Four outstanding Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) teachers were recently recognized for making lasting impacts to learners, joining others across the region highlighted as top educators this week.

The star teachers, who work at HCDE’s four special schools, were recognized with hundreds of other educators at the Houston Area Alliance of Black School Educators (HAABSE) 39th Annual Outstanding Teacher Awards and Recognition Ceremony on Feb. 12. Each was nominated by their respective campus principal and selected for work done to impact students in their communities.

HCDE’s 2026 were: Christina Aggison (Academic and Behavior School West), Zachary Bradford (Fortis Academy), Jim Vela (ABS East) and Chelsea Bryant (Highpoint School East).