Richard J. Oglesby Elementary School Teacher Honored as ‘Symetra Hero in the Classroom’

Symetra, Gallagher Benefit Services and the Chicago Bears honored Richard J. Oglesby Elementary School teacher Daoruang Promlee-Benz as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Aug. 29. Chicago Bears Chairman George McCaskey participated in the surprise presentation to Mrs. Benz, a Montessori teacher at the K–8 school located in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood.

“Mrs. Benz is one of the most patient and caring teachers I have ever had the pleasure to work with. Often at school from first thing in the morning until well into the evening, she works hard to build a warm, welcoming environment in her classroom,” said Kimberly Henderson, principal at Richard J. Oglesby. “Mrs. Benz recently started a class ‘bank’ for her students, which helps students learn concepts like the value of saving and importance of hard work. In return for class ‘jobs’ performed each month, she pays them out of her own pocket. Students visit the class bank monthly to withdraw their money and then go to the class store Mrs. Benz has set up and stocked with items she’s purchased from the dollar store.” Henderson nominated Promlee-Benz for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.

“Our school is in the heart of Englewood, which is not an easy place to teach, but Mrs. Benz does so each day with love for our students and for her colleagues. I cannot recommend anyone more deserving!”

Promlee-Benz 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. Promlee-Benz will be recognized at the Sept. 10 game when the Bears take on the Atlanta Falcons.

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.