Terri Hebert, associate professor of elementary science education at IU South Bend, is the 2024 recipient of the Distinguished Award for Outstanding College Science Teaching from the Hoosier Association of Science Teachers.

Terri Hebert. Photo by Indiana University The honor is awarded to an outstanding college science teacher who exhibits a passion for innovative science teaching.

Hebert has taught science methods courses in the teacher preparation program at IU South Bend since 2012 and embodies the concept of community-engaged learning. She builds relationships with local organizations to support opportunities for place-based teaching and learning within science education. Her classroom goes beyond the traditional four walls via educational outings to places like the local zoo, county parks and the St. Joseph River.

Grants she authored, such as the long-running Earth Day, Every Day series, were structured to support not only pre-service educators but also South Bend Community School Corp. middle grades teachers.

Hebert was also at the forefront of the South Bend Community School Corp. Federal Teacher Quality Partnership grant that led to a yearlong residency program and STEM focused master’s degree designed specifically for new teachers.