Pearson Elementary teacher named finalist for 2019 H-E-B Excellence in Education Award
Mission, Texas- Pearson Elementary School third grade Math and Science teacher, Rita Perez had a surprise this morning. Representatives from H-E-B and district administrators dropped in, unannounced, to let her know she has been named as a finalist for a 2019 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 secret from Perez, who learned she was a finalist when the H-E-B representatives visited her classroom with a cake, balloons, flowers, and a check for $1,000. Pearson Elementary also received a $1,000 check.
Perez is a finalist for the Lifetime Achievement Award that honors teachers with more than 20 years of experience. She will travel to Austin in early May to compete on a statewide level for larger cash prizes. Winners of the Lifetime Achievement Award there will receive $25,000 in cash for themselves and a $25,000 grant for their schools.
Perez began her career in education as a teacher aide at Pearson Elementary School in 1974. She became a teacher in the early 1980’s and served at other schools before returning to Pearson Elementary.
Mission Consolidated Independent School District (CISD) has had several other semi-finalist and two state winners over the past few years in the H-E-B program. In 2017, Rhonda Peña from Bryan Elementary School won the state Lifetime Achievement Award. Rosbel Peña at Alton Memorial Jr. High School also earned that honor in 2014. In 2016, Yvette Nevarez from Alton Memorial Jr. High School was a finalist for the Rising Star Award. In 2015 Jesus Razo at Mission Jr. High School was also a finalist for the Rising Star honors. Alton Memorial Jr. High School principal, Sylvia Garcia was a semi-finalist for a principal award in 2015.
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 not affiliated with H-E-B select 40 teacher and principal finalists.
You can view a video of the surprise classroom visit through the Mission CISD YouTube channel at, https://youtu.be/sf6P45_Q-EI.
Pictured is Perez receiving her $1,000 check from H-E-B.
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