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There is a distinct standard of excellence within the halls of KIPP Connect Houston Primary, and this week, that commitment was recognized on a national stage.
In celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week, the KIPP Foundation announced that first-grade STEM teacher Luis Trejo has been named a recipient of the 2026 Harriett Ball Excellence in Teaching Award. This prestigious honor, which includes a $10,000 prize, is awarded to educators who demonstrate a transformative impact on student outcomes and a profound dedication to their craft.
Out of a network of more than 8,000 Kindergarten through Grade 12 educators, Mr. Trejo was one of only 10 selected. Here is how his leadership is shaping the future of STEM education in Houston.
Proven Track Record of Academic Excellence
While Mr. Trejo is celebrated for his vibrant engagement strategies, his recognition is firmly rooted in data-driven academic achievement. He approaches the classroom with the precision of a scientist and the heart of a mentor, ensuring that every lesson translates into measurable success. Under his instruction, student performance has reached exceptional levels through a focused, multi-tiered approach.
- Exceptional Math Growth: This academic year, more than 90% of his students successfully met their individualized math growth targets, proving that high expectations lead to remarkable results.
- Systemic Impact: Mr. Trejo’s influence extends far beyond his own classrooms. As Math Department Lead, he facilitated measurable growth across all six first-grade classrooms, as evidenced by mid-year iReady assessments.
- Instructional Leadership: A true teacher of teachers, Mr. Trejo actively elevates the teaching standards of the entire campus, serving as a Grade Level Chair and Instructional Coach to mentor his peers and refine the school’s collective approach to STEM.
“Mr. Trejo embodies the heart of our mission at KIPP Texas, where academic excellence and joyful learning go hand-in-hand. By fostering a culture where students feel safe to take risks and embrace challenges, he transforms math from a subject into a daily adventure. It is no surprise that his students return home inspired; he doesn’t just teach them to solve problems—he empowers them with the confidence to navigate the world on their own.” — Adam J. Kutac, School Leader for KIPP Connect Primary
Deep Roots in the Houston Community
For Mr. Trejo, instructional excellence is more than a professional goal; it is a personal mission. As an 11-year veteran of KIPP Texas who was raised in the same Houston community he now serves, he brings a deep level of cultural competency and shared experience to his classroom.
His journey from local student to national award-winner serves as a powerful testament to KIPP Texas’ goal of closing the opportunity gap. By maintaining rigorous academic standards while fostering a joyful learning environment, he proves every day that community-centered leadership is the key to unlocking the limitless potential of our students.
A Distinguished Cohort of Harriett Ball Honorees
The Harriett Ball Excellence in Teaching Award commemorates the legacy of a visionary educator whose innovative methods, which integrated movement and rhythm into rigorous instruction, laid the foundation for the KIPP network.
KIPP Connect Primary continues to distinguish itself as a premier center for professional development and instructional mastery. With Mr. Trejo’s induction, the campus now features four Harriett Ball Award honorees on its current faculty. This is a rare concentration of nationally recognized talent that speaks to the school’s culture of excellence.
KIPP Connect Primary’s Harriett Ball Award Recipients:
- James Blaylock (2011)
- Miguel Fernandez (2023)
- Chasitee Letts (2025)
- Luis Trejo (2026)
Congratulations to Mr. Luis Trejo on this significant professional achievement and for his unwavering dedication to the
Watch the video here to see Luis Trejo’s impact in action at KIPP Connect Primary.
