Academy for Global Citizenship Teacher Honored as ‘Symetra Hero in the Classroom’

Symetra, Gallagher Benefit Services and the Chicago Bears honored Academy for Global Citizenship teacher Trey Thompson as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Sept. 19 during a classroom presentation. Chicago Bears Running Back Tarik Cohen and Bears Chairman George McCaskey were special surprise guests. Thompson teaches 5th grade at the K–8 Chicago Public Charter School, located on the city’s Southwest side.

“Trey Thompson, widely known as ‘Mr. T,’ is the epitome of what a teacher should be. I share this conviction as both a teacher myself and as the parent of two sons who have had the good fortune to find themselves in Mr. Thompson’s classroom. He is a role model for everyone at Academy for Global Citizenship, especially the boys,” said Minerva Valencia, who nominated Thompson for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.

“Mr. Thompson creates a classroom environment that goes beyond academics. He teaches students that if there's something wrong in the world, they have a voice and obligation to say and do something about it. He encourages his students to go above and beyond,” said Valencia. “Mr. Thompson is an overall great human being, truly influential and passionate about education. Parents like myself are honored to have him as our kids' teacher because there is so much he offers beyond teaching—he truly cares about our children.”

Thompson is one of 16 K–12 teachers in the Chicago area who will be honored for educational excellence in the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom program during the 2017 NFL season. Teachers are recognized in front of their students and peers at surprise in-school presentations, and they receive a $2,000 donation for classroom books and supplies. In addition, they receive tickets to a Bears home game and are acknowledged during an on-field presentation at Soldier Field. Thompson was recognized at the Sept. 24 game when the Bears took on the Pittsburgh Steelers.

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.

More information about Symetra Heroes in the Classroom is available at www.SymetraHeroes.com/Bears.

About Symetra

Symetra Financial Corporation is a diversified financial services company based in Bellevue, Washington. In business since 1957, Symetra provides employee benefits, annuities and life insurance through a national network of benefit consultants, financial institutions, and independent agents and advisors. For more information, visit www.symetra.com.