Celebrating the Teachers Who Make a Difference Every Day
A caring teacher’s influence ripples through an entire community. A dedicated teacher changes lives one student at a time and leaves a legacy that lasts for generations.
Ricky, Jill, and Ben have many educators in their families and know how much our (often under-appreciated) East Texas teachers pour into their kids each day. To honor them, Richards, Penn, Bonner created the Outstanding Teacher Award to publicly recognize East Texas educators who make such a difference every day.
This is our first year and we plan to continue this as long as we can do so. Each year, members of the community are invited to nominate exceptional classroom teachers serving participating school districts.
Selected recipients receive a $250 classroom award, and every nominated teacher receives a certificate recognizing their dedication to students and their community.
Recognizing the Teachers Who Go Above and Beyond
Great teaching isn’t just about delivering lessons. It’s about showing up for students in ways that often go unseen.
It’s the teacher who stays after the bell to re-explain a difficult concept, the one who notices when a student is struggling before anyone else does, and the educator who builds a classroom where every child feels capable, valued, and heard.
When reviewing nominations, we'll consider qualities such as:
- Positive impact on students
- Dedication to academic excellence
- Leadership within the district
- Service to the community
- Years of teaching experience
- Thoughtful nominations from students, parents, colleagues, and community members
Every nomination helps us recognize the incredible work teachers perform each day.
Who Can Be Nominated?
Teachers are eligible if they
- Teach in a participating school district
- Have responsibility for their own classroom or student group
At this time, nominations are open for teachers serving
- Bullard ISD
- Jacksonville ISD
- Alto ISD
- Rusk ISD
- Palestine ISD
- Westwood ISD
- Athens ISD
- Malakoff ISD
- LaPoynor ISD
(or do we go by County? Cherokee, Rusk, Henderson, Houston, Anderson, Leon, Freestone
Substitute teachers, paraprofessionals, and teaching aides are not eligible for this award.
How the Nomination Process Works
Submit Your Nomination
Complete the nomination form below and tell us why your teacher deserves recognition.
Every Submission Is Reviewed
Our team reviews every nomination carefully while considering the teacher's impact, community involvement, years of service, and the quality and number of nominations received.
Award Recipients Are Selected
Selected teachers receive a $250 classroom award, and every nominated teacher receives an official certificate from Richards, Penn, Bonner recognizing their contribution to education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can submit a nomination?
Anyone may nominate an eligible teacher, including students, parents, coworkers, administrators, and community members. The only exception is that direct family members of teachers may not nominate their direct family member.
Can I nominate more than one teacher?
Yes. You are welcome to submit nominations for multiple eligible teachers.
Can a teacher receive multiple nominations?
Absolutely. Multiple nominations may be considered during the selection process.
How many teachers will receive awards?
The number of recipients may vary each year depending on the nomination pool.
Is this an annual award?
Yes. Richards, Penn, Bonner plans to recognize outstanding teachers every year through the Outstanding Teacher Award.