Former students and colleagues nominated Harmony School of Nature’s Laura Hunter as an Excellent Educator.

There’s one kindergarten teacher at E. Ray Elementary School in Everman who stands out above the rest.

There’s one kindergarten teacher at E. Ray Elementary School in Everman who stands out above the rest.

A former student nominated Carol Hatten as an Excellent Educator.

Shelly Thibodaux, a physical education and athletic coach at Robert T. Hill Middle School in the Dallas Independent School District, was named October’s Excellent Educator and her school received a $1,000 check from Dr. R. Gerald Turner, President of Southern Methodist University.

Have you ever had a really great teacher that you still remember years after you’ve graduated? Some of these former teachers are more than just impossible to forget — they’re famous! Check out more of these famous people who used to be teachers. Did you know about everyone on this list?

Thousands of North Texas kids went back to school this week. Adjusting to the new routine can be tough – and tiring. A veteran elementary school teacher says “there’s no tired like the first day of school tired.”

Frisco ISD is exploring the idea of providing “Brain Breaks” to more students.

More than 2,000 students at the new Waxahachie High School are finding their way around the massive campus. The new building features a performance hall, a classroom kitchen that can cook for 1,000 and a greenhouse for a horticulture program.

NBC 5 viewers shared photos of their children heading back to school. Tap the NBCDFW app to submit your photos or email them to iSee@nbcdfw.com.

Creative North Texas teachers are showing us the classrooms they’ve been preparing as students head back to school. From cactus patterns to farmhouse chic to “The Greatest Showman” theme, these are must-see classrooms. Send yours to isee@nbcdfw.com