are appreciated and encouraged to apply for the awards program. Nominees will receive an emailed invitation to apply and must submit an application to be considered for the 2026 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards. Individuals who nominated an educator can encourage them to apply as well.
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 May 2026. Each award recipient’s school will also receive a matching grant.
In 2025, the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards program distributed $782,000 in cash and grants to educators and schools. Through this program, H-E-B seeks to pay tribute to those educators who go the extra mile each day to serve their students and communities and who inspire others to do the same. To apply, visit heblovesteachers.com/apply/.
Eligibility
Eligibility is not dependent on proximity to H-E-B store locations. Teachers who have been previously selected as statewide winners are not eligible to reapply until they have entered a new award category based on years of experience. Teachers who have been chosen as a statewide finalist must wait at least one year before reapplying.
School district, early childhood and school board winners are not eligible to reapply. Finalists in these categories must wait at least one year before re-applying.
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About the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards
Each year, the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards program awards cash prizes to honor outstanding public school professionals, and to thank them for their dedication and commitment. Through this program, H-E-B seeks to pay tribute to those educators who go the extra mile every day to serve their students and their communities and who inspire others to do the same.
Since the program’s inception in 2002, H-E-B has awarded almost $15 million in funding to outstanding Texas teachers, counselors, principals, public schools, early childhood centers, school boards and school districts.
To learn more, visit HEBLovesTeachers.com.