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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 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 amazing educators below, and stay tuned for upcoming newsletter features on our other winners!
Humanities Texas is currently accepting nominations for the 2026 Outstanding Teaching Award cycle. Nominations will be accepted through Monday, December 1, 2025. Visit our Awards page for more information.
Caroline Pinkston, Liberal Arts and Science Academy, Austin
On October 24, 2025, State Senator Sarah Eckhardt, Humanities Texas Executive Director Eric Lupfer, and Humanities Texas Board Member John Morán González presented Caroline Pinkston with an Outstanding Teaching of the Humanities Award during a ceremony at the Liberal Arts and Science Academy (LASA) in Austin.
Pinkston—who earned her PhD in American studies midway through her teaching career—serves as her school's English department chair, a mentor teacher for The University of Texas at Austin's UTeach program, a mentor teacher within Austin ISD, and an instructional coach during the summers with Breakthrough Central Texas.
"I want my students to experience humanities classrooms as places that fan the flames of their curiosity, that teach them the value of close attention, that foster dialogue and human connection, and that develop their ability to make meaning from the material in front of them, both independently and as a community," Pinkston shared. "I want them to see that the humanities will help to illuminate the world around them."
LASA Librarian Elizabeth Switek said Pinkston "draws out quiet students, encourages students to elaborate on their thoughts, and makes sure they feel integral to the community. This is likely said about many teachers, but I know for Dr. Pinkston that it is natural to her, and it is indicative of the care she invests in each person she encounters."
John Goodell, Liberal Arts and Science Academy, Austin
During the same ceremony at LASA in Austin, Senator Eckhardt, Lupfer, and González also presented John Goodell with an Award for Early-Career Teaching.
After nearly fifteen years serving as a judge advocate in the United States Army, Goodell transitioned to the Army Reserves and began teaching AP government and AP U.S. history at LASA. He starts each class with a historical trivia question, which not only warms up the class and reviews previous material but also encourages his students to discuss history beyond the classroom.
"I firmly believe that my most significant accomplishment is that I deeply care about each student who walks through my door," Goddell said. "I make it my duty to get to know each of them—the shy ones, the loud ones, the often wrong but never in doubt ones. They are all so wonderful in many extraordinary ways, and because I spend my time getting to know them on a level that many of them tell me is more invested than any teacher has ever gotten to know them before, they buy in. . . . My students end up caring deeply about American history and government, which I hope leads to wonderful future outcomes for them and our country."
Former student Megan McIntosh said, "Mr. Goodell's classroom is a dynamic environment where students not only understand and apply the principles but also gain a deep understanding of their roles and responsibilities as citizens. What sets Mr. Goodell apart is his ability to connect theoretical knowledge with real-world applications, due to his unique perspective and experience in industry, ensuring that students recognize the importance of what they are learning."
Kimberly Grosenbacher, Champion High School, Boerne
On October 29, 2025, Jim Morales, legislative director for State Senator Donna Campbell; Humanities Texas Board Member Dan J. Gelo; and Humanities Texas Director of Grants Marco Buentello presented Kimberly Grosenbacher with an Outstanding Teaching of the Humanities Award during a ceremony at Champion High School in Boerne.
Grosenbacher, who is in her twenty-fourth year of teaching, currently teaches U.S. government. In her classes, she emphasizes critical thinking, empathy, and respectful conversations. Grosenbacher credits much of her teaching strategy to the James Madison Graduate Fellowship she received in 2015, which gave her the opportunity to pursue a master's degree in American history and government and to spend a month in Washington, DC, visiting historic landmarks and interacting with founding documents.
Reflecting on the significance of her Outstanding Teaching Award, Grosenbacher said, "Receiving this award has further inspired me to continue pursuing my teaching career to help even more high school students develop a deeper appreciation for our Constitution. I'm also committed to encouraging greater civic engagement and community involvement among my students."
"Each day, Kim leads with her characteristic enthusiasm, crafting curriculum that seamlessly integrates real-world events with theoretical knowledge," said Ashlie D'Spain, an academic counselor at Champion High School. "Her approach is both innovative and inclusive, ensuring that every student feels their voice matters."