Articles
Each year, Humanities Texas presents statewide awards to recognize Texas classroom teachers who have made exemplary contributions in teaching, curriculum development, and extracurricular programming. We are pleased to feature three 2025 Outstanding Teaching Award recipients and their recent award presentations. Each winner received $5,000, with an additional $1,000 for their schools to support further excellence in the instruction of the humanities.
Read more about these remarkable educators below, and stay tuned for upcoming newsletter features on our other winners!
Kari Johnston, Perez Elementary School, Austin
On Friday, February 6, Humanities Texas Co-Director of Education Elizabeth Frye and Texas State Senator Judith Zaffirini presented Kari Johnston with an Outstanding Teaching of the Humanities Award during a ceremony at Perez Elementary School in Austin.
Johnston, who has been at Perez Elementary School for eight years, teaches fifth-grade bilingual language arts. Multilingual learning is a cornerstone of Johnston's classroom, where she frequently encourages students to write in both English and Spanish and explore different facets of their cultures. She has also successfully advocated for district-wide policies that provide access to bilingual education through twelfth grade.
"Every day, I leave school in awe of my learners' creativity, critical thinking, and exceptional potential," said Johnston. "Literacy instruction fosters empathy, respect for diverse perspectives, and a sense of justice. My greatest accomplishment is what happens in my classroom daily—students reading books that expand their thinking and writing the stories in their hearts."
"Whether she is designing interdisciplinary lessons, leading department meetings, or collaborating with other educators to refine curriculum, Kari's influence and leadership are deeply felt," said Perez Elementary School Principal Kara Mitchell-Santibañez. "Her ability to inspire both students and fellow teachers has had a profound and lasting impact on our school community."
Andreina Campos, YES Prep Southeast, Houston
On February 12, 2026, Humanities Texas Board Member Todd Romero and Frank Gonzalez, representing Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia's office, presented Andreina Campos with an Outstanding Teaching of the Humanities Award during a ceremony at YES Prep Southeast in Houston.
Campos teaches eleventh-grade U.S. history, engaging students with music and primary-source videos to bring the past to life. In her classroom, students master the content by thoroughly researching topics and teaching lessons themselves, with Campos providing fact-checking and guidance.
"I couldn't imagine teaching any course that doesn't involve the humanities," said Campos, "not just because teaching what I love is fulfilling but because of the stories that connect us to others and how I can present those stories to my students in ways they can relate to and learn from."
"[Campos's] ability to inspire curiosity, foster agency, and empower students to achieve beyond their own expectations is nothing short of remarkable," said YES Prep Southeast Dean of Instruction Michael Buck. "Beyond the test scores and accolades, she transforms students' perceptions of themselves and their capabilities, helping them become confident thinkers and leaders."
Ann Nguyen, Round Rock High School, Round Rock
On February 13, 2026, Humanities Texas Executive Director Eric Lupfer and Zachary Unger, representing Congressman Michael McCaul's office, presented Ann Nguyen with an Outstanding Teaching of the Humanities Award during a ceremony at Round Rock High School.
Nguyen, who has taught eleventh- and twelfth-grade English language arts at Round Rock High School for a decade, also teaches Asian American studies, a course that she helped pilot for statewide approval. This course provides students of all cultures with an opportunity to engage with an often-ignored subset of American history, fostering greater global understanding.
"Whether it's through storytelling, analytical creativity, or critical conversations, I aim to build bridges between students and community—where students feel seen, valued, and empowered to explore with curiosity and care," said Nguyen. "We listen across cultures and generations, dare to question and reimagine the narratives we've inherited, and mobilize change for a more informed, empathetic world."
"In Ann's classroom, students are not passive learners," said Jennifer Vincent, Round Rock High School secondary social studies curriculum coordinator, "They are active participants in discussions, critical thinkers, and individuals empowered to draw meaningful connections between their studies and their lived experiences. . . . Ann Nguyen exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding humanities teacher."