Columbia Explorers Academy Teacher Honored as ‘Symetra Hero in the Classroom’

Symetra, Gallagher Benefit Services and the Chicago Bears honored Columbia Explorers Academy teacher Stacy Delgado as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Dec. 6 during a surprise classroom presentation. Chicago Bears Chairman George McCaskey was a special guest, congratulating Delgado on her award. Delgado teaches seventh grade at the K–8 school, located in Chicago’s Brighton Park community.

“Stacy Delgado not only helps her Columbia Explorers Academy students regularly achieve some of the highest standardized test scores on the whole Southwest Side, she also develops very personal bonds with her kids,” said colleague Scott Pasieka. “Stacy frequently holds ‘closed door sessions’ with her students, during which she provides a safe space for the 40 kids in her classroom to talk about and share life experiences. This not only helps develop the bond between Stacy and her students, it also builds friendships within the class and creates an environment where not one child feels isolated.” Pasieka nominated Delgado for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.

“Stacy continues to make math students out of kids who felt they lacked the skills. She fosters an environment of academic, social and personal growth by believing in every child and never giving up on one of them,” said Pasieka. “The number of former students who regularly return to visit Stacy is a testament to the positive role model she is for her kids. Based on the feedback I receive from many of our students, it’s clear that Stacy has become a mother figure for our middle school—one who does whatever she can to help a child. She has the respect of her colleagues and students because her commitment speaks for itself.”

Delgado 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 2016 NFL season. Teachers are recognized in front of their students and peers at surprise in-school presentations, and they receive a $1,000 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. Delgado will be recognized at the Dec. 18 game when the Bears take on the Green Bay Packers.

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.