Leo High School Teacher Honored as ‘Symetra Hero in the Classroom’

Symetra, Gallagher Benefit Services and the Chicago Bears honored Leo High School teacher Dulcinea Garcia as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Dec. 7 during a school assembly at which Chicago Bears Chairman George McCaskey was a surprise presenter. Garcia is a Spanish instructor at the high school located in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood.

“With her uplifting manner and positive energy, Ms. Garcia is the perfect fit for the title of ‘Symetra Hero,’” said Leo High School student Christian Armstrong. “No matter the situation, Ms. Garcia is bright, optimistic and burning with passion for the job she sacrifices so much for. Whether it’s spending her free time helping a struggling student or paying for equipment with her own money, the dedication and sheer willpower she brings to school all day, every day is inspiring.” Armstrong nominated Garcia for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.

“Ms. Garcia understands that learning a new language can be quite a difficult wall to overcome, no matter who you are. She cleverly uses her own experience with the English language to connect with her students and help facilitate their understanding of the Spanish material. Her style of teaching is fresh and innovative, and she gives us neat little tricks and tips to better memorize the material along the way,” added Armstrong.

Garcia 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. Garcia 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.