Heidi Daren is a 2025-2026 Teach Plus Indiana Policy Fellow and special education teacher at Riley High School in South Bend, Indiana. She has led initiatives that have increased inclusive practices and founded her school’s Best Buddies International chapter, which fosters friendships and leadership development between students with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities. Heidi introduced Milo, a certified therapy dog, to the school community. She was named Harrison Primary School Teacher of the Year (2018), Riley High School Teacher of the Year (2025), and South Bend Community School Corporation’s District Teacher of the Year (2025). Heidi is a National Board Certified teacher and has taught every grade K-12. She earned her BA in liberal arts from Indiana University, Alternative Teacher Certification from Texas Teachers of Tomorrow, MA in curriculum and instruction, and is currently an EdD candidate at South College.
