Reed Elementary School teacher JoLisa Hoover received a surprise visit from the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards team announcing her status as a Lifetime Achievement Elementary finalist.
Hoover was teaching her fourth-grade class just like any other day until, in through the door, walked H-E-B representatives holding a big red check, balloons, and flowers. Her students gathered around her proudly cheering on their teacher as they heard the exciting news. Also, joining in the celebration were her parents, principal, and LISD administrators.
The Lifetime Achievement Award salutes teachers with more than 20 years of experience. As a finalist, Hoover received a $1,000 check for herself and $1,000 for her school. She is now in the running to win the state award of $25,000 for herself and a $25,000 grant for her school.
The recipients of the state award will be announced during a special ceremony held in Austin on May 4-5.
This is the third time Hoover receives honors in the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards. In 2013, she was a Statewide Semi-Finalist for the 2013 H-E-B Excellence in Education Lifetime Achievement Award and was named the 2005 Houston regional winner of the H-E-B Excellence in Education Award in the leadership category for elementary school teachers.
H-E-B launched the Excellence in Education Awards program in cooperation with the Texas Association of School Administrators in 2002 as a positive way to support public education in Texas. It has become the largest monetary program for educators in the state, spotlighting best practices and celebrating the passion and creativity of Texas educators.
