Symetra, Chicago Bears Honor Apollo Elementary Teacher

Symetra, Gallagher Benefit Services and the Chicago Bears honored Apollo Elementary School teacher Joana Sanchez as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” in December. Sanchez is a 2nd grade dual-language instructor at the Pre-K–5 school in Des Plaines.

“Joana Sanchez brings her heart and soul to Apollo and to the entire East Maine School District 63, which should come as no surprise as she is a product of the district herself. An alumna of our Nelson Elementary School, Ms. Sanchez is a skilled 2nd grade teacher in District 63’s Dual Language Program. Through the program, Spanish-speaking students in Pre-K–5th grade may be placed in classrooms taught simultaneously in Spanish and English,” said Dr. Scott Clay, superintendent.

“Ms. Sanchez exemplifies excellence in the classroom. Juggling English and Spanish instruction throughout the week is a challenge in and of itself, but she makes it look easy — maintaining an always-positive attitude, whether teaching math or monitoring the lunchroom,” said Clay. “Ms. Sanchez not only teaches children, she also is a “hero in the classroom” to many of our parents, with whom she has built strong bonds of trust. Our district is a diverse one, with dozens of languages spoken in student homes. Ms. Sanchez is acutely aware of the challenges many of our families face, and she is at the front lines of helping them navigate our schools and the larger community.”

Clay nominated Sanchez for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.

Sanchez is one of 16 K–12 teachers in the Chicago area honored for educational excellence through the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® program during the 2019 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.

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 600 K–12 teachers nationwide for educational excellence during the NFL regular season, and Symetra has contributed more than $1M for schoolbooks, equipment and programming. The teacher-recognition program has celebrated over 150 Chicago-area educators since 2010.

Each of the 16 Chicago-area schools with a 2019 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 2020 and the winning submission will be announced at a springtime event at the PNC Center at Halas Hall for the 2019 Heroes, their principals and school district leadership.

About Symetra

Symetra Life Insurance Company is a subsidiary of Symetra Financial Corporation, 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.