Symetra, Chicago Bears Honor Greenbrier Elementary Teacher

Symetra, Gallagher Benefit Services and the Chicago Bears honored Greenbrier Elementary School teacher Allison Duffer as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Nov. 6, 2019 during a special classroom presentation. Duffer teaches third grade at the Pre-K–5 school in Arlington Heights.

“Allison Duffer is no less than amazing. Not only does she pride herself on the learning her students do daily, she also makes their social-emotional learning a priority. When students struggle, she gets to the core of their needs and supports their growth both academically and socially. When students excel, she figures out a way to help them go further,” said Erin Kranz, whose daughter is one of Mrs. Duffer’s former students. “Mrs. Duffer encourages family involvement and prioritizes collaboration as part of the educational experience. She values her students as members of her ‘family,’ and they grow exponentially in the year they have Mrs. Duffer as their teacher. Her love for them and her job is evident in everything she does.”

Duffer is one of 16 K–12 teachers in the Chicago area who will be honored for educational excellence through the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® program during the 2019 NFL season. Teachers are recognized in front of their students and peers at surprise in-school presentations, and they receive a $2,000 donation from Symetra for classroom books and supplies. In addition, they receive tickets to a Bears home game, enjoy a pre-game sideline experience and are acknowledged during on-field screened presentations at Soldier Field. Duffer was recognized at the Nov. 10 game, when the Bears took on the Detroit Lions.

Teachers may be nominated by their principal, district staff, student or student’s parent. The winners are selected based on their ability to make a real difference in students' lives; to go above and beyond in their day-to-day responsibilities; and to help students build life skills.

About Symetra Heroes in the Classroom®

Since 2006, Symetra Heroes in the Classroom has honored over 600 K–12 teachers nationwide for educational excellence during the NFL regular season, and Symetra has contributed more than $1M for schoolbooks, equipment and programming. The teacher-recognition program has celebrated over 150 Chicago-area educators since 2010.

Each of the 16 Chicago-area schools with a 2019 teacher-Hero will be eligible to participate in the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom MVP Award, a $20,000 education grant in support of innovative student programming. Proposals will go out to eligible schools in early 2020 and the winning submission will be announced at a springtime event at the PNC Center at Halas Hall for the 2019 Heroes, their principals and school district leadership.

For more information about the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom program or to nominate a teacher, visit www.SymetraHeroes.com/Bears.