Teacher Appreciation Week
Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week with us! To show our gratitude, we’re giving one lucky educator the chance to win an exciting shopping spree at Lakeshore Learning. The winner will have one minute to fill a shopping cart with anything they want - yes, anything! To enter, you must be a teacher or educator working in a Texas school district, and only one entry per person is allowed. Entries are open from May 4th through May 10th, 2025, so don’t miss out. Click the button below to submit your entry.
Appreciated Teacher Awards
As a teacher’s credit union, we proudly recognize outstanding educators across Texas through our Appreciated Teacher Awards. Since 2012, this annual program has celebrated dedicated teachers who make a difference in their communities. Each year during Teacher Appreciation Week, one finalist receives a $2,500 grand prize, and three others receive $500 honorariums.
2026 Appreciated Teacher Winner
This year we received 193 nominations from over 39 school districts across Texas for our 2026 Appreciated Teacher Awards. From these nominations, our award committee selected four outstanding finalists, and the public had the opportunity to vote for their favorite.
We’re thrilled to announce that Racquel Edwards has been named GCEFCU’s 2026 Appreciated Teacher of the Year, earning 749 of the 1,517 total votes. Congratulations, Racquel, and thank you to all who participated in celebrating the incredible educators who inspire our communities every day!
Past Appreciated Teacher Finalists
2026 Appreciated Teachers
Raqcuel Edwards - Sheldon ISD
Shelby Zeka - La Porte ISD
Natalia Gonzales - Goose Creek ISD
Jillian Elolf - Humble ISD
2025 Appreciated Teachers
Erin Menotti (Winner) – Dickinson ISD
Orlando Oliver – Barbers Hill ISD
Lisa Russell – Pasadena ISD
Renesha Hamilton – Sheldon ISD
2024 Appreciated Teachers
Arissa Hayden (Winner) – Sheldon ISD
Paola Beltran Leon – Humble ISD
Amberlee Whitted – Cleveland ISD
Cynthia Bustamante Ramirez – Spring ISD
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Lakeshore Learning Shopping Spree: One winner will be selected to win a Lakeshore Shopping Spree up to $1,500. Winner will have 1 minute for their shopping spree at Lakeshore Learning. Submissions for this giveaway will be accepted for a limited time from May 4, 2026 through May 10, 2026 at 11:59 PM. Educators can enter via GCEFCU’s website, Instagram, X, or Facebook pages. One winner will be selected at random and contacted via email or phone on Monday, May 11, 2026. Must be a Texas school district teacher to enter. GCEFCU reserves the right to cancel this promotion at any time for any reason. This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or affiliated with any third parties.