Excellence in Teaching Awards

The Kinder Excellence in Teaching Awards (KETA) was established in 1996 in honor of Rich Kinder’s mother, Edna C. Kinder, who taught special education students for many years in Cape Girardeau, MO.

The program recognizes innovative and results-oriented teaching and raises public awareness of the importance of effective and committed teachers. Concentrating on the Houston area, $1.8 million has been awarded since 2009 to 114 outstanding teachers in the KIPP, Yes Prep, Teach for America, and Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.

Honorees and guests gather annually and recipients share testimonials on the impact of their awards. Olvin Carias, a 2014 winner, used a portion of his gift to send his students to the National Math Competition in Salt Lake City. Another past winner, Amanda Rawlings, said she used her gift toward filling her home with kid-friendly furniture, buying new clothes, and starting college funds for her two newly adopted sons.

The KETA award winners are recognized annually in the fall.

Supporting hard working educators and the positive impact they have on our children.