Two Catholic school educators win 2025 Kinder Excellence in Teaching Awards

HOUSTON — Twelve Houston-area school teachers were recently honored with the annual Kinder Excellence in Teaching Award (KETA) and a gift of $30,000 each from Kinder Foundation. Among them were two educators from a pair of Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese.
A total of $360,000 was granted to 12 teachers from the following schools: Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Galveston–Houston; KIPP Texas Public Schools – Houston; Teach For America Houston; and YES Prep Public Schools. 

The 2025 Kinder Excellence in Teaching Award winners from Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Galveston – Houston are: Charlotte Gutierrez, a third-grade classroom teacher at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic School in Houston; and Jacob Hernandez, an 11th-grade AP English Language Arts and 12th-grade English IV teacher at Cristo Rey Jesuit College Preparatory School of Houston. 

The pair of announcements came at two separate school gatherings at their respective campuses.

Recipients were nominated by their school’s leadership, have taught at the same network or school for at least three years, are positive motivators to students and faculty, and have led students to measurable academic growth.

“The Kinder Excellence in Teaching Awards shine a spotlight on outstanding Houston educators who dedicate their time and talent to their students, classroom and school community,” said Nancy Kinder, president and CEO of Kinder Foundation. “This year’s 12 honorees will undoubtedly continue to inspire and empower their students and colleagues to reach their full potential.”

Since 2001, KETA has granted over $5.3 million to 323 teachers. The award has a transformational impact on the lives of the educators who earn it. In the past, teachers have used the award money in various ways to help improve the quality of life for themselves, their families, their students and their communities.

KETA was established in honor of Edna C. Kinder, the mother of Kinder Foundation Chairman Rich Kinder, who spent many years teaching special education in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

The Kinder Foundation, a family foundation established in 1997 by Rich and Nancy Kinder of Houston, provides transformational grants that impact urban green space, education and quality of life. Learn more at www.kinderfoundation.org.