South Bend Schools Honors Top Educators, Names 2026 Teacher of the Year

Home » Sports » High Schools » South Bend Schools Honors Top Educators, Names 2026 Teacher of the Year South Bend Schools Honors Top Educators, Names 2026 Teacher of the Year By: South Bend Community School Corporation Last Updated: April 24, 2026 The South Bend Community School Corporation recognized its top educators Thursday evening during the 47th Annual Teacher of the Year Celebration, held at Edison K-8 School. Beckie Hernandez, a Spanish teacher at John Adams High School, was named the 2026 District Teacher of the Year. Hernandez brings 19 years of teaching experience, including the past 14 years at Adams, where she has taught all levels of Spanish and served as the school’s International Baccalaureate Program Coordinator. Melissa Scott, a 6th grade science teacher at LaSalle Academy, was named District Runner-Up. The annual event brought together educators, families, and community members to celebrate excellence in teaching across South Bend schools. This year, 27 School Teachers of the Year were recognized across the district, with 10 selected to the Special Honors Group as finalists. The District Teacher of the Year and Runner-Up were chosen from that group. New this year, the district introduced a Rookie of the Year recognition, highlighting early-career educators who are already making a strong impact in their classrooms. “Great schools are built by great teachers, and tonight we celebrate the very best of our profession,” said Superintendent Mansour Eid. “Congratulations to Beckie Hernandez and to all of this year’s honorees. Each of you represents the dedication, care, and commitment to students that we see in classrooms across our district every day.” The recognition reflects the impact educators are making every day in classrooms across South Bend.