Articles

Established in 1990, our Outstanding Teaching Awards are the most prestigious statewide awards in K–12 humanities instruction. For the 2025 awards cycle, we invited several past award recipients to participate in the review process. Drawing on their classroom experience and knowledge of the field, these educators contributed valuable perspectives and thoughtful feedback on applications submitted by teachers from across the state. As we prepare to celebrate this year's winners with presentations in their local communities, we invited the reviewers to share their reflections on the process.

Outstanding Teaching Award Reviewer Reflections

     "Humanities Texas has changed my teaching career in so many ways. Being able to review this year's applications has put into perspective the way the humanities have changed us all. I found this year's applicants to be inspiring in so many ways; they have given me a renewed passion for my subject. As teachers, we often fall into slumps, and the only way we can get out of those moments is by seeking out fellow teachers and, of course, our students. They allow us to inspire ourselves and remember why we came into this profession. Being a teacher is not just about teaching the content we love; it is about creating a better world for our students, who will change the world. I know that the next set of Outstanding Teaching Award recipients will do the same with their students, and, because of that, our world will continue to be better. I congratulate the future winners and all those to come."

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     "I was truly excited to be included in the review process for this year's Outstanding Teaching Awards, but I was not prepared for how grateful I would feel. . . . I was deeply moved by the selflessness, energy, creativity, innovation, and joy exhibited by the applicants. Across Texas, folks continue to improve the lives of their students, colleagues, and communities, often through out-of-the-box thinking and unique approaches. After reading about the incredible work of so many outstanding educators, I found myself feeling even more honored to have received this award several years ago!"

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     "First of all, I felt honored and proud to have won. I also felt excited to get to read other educators' essays. I learned a lot from reading how brilliantly some teachers are combining literature, music, primary sources, film, art, history, and geography. . . . This opportunity served as a mini-professional development for me. It inspired me to keep pushing the humanities into my lessons because I do dream of a better, more peaceful, and just world. . . . like-minded educators and I strive to develop empathy, hope, critical thinking skills, resilience, and a problem-solving mindset in our students. The diverse arts and humanities give us the crucial tools we need."

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     "The evaluation process was challenging in that it was difficult to select among the many dedicated and skilled public school teachers those best qualified to receive the award. At the same time, it was heartening to remember that there are so many dedicated and skilled teachers in the public schools."

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     "I am grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in the Outstanding Teaching Award application review committee. It has been an amazing experience to read about the inspiring work teachers across the state are doing in their classrooms. Their essays demonstrate their passion and how they go above and beyond the standard curriculum to create innovative lessons that engage students at all levels, fostering real-life connections, raising awareness of global issues, and empowering them to advocate for their communities. It was truly inspiring to read about how project-based learning was at the core of their lessons. Another highlight was how they transformed their classrooms, crafting immersive scenarios that allow students to fully engage with the topics they are studying. As educators, we are acutely aware of the many challenges we face both inside and outside the classroom. However, learning about the high quality of teaching, the innovative projects and activities being implemented, and the engaging, thought-provoking discussions that are happening inside the classrooms fills me with immense joy and pride to be part of this vital profession."

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     "Participating in the Outstanding Teaching Award review was humbling, but it also inspired in me optimism about the future of the humanities in our modern world. I was humbled to realize that, in a prior year, someone had spent the time to look at my application and consider me worthy of an award alongside many great educators. I gleefully read this year's applications and enjoyed seeing all the innovations and passion that many teachers put forth in their classroom. I know after being a part of this process that Humanities Texas honors some amazing teachers!"

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     "Through this process, I learned that there are talented teachers doing incredible work all over Texas. Seeing some of the highest scoring applications made me both super proud and extremely humbled as a previous winner. . . . Teachers are finding ways to bravely and responsibly nurture the humanities. I admire them greatly and appreciated the chance to comment on their contributions and help the committee choose those most deserving of recognition."