Symetra, Chicago Bears Honor Washington Elementary School Teacher

Symetra, Gallagher Benefit Services and the Chicago Bears honored Washington Elementary School special education teacher Bridget Hellstrom as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Nov. 9 during a surprise presentation. Hellstrom works with first-, second- and third-graders at the K–6 school, located in Glenview and part of East Maine School District 63.

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.

“As a special needs teacher, Bridget Hellstrom works with some of Washington Elementary’s most challenged students, many of whom are severely autistic. They flourish in her care. Her strong, structured academic planning and implementation, her unshakable positive attitude and enthusiasm for the children she supports, and her ability to cheerfully tackle any kind of hiccup means that every teacher in the school seeks out opportunities to work with her,” said Janet Spector-Bishop, a district colleague, who nominated Hellstrom for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.

“Ms. Hellstom is never anything less than her students’ biggest fan and strongest advocate, never hesitating to speak up and coach anyone on how best to interact and support ‘her’ children. Her attention to detail means that every one of her students gets the care she or he needs, regardless of the complexity of their challenges. She is a gift to our school — and to the students and families she serves with such dedication.”

Hellstrom 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. Hellstrom will be recognized at the Nov. 12 game when the Bears take on the Green Bay Packers.

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.