Jefferson Jr. High Teacher Named ‘Symetra Hero in the Classroom’

Symetra, Gallagher Benefit Services and the Chicago Bears honored Thomas Jefferson Junior High School teacher Jennifer Riskus as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Oct. 22. Chicago Bears Chairman George McCaskey was a special guest at the surprise presentation during a school assembly. Riskus is a 7th-grade language arts instructor at the Woodridge school.

“Jen Riskus is an amazing teacher and instructional leader at Jefferson Junior High. Her knowledge of best practices in instruction and the fine nuances of teaching literacy help each and every one of her students make exceptional individual growth year after year,” said Principal Justin Warnke. “Mrs. Riskus's commitment to meet the individual needs of her students and create a classroom environment that supports the academic, social and emotional development of her students is unsurpassed.” Warnke nominated Riskus for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.

“Mrs. Riskus is a teacher that makes each of her students feel loved and cared for. She takes the time to find each of her students' strengths,” said Warnke. “They, in turn, develop a passion for reading, writing and learning in her classroom and are often disappointed when the bell rings for their next class. Her students love her for her enthusiasm and compassion. Mrs. Riskus's selflessness and ability to always put kids first before, during, and after school make her a special teacher and an even more amazing human being.”

Riskus 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. Riskus will be recognized at the Nov. 11 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.

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.