(Correction: Because of incorrect information provided to The Tribune by South Bend schools, an earlier version of this story mistakenly said Beckie Hernandez has taught all levels of Spanish at Adams. Due to an error by the reporter, the story also said Hernandez serves as the school’s International Baccalaureate Program Coordinator. The Tribune regrets the errors.)
SOUTH BEND — South Bend schools has named Beckie Hernandez as the district’s 2026 Teacher of the Year.
Hernandez, a Spanish teacher at John Adams High School, was recognized during SBCSC’s 47th annual Teacher of the Year Celebration on Thursday, April 23. According to a press release from the district, Hernandez brings 19 years of teaching experience and has taught at Adams for the past 14 years.
Hernandez told The Tribune that she has taught nine of the 12 levels of Spanish offered at Adams. SBCSC said she has also served as the school’s International Baccalaureate Program Coordinator.
SBCSC also recognized Melissa Scott, a 6th-grade science teacher at LaSalle Academy, as the District Runner-Up.
This year, SBCSC says, 27 School Teachers of the Year were recognized across the district, with 10 selected to the Special Honors Group as finalists. Hernandez and Scott were chosen from that group.
“Great schools are built by great teachers, and tonight we celebrate the very best of our profession,” Superintendent Mansour Eid said in the press release. “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.”
Email South Bend Tribune education reporter Rayleigh Deaton at rdeaton@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: South Bend schools names Adams HS teacher 2026 Teacher of the Year
Reporting by Rayleigh Deaton, South Bend Tribune / South Bend Tribune
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