Clemente Elementary Teacher Named ‘Symetra Hero in the Classroom’

Symetra, Gallagher Benefit Services and the Chicago Bears honored Acero-Clemente Elementary School teacher Heather Ougormad as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Nov. 8th during a school presentation. Ougormad is a 5th-grade teacher and math lead at the K–8 charter school, located in Chicago’s Galewood community.

“Heather Ougormad is a dedicated 5th-grade teacher who has high expectations for all of her students, who are encouraged to think deeper and make connections across content areas,” said Clemente colleague Maria Freeman. “Passionate about teaching the whole student, Heather begins each morning by offering her students ‘a handshake, a hug, or a high five’—and a smile. This ritual is followed by a morning meeting where students are encouraged to share their feelings and opinions. Heather believes in meeting students at their levels and so spends much of her day teaching in small groups to ensure she is reaching each and every one of her 31 students.”

“Heather loves teaching. She goes to work every day with a smile, open mind and fresh ideas. Her passion for her students and the material she covers is contagious,” said former teaching colleague Jim Schnura. “Heather is always trying to be a better teacher and a leader for other teachers. She recently finished her master’s degree in math and obtained her endorsements for bilingual education and English as a second language. She is a great mentor to new staff and as well as students from previous years. She arrives early and stays late to ensure that her students are receiving the best education possible.”

Freeman and Schnura were among those who nominated Ougormad for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.

Ougormad 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 2018 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. Ougormad will be recognized at the Nov. 18 game, when the Bears take on the Minnesota Vikings.

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 570 K–12 teachers nationwide for educational excellence during the NFL regular season, and Symetra has contributed nearly $950,000 for school books, equipment and programming. The teacher-recognition program has celebrated more than 130 Chicago-area educators since 2010.

Each of the 16 Chicago-area schools with a 2018 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 2019 and the winning submission will be announced at a springtime event at the PNC Center at Halas Hall for the 2018 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.

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.