SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Heidi Daren is a special education teacher at Riley High School and was recently named the 2025 Teacher of the Year.

The event recognizes 28 nominees selected by their peers and Daren was chosen as the district's top educator by a panel of evaluators and other retired and current teachers.

As the SBCSC Teacher of the Year, Heidi will receive a $2,500 Professional Growth Grant from the South Bend Education Foundation and will serve as a candidate for the 2024-25 Indiana Teacher of the Year.

She has made significant contributions to her school including founding the Best Buddies Internatinal Chapter and introducing a therapy dog named Milo to support her students. Her efforts have also increased the participation of students with disabilities in general education classes and extracurricular activities