Abilene High School teacher Leslie Swanson wasn’t sure what was happening the morning of Tuesday, March 5, when her classroom was visited by local representatives from H-E-B, along with the grocery store chain mascot, H-E-Buddy.

She soon learned she had been selected as a North Texas area Teacher of the Year finalist in the H-E-B Excellence in Education competition. Swanson, a Special Programs and English teacher, received a check for $1,000, and AHS also received a check for $1,000.

Created in 2002, the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards are designed to honor outstanding public school professionals and thank them for their dedication and commitment. 

“I was shocked and excited to be named a finalist out of almost 2,000  nominations for the H-E-B Excellence in Education Award,” said Swanson, a Special Education teacher in Practical Academics for math and science. “Teaching is my passion, so being recognized is a bonus. We have so many people in Abilene ISD who are amazing teachers, and any one of them could easily be in this position. Winning the final award would be a huge blessing personally, but also for the Abilene High campus.”

Since the program’s inception in 2002, H-E-B has awarded more than $13 million in funding to outstanding Texas teachers, principals, public schools and public school districts, school boards, and early childhood facilities. 

Now Swanson joins 47 other teacher finalists in competing for the organization’s Teacher of the Year Award and the prize that goes with the honor. The longer one of the finalists has been a teacher, the more they can win. 

Rising Star teachers (less than 10 years of service) can win $5,000 for themselves and $5,000 for their school. Leadership teachers (10-20 years of experience) can win $10,000 for themselves and $10,000 for their school. Lifetime Achievement teachers (20 years or more) can win $25,000 for themselves and $25,000 for their school. Eight individual winners are awarded up to $10,000 for themselves and $25,000 for their school. The statewide winners will be announced at the Marriott Marquis in Houston on May 5.

“Leslie is a lifelong learner who is always looking for the best practices to improve instruction for her students,” AHS principal Emme Siburt said. “She is willing to do whatever it takes to ensure that her students are successful.”

For Swanson – now in her 11th year of teaching – the award reflects her teaching style and the love she has for her job. 

“Teaching has not been just a job for me; it’s my passion,” she said. “I believe that success in education should be evaluated holistically, considering qualitative factors such as creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and personal growth. Beyond measurable outcomes, I strive to create an environment where students feel valued, supported, and motivated to achieve their full potential. 

“Student success is not based solely on test scores or grades, but rather on the growth and progress I see in my students,” she said. “I measure success by how well they can apply what they have learned in real-life situations, how they develop their problem-solving skills, and how they build positive relationships with others in their community. When I see my students actively engaged in the learning process, asking questions, and finding joy in the classroom, I consider that a significant measure of success.”