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

Symetra, Gallagher Benefit Services and the Chicago Bears honored Maine West High School teacher Bernie Gerstmayr as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Dec. 12 during a surprise classroom presentation. A member of the Fine Arts Department’s music staff, Gerstmayr is the director of bands at the Des Plaines high school.

“Mr.Gerstmayr is a role model for students, both in and outside of the classroom. As the band director, he is committed to nurturing every student's love of music, and pays close attention to each individual's needs. He emits a passion for music unlike any other teacher I have ever had, and it's contagious; one can't help but feel inspired to be the best musician they can be,” said Maine West High School student Corinne Bellot. “It takes a special instructor to teach emotion and the possibility music presents for growth. Outside of the classroom during marching band season, Mr. Gerstmayr delivers a completely different lesson: that there is no ‘I’ in band and that every single player matters.” Bellot nominated Gerstmayr for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.

“Mr.Gerstmayr creates a family for every student that enters the band program at Maine West, and he appeals to musicians of all ages,” said Bellot. “As a high school director, Mr. Gerstmayr is heavily dependent upon the middle school kids who will eventually play in his band. Once a year — to share his love of music and to give them a look at what high school band is — he invites them to play side by side with the high schoolers. To many middle school students who were unsure of whether or not to continue their instrument, being welcomed into this family even for a single day gave them the reassurance they needed that music was the right choice. Mr. Gerstmayr has rekindled the love of music within many students and given them a home in which they can freely express themselves and let the music tell their stories.”

Gerstmayr 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. Gerstmayr will be recognized at the Dec. 24 game when the Bears take on the Washington Redskins.

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.