Joe Parthemore, a fifth-grade math and science teacher at Cannon Elementary, has been named one of five finalists for the 2019 H-E-B Excellence in Education Rising Star Award. The award is given annually and recognizes exceptionally promising teachers with less than 10 years of experience who go the extra mile each and every day to serve their students and their communities.
As a finalist, Parthemore received a $1,000 check to use in his classroom, as well as a $1,000 grant for his school. The statewide winner will be announced at the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards ceremony in early May in Austin. The winner will receive a $5,000 check to use in their classroom, as well as a $5,000 grant for their school.
The honor is not the first for Parthemore this year. He was the Region 11 Teacher of the Year, as well as one of six finalists for Texas Teacher of the Year.
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. This is the 18th year of the program.