Riverside Elementary School fourth-grade dual language teacher Gladis Hinojos is among only five teachers nationwide to win the Rack Room Shoes Gives 2025 Teacher of the Year contest, a nationwide recognition that celebrates educators making a lasting difference in students’ lives.
The contest invited nominations from across the U.S., to nominate teachers who have made a meaningful impact in their lives. After the nomination phase, a public voting period determined the final winners – and thanks to an outpouring of support from students, families, and the Riverside community, Ms. Hinojos earned one of the highest vote totals in the country!
To celebrate her dedication, Rack Room Shoes officials held a special recognition ceremony at Riverside Elementary School on May 7, where Ms. Hinojos was awarded a $500 Rack Room Shoes gift card and her campus won a $10,000 technology grant.
This is the second Teacher of the Year honor that Ms. Hinojos has won this month – at Ysleta ISD’s annual Support Employee & Teacher of the Year gala on May 2, she was named the Ysleta ISD 2025-26 Elementary Teacher of the Year. As the district’s top winner, she now advances to the Region 19 Teacher of the Year competition.
Congratulations, Ms. Hinojos, and thank you for inspiring excellence in and beyond the classroom!
CONNECT WITH US
