Wheaton Warrenville Teacher Celebrated at Halas Hall Event

Symetra, a national provider of employee benefits, annuities and life insurance, and the Chicago Bears, hosted the 16 Chicago-area teachers recognized for educational excellence during the 2017 NFL season as Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® at a reception at the PNC Center at Halas Hall on May 18. Among the honorees was Wheaton Warrenville South High School's Jim Stankevitz, who was nominated by a colleague and recognized last October at a surprise school presentation.

“Great teachers make such a powerful contribution to students’ lives. Together with the Chicago Bears and our presenting partner, Arthur J. Gallagher, we feel privileged to be able to honor the dedication and inspiration they deliver in classrooms every day,” said Tracy Wort, assistant director, Community Relations at Symetra.

Symetra also announced the introduction of the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom MVP Award. The $20,000 grant will fund an innovative student achievement program. Each of the 16 Chicago-area schools with a 2017 Symetra Heroes in the Classroom honoree is eligible to submit a proposal.

Following a luncheon, Mr. Stankevitz joined his fellow honorees, school principals and district representatives for a behind-the-scenes tour of the state-of-the-art facility, including stops at the Walter Payton Center, helmet wall and media room. Chicago Bears linebacker Sam Acho (#93) made a surprise appearance, speaking with the group about the important role teachers play in their students’ lives, signing autographs, and posing for photos (Acho is pictured above with the 2017 Symetra Heroes in the Classroom in the rear row, 2nd from left, while Mr. Stankevitz is on the far right).

Symetra has partnered with the Chicago Bears on the teacher-recognition program since 2010, honoring 128 area teachers to date. The company established Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® in its Pacific Northwest hometown in 2006, has recognized 568 teachers nationwide and contributed nearly $1 million to schools for classroom books, supplies and in support of student programming.

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.

Symetra Heroes in the Classroom 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 and are acknowledged during an on-field presentation at Soldier Field. Mr. Stankevitz attended the Bears Oct. 9 game against the Minnesota Vikings.

More information about Symetra Heroes in the Classroom, including teacher nomination guidelines, is available at www.SymetraHeroes.com/Bears.