Harris County Department of Education’s Adult Education program won 2 of 3 statewide employee of the year awards at the annual Texas Association for Literacy and Adult Education (TALAE) in February.

Hyo Sung Kwon was named the association’s 2026 Texas Adult Education Teacher of the Year, and Raul Truan was named the 2026 Texas Adult Education Support Person of the Year. With their colleagues on hand to celebrate them, Kwon and Truan were surprised with the top honors at the annual awards dinner.

Kwon, an 18-year educator, has a 93 percent student retention rate in her classes. In a support letter, division Senior Director Dr. Eduardo Honold said Kwon’s “ability to adapt to the diverse needs of adult learners while maintaining high standards of instruction is truly commendable.”

Truan, a program assistant for 10-plus years, is credited with transforming Foundry Church in northwest Houston into a vibrant hub for adult education, including high school equivalency and ESL classes. Honold said Truan’s “commitment goes far beyond the typical responsibilities of his role.”

Having two staff members recognized for their outstanding service at the state level highlights how HCDE’s Adult Education division is blazing a trail by through These wins highlight how the Adult Education division is providing life-changing opportunities to Harris County learners every day.