Fairview South Elementary School Teacher Honored as 'Symetra Hero in the Classroom'

Symetra, Gallagher Benefit Services and the Chicago Bears honored Fairview South Elementary School teacher Sandra Raciti as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Dec. 11. Chicago Bears Chairman George McCaskey participated in a surprise presentation to the Special Education instructor at the PK–8 school in Skokie.

“Sandra Raciti’s passion for teaching goes beyond anything I could adequately put into words. My son was on the autism spectrum, non-verbal and had every anxiety you could imagine. She worked tirelessly to bring him out of the dark. She was available and prepared for every challenge — endless hours of extra help, phone calls, emails and pep talks,” said Antonia Terihaj. “Fast forward six years, and my son is in a mainstream environment getting outstanding grades in regular classrooms because of the confidence and support Mrs. Raciti provided. Children feel secure and recognize that she has the utmost confidence in them. She makes children believe they can, so they do.”

Terihaj nominated Raciti for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.

“Mrs. Raciti has a smile that lights up a room and lets you know ALL things are possible. She carried my son and my family through a very dark time and turned the lights on in my son’s head,” said Terihaj. “This angel has three of her own, runs marathons, takes care of her elderly grandmother in her home and has the patience of a saint with our children. Sandra Raciti is a hero to many families in Fairview South Elementary School.”

Raciti 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 2015 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. Raciti will be recognized at the Jan. 3 game when the Bears take on the Detroit Lions.

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 (NYSE: SYA) is a diversified financial services company based in Bellevue, Wash. 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.