Symetra, Chicago Bears Honor Hickory Creek Middle School Teacher

Symetra, Gallagher Benefit Services and the Chicago Bears honored Hickory Creek Middle School teacher Ryan Talaga as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Nov. 27 during a surprise presentation. Talaga is a physical education instructor at the grade 6–8 school in Frankfort.

A national provider of employee benefits, annuities and life insurance, Symetra established the teacher-recognition program in its Pacific Northwest hometown in 2006. Partnering with the Chicago Bears, the company has proudly honored more than 100 Chicago-area teachers since 2010.

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.

“All of Hickory Creek’s students want to have Ryan Talaga as their gym teacher — he is one of a kind! He empowers children of all abilities to participate and feel good about themselves in gym class. Somehow, he gets kids who don't think they are ‘good’ at athletics to join in and enjoy PE, probably for the first time in their lives,” said Alicia Naughton, a parent of one of Talaga’s former students. “Mr. Talaga instills a joy for physical activity in the students with his enthusiasm and inclusiveness. He makes every student feel capable and accepted. His classes are a blast!” Naughton nominated Talaga for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.

Talaga 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. Talaga will be recognized at the Dec. 3 game when the Bears take on the San Francisco 49ers.

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.