Two local teachers selected as finalists for the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards

BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) – H-E-B selected both a Bryan and College Station teacher who went the extra mile for their students in 2023.

Paula Martinez, a 2nd-grade teacher at South Knoll Elementary School in College Station, and Christi Byerly, a 1st-grade teacher at Mary Branch Elementary School in Bryan, were recognized as finalists for H-E-B’s 2024 Excellence in Education Awards.

H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards are given to public school professionals to thank them for their dedication and commitment.

“This program is all about recognizing the great things that are going on in public schools and awarding teachers and educators for going above and beyond and what they’re doing in their classroom to reach their students and help their students,” said Jill Reynolds, the Public Affairs Manager wit H-E-B.

All finalists receive $1,000 for themselves and $1,000 for the school they teach at.

The finalists then go on to compete in their category in the 2024 state-wide competition for the chance to win even more money.

Paula Martinez has been teaching in College Station for eight years.

Martinez says teaching her second graders is a true joy and her students are the reason she keeps going. She says her teachers instilled confidence in her from a young age and she only hopes she can pass it down to her second-grade students.

When she found out she won the award, she was shocked.

“Knowing that other people were able to see my dedication and my joy for my kids, that means the world to me,” said Martinez.

The principal of South Knoll Elementary in College Station had nothing but great things to say about Paula.

“She has an exceptional gift for building relationships with kids and as their teacher. She can figure out exactly what they need, and then that relationship piece, she sees them as individuals and knows how to feed into their academic and social needs, so she’s absolutely incredible,” said Laura Richter, Principal at South Knoll Elementary.

Christi Byerly has been teaching for 31 years, 23 of those in Bryan.

Her reaction was priceless when she was surprised with a $1,000 check from H-E-B.

Christi says even though she may be the teacher, she loves to learn from her kids.

“I love what I do. I am so passionate about growing children and helping them to be great people in our community,” said Byerly.

The principal of Branch Elementary says Christi puts a lot of effort into nurturing her kids.

“Our kiddos love to be in her class. Sometimes, because she’s so good and caring, and just creates a very nurturing environment, her previous kiddos come back and it’s one of those things where we’re like ‘Okay, go back to your classroom, go to your classroom,’” said Amy Lively, the principal at Mary Branch Elementary.

Reynolds says both ladies are so deserving of being selected as finalists for the Excellence in Education Awards.

“The job they do is so important so we want to recognize them and thank them for doing such a great job,” said Reynolds.