Notre Dame Prep Teacher Named ‘Symetra Hero in the Classroom’

Symetra, Gallagher Benefit Services and the Chicago Bears honored Notre Dame College Prep teacher Robert Kostuch as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Nov. 1st during a school assembly. Kostuch is co-chair of the physical education department at the Niles secondary school.

“Coach Bob Kostuch is involved in everything at Notre Dame College Prep — as a P.E. teacher with innovative lesson plans; as a leader of our Junior/Senior Leaders program, where our students are allowed to lead P.E. classes and visit elementary schools to teach leadership and trust exercises; as a football and former state champion baseball coach, where he has mentored hundreds of students; and as the director of Student Activities, helping take Notre Dame school spirit to unprecedented heights through his creativity and innovation,” said colleague Shay Boyle. “No challenge is too big or too small for Bob, who thinks about making Notre Dame College Prep a better school 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year. His contagious energy, enthusiasm, and passion for his work is felt by entire school community.” Boyle nominated Kostuch for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.

Kostuch 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. Kostuch 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.