EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — An English teacher in El Paso was honor Tuesday after earning a statewide excellence in teaching award.
According to the El Paso Independent School District, Rebecca Guerrero, from the Young Women’s STEAM Research & Preparatory Academy, earned the James F. Veninga Outstanding Teaching of the Humanities Award, which the district called the highest honor presented by Humanities Texas.
“It’s an incredible honor to bring this award to El Paso,” Guerrero said. “I think humanities are so vital in our world today. It’s where we grow our empathy muscles and I’m really grateful to be recognized for the work I do in this field.”
EPISD said the award recognizes Guerrero’s lessons, which the district said inspire students through critical thinking, creativity and cultural understanding.
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Rebecca Guerrero, from the Young Women’s STEAM Research & Preparatory Academy, earned the James F. Veninga Outstanding Teaching of the Humanities Award, which the district called the highest honor presented by Humanities Texas. Jan. 27, 2026. Credit: EPISD
Besides besting over 900 other nominees across Texas, Guerrero was given $5,000, while the school received $1,000 to buy humanities-based teaching materials.
El Paso Congresswoman Veronica Escobar presented the award to Guerrero.
WATCH:
Rebecca Guerrero, from the Young Women’s STEAM Research & Preparatory Academy, earned the James F. Veninga Outstanding Teaching of the Humanities Award, which the district called the highest honor presented by Humanities Texas. Jan. 27, 2026. Credit: EPISD
About Guerrero
Guerrero teaches high school English at Young Women’s STEAM Academy, where her teaching approach is said to have a lasting impact on students and colleagues.
The district said Guerrero’s work emphasizes project-based learning, collaborative research, and meaningful connections between academic study and real-world issues.
Guerrero has also played a role in developing the campus’s capstone program with a women and gender studies focus, expanding opportunities for students to engage deeply with history, literature, and social inquiry.
Rebecca Guerrero, from the Young Women’s STEAM Research & Preparatory Academy, earned the James F. Veninga Outstanding Teaching of the Humanities Award, which the district called the highest honor presented by Humanities Texas. Jan. 27, 2026. Credit: EPISD
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