Mission, Texas- Bryan Elementary School teacher, Rhonda Pena had a surprise visit this afternoon by representatives from H-E-B. She is one of only five Rio Grande Valley educators to be named as a finalist for a 2017 H-E-B Excellence in Education Award, spotlighting her as one of the best educators in Texas. The H-E-B program is the largest monetary awards program for educators in Texas, and among the largest in the nation. The honor was kept a surprise from Pena, who learned she was a finalist when the H-E-B representatives visited her classroom with balloons, cake, flowers, and a check for $1,000. Bryan Elementary School also received a $1,000 check.
Pena is entered as a finalist for the Lifetime Achievement Award that salutes teachers with more than 20 years of experience. This is Pena’s 24th school year with Mission Consolidated Independent School District (CISD) and her 27th total in education. She will travel to Austin, Texas in early may to compete on a statewide level for larger cash prizes. Winners there will each receive $25,000 in cash for themselves, and a $25,000 grant for the school.
Pena is pictured receiving her surprise check from H-E-B; and with H-E-B, campus principal, and Mission Consolidated Independent School District (CISD) superintendent.
Previous finalists from Mission CISD include: Yvette Nevarez, Alton Memorial Jr. High School, 2016; Jesus Razo, Mission Jr. High School, 2015; Rosbel Pena, Alton Memorial Jr. High School, 2014. Rosbel Pena also received the state Lifetime Achievement award in 2014.
H-E-B launched the Excellence in Education Awards program in cooperation with the Texas Association of School Administrators in 2002 as a positive way to support public education in Texas. It has become the largest monetary program for educators in the state, spotlighting best practices and celebrating the passion and creativity of Texas educators.
H-E-B asks customers, employees, and community members to nominate teachers, 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. 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 select the finalists. Finalists and their schools receive cash prizes of $1,000 to $2,500, depending on the category.
The teacher and principal finalists are invited to Houston in early may to compete on a statewide level for the larger cash prizes. A statewide panel of judges conducts a personal interview with each finalist to select winners.
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