At Sunday's game against the Bills, the Saints and Chevron honored Marsha Hebert as the Teacher of the Week. Hebert is an all-inclusive second-grade teacher at Arabi Elementary in St. Bernard Parish.

"I knew I wanted to be a teacher. I was influenced by my high school teacher that I had, Ms. Kim. She was my English teacher and I wanted to be like her," Hebert said. "I eventually got married and had three children, but I continued my education after having kids and I went into teaching in my 30s. I've enjoyed 28 years of teaching. The main thing I love about teaching is the children. The children are everything. Seeing them grow and learn and being inspired is such a joy. I don't even think of it as work. It's something I love to do every day."

A Chalmette native, Hebert earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Our Lady of Holy Cross College. Following Hurricane Katrina, she spent six years teaching in Lafayette Parish before returning to St. Bernard Parish, where her district was recently rated A by the State of Louisiana. 

Upon receiving the news about being honored as Teacher of the Week, Hebert told her students who were equally excited.

"They're so proud and it was so wonderful that the Saints came and filmed my classroom," she said. "They were so excited – and of course, on best behavior. When I told them they'd be on the big screen at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, they were just thrilled and cheering. They were so excited."

At each home game, the Saints and Chevron honor a teacher from schools across the state for their commitment to the development and education of our children. Hebert said she is appreciative of the gesture.

"I think this is a great thing – teachers know they're appreciated, but sometimes it's nice to hear it. To hear it from two organizations who are great leaders in New Orleans," she said. "It's a wonderful experience and I'm so honored to be here representing the teachers and staff I work with at Arabi Elementary day in and day out.