Decatur Classical School Teacher Honored as ‘Symetra Hero in the Classroom’

Symetra, Gallagher Benefit Services and the Chicago Bears honored Decatur Classical School teacher Marianne Sharping as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Oct. 18th during a surprise classroom presentation. Sharping is a sixth-grade instructor at the K–6 school, located in Chicago’s West Ridge neighborhood.

“Marianne Sharping is a dedicated and innovative Chicago Public School teacher. She is always creating unique and captivating lessons to truly engage her students. Her goal is not only to make students critical thinkers and problem-solvers, but also to help develop each child’s character and ethos,” said Beth Allegretti, a former teaching colleague. “Marianne has an enormous capacity for compassion, helping students get through their most difficult times. Her energy and engaging smile make her classroom glow. To help her students achieve, she devotes endless hours outside of the school day as well as her own money to buy needed materials. It was an honor to work alongside such an extraordinary educator—and it was an honor to have her as my own student many years ago!”

Allegretti nominated Sharping for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.

Sharping 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. Sharping will be recognized at the Oct. 31 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.

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.