Three Round Rock ISD teachers were chosen as finalists in the 22nd annual H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards program.

In being named finalists, Denise Johnson at Blackland Prairie Elementary, Stephanie Stoebe at Teravista Elementary, and Ann Nguyen at Round Rock High School all received $1,000 for themselves and $1,000 for their school from H-E-B early last week.

Johnson said being selected as a finalist means the world to her.

“For the past 28 years, I have worked with many amazing people and taught some truly amazing students,” Johnson said. “This is definitely not an easy job, but receiving this nomination just proves to me that I am in the right career and what I am doing is making a difference to someone.”

She is a finalist in the Lifetime Achievement Elementary category.

Stoebe was named a finalist in the Leadership Elementary category. She said she feels inspired by the selection and wants to continue motivating others through advocacy and mentorship.

“Teachers need to find their voice so our elected officials and policymakers make informed decisions for the good of all Texas students and teachers,” Stoebe said. “It is also imperative that the generation of teachers in the classroom right now help mentor the next generation.”

Stoebe accomplishes this herself by mentoring a high school intern from Stony Point High School and a student teacher from Texas State University. This is her second time being selected as a finalist in this category.

Nguyen said receiving recognition from H-E-B was overwhelmingly validating for her.

“Receiving this recognition reaffirms what I attempt to do in my classroom on a daily basis—center curiosity and cultivate community,” Nguyen said. “Initially, when applying for this award, I was stepping outside my comfort zone. Ethnic studies classes like Asian American Studies can be liberating spaces as they create a greater sense of belonging, so taking inspiration from my students, who have committed themselves to help pilot this course, I knew that I needed to shed light on this class and the community who have helped foster it.”

Nguyen said she feels motivated to curiously step into new territories and expand her community without fear. She is a finalist in the Rising Star Secondary category.

Winners will be announced on Sunday, May 5.