Sward Elementary Teacher Named ‘Symetra Hero in the Classroom’

Symetra, Gallagher Benefit Services and the Chicago Bears honored Sward Elementary School teacher Carey Jensen as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Oct. 4, 2018 during a school assembly. Jensen is a kindergarten teacher at the Oak Lawn elementary school.

“Every year veteran teacher Carey Jensen transforms her kindergarten classroom into an inviting, inclusive learning space. From the moment they walk into Carey’s classroom, students are engaged in learning. She embraces the joys and challenges of teaching our youngest learners and understands that her impact reaches far beyond the classroom or a single school year,” said school colleague Tish Katalinic.

“Mrs. Jensen looks at each student as an individual learner. She formulates her instruction with scaffolds and supports to ensure the student’s success and incorporates enriching challenges to provide each child with an individualized experience. She does her best to give each of her students the best start possible as they begin their elementary school journey,” said Katalinic. “Mrs. Jensen fosters a positive, calm environment where children truly love to learn every day. She empowers her students to become leaders and take ownership of their learning. Music, smiles, laughter and love are at the heart of her teaching and by the end the school year, her students leave with such confidence and the love of learning.”

Katalinic nominated Jensen for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.

Jensen 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 2018 NFL season. Teachers are recognized in front of their students and peers at surprise in-school presentations, and they receive a $2,000 donation from Symetra for classroom books and supplies. In addition, they receive tickets to a Bears home game, enjoy a pre-game sideline experience and are acknowledged during on-field screened presentations at Soldier Field. Jensen will be recognized at the Oct. 21 game, when the Bears take on the New England Patriots.

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.

About Symetra Heroes in the Classroom®

Since 2006, Symetra Heroes in the Classroom has honored over 570 K–12 teachers nationwide for educational excellence during the NFL regular season, and Symetra has contributed nearly $950,000 for school books, equipment and programming. The teacher-recognition program has celebrated more than 130 Chicago-area educators since 2010.

Each of the 16 Chicago-area schools with a 2018 teacher-Hero will be eligible to participate in the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom MVP Award, a $20,000 education grant in support of innovative student programming. Proposals will go out to eligible schools in early 2019 and the winning submission will be announced at a springtime event at the PNC Center at Halas Hall for the 2018 Heroes, their principals and school district leadership.

For more information about the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom program or to nominate a teacher, visit 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.