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.
Stay tuned for the announcement of our 2026 Outstanding Teaching Awards winners in the May newsletter!
Khadeeja Miandara, Emerson High School, McKinney
On Friday, March 13, Humanities Texas Board Member Trasa Cobern presented Khadeeja Miandara with an Outstanding Teaching of the Humanities Award during a ceremony at Emerson High School in McKinney.
Miandara has taught English at all levels, including on-level and Advanced Placement (AP), at Emerson High School for five years. In her classroom, she encourages students to engage with diverse perspectives, think critically, and develop skills in inquiry, collaboration, and communication. She also serves as an instructional leader and lead mentor teacher on campus.
"I believe that an education in the humanities is critical to every student because it helps foster connection, critical thinking, and open-mindedness, "said Miandara. "Moreover, an education in the humanities helps to combat ignorance, passivity, and apathy. . . . I know that my students are open to new perspectives, and therefore capable of critically thinking about the world they live in."
"[Miandara] is passionate about teaching students how to view content critically and use that analysis to broaden their perspectives," said Emerson High School Principal Kristin Sommers. "This drive is reflected in her daily classroom practices, where she encourages students to think independently and approach their work with both rigor and creativity. Her goal is to eradicate student helplessness, fostering a classroom culture where critical thinking and independence are central to the learning process."
Karla Guevara, Riesel High School, Riesel
On Monday, March 23, Humanities Texas Executive Director Eric Lupfer presented Karla Guevara with an Outstanding Teaching of the Humanities Award during a ceremony at the Riesel ISD District Administration Office.
Guevara teaches Spanish at Riesel High School, where she engages her students through innovative, culturally rich learning experiences. She has steadily grown the school’s Spanish program, expanding access to humanities education for her students. From 2024 to 2026, she advocated for advanced coursework in rural schools as a Teach Plus Fellow. She also serves as the UIL director and mentors first-year teachers. In 2024, Guevara was named Secondary District Teacher of the Year.
"By emphasizing the humanities' role in shaping compassionate, informed citizens, I equip students with tools to navigate a diverse world with empathy and respect," said Guevara. "My teaching methods create a bridge between language learning and the broader humanities, fostering curiosity and a deeper appreciation for cultural knowledge. Through storytelling, hands-on projects, and literary analysis, I reveal language as a vessel for history, identity, and human experience."
A parent of one of Ms. Guevara's former students wrote, "Her enthusiasm for teaching and her ability to connect with her students on a personal level have made a lasting impression, shaping not only their academic paths but also their worldview."
Nichole Ritchie, Llano Junior High School, Llano
On Tuesday, March 31, U.S. Congressman August Pfluger and Humanities Texas Executive Director Eric Lupfer presented Nichole Ritchie with the Julius Glickman Educational Leadership Award during a ceremony at Llano Junior High School.
Ritchie teaches seventh-grade Texas history, creating engaging, hands-on learning experiences that make the past relevant to her students, including field trips and museum visits. As the founder of Llano ISD’s first Junior Historian Program, she provides students with opportunities to conduct local history research in their community. Her students have advocated for historical markers in Llano County and have competed in historical art and essay contests.
"Winning the Julius Glickman Educational Leadership Award is an incredible honor that reminds me of the purpose and passion behind my role as an educator," said Ritchie. "It is not just a recognition of my efforts, but a celebration of my students, their voices, and the power they have to lead when they are given meaningful opportunities. This award demonstrates the value of involving students in local history and helping them see that they can truly make a difference in their community. It encourages me to keep creating space for learning that inspires confidence, action, and real-world impact."
"Mrs. Ritchie is truly a leader for Llano Junior High School, for our students, and among our staff," wrote Principal Neda Bauman. "She is continually growing and improving her craft as an educator and is constantly finding new and innovative ways to give her students hands-on experience with history. The students at Llano Junior High School are lucky to have someone with as much passion for teaching history as Mrs. Ritchie."