A Robinson Elementary School teacher is the recipient of the prestigious Kinder Excellence in Teaching Award.

Johanna Heegeman, a 4th grade teacher at Robinson, was surprised with the award at the elementary school last week. The award also comes with a $25,000 prize.

The Kinder Awards recognize “innovative and results-oriented teaching” for educators across the Houston region, with a goal of raising awareness of the hard work and dedication of teachers.

Award winners are nominated by their principals, and the award is a surprise for each recipient.

Over $3.7 million in grants have been awarded to more than 250 teachers since the program was established in 2001, and includes all schools both private and public in the Houston area.

The honorees, including Heegeman, will be honored at a banquet in the fall.