Jerling Junior High School Teacher Honored as ‘Symetra Hero in the Classroom’

Symetra, Gallagher Benefit Services and the Chicago Bears honored Jerling Junior High School teacher Nancy Ermel as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” during a surprise school assembly on Sept. 30. Chicago Bears Chairman George McCaskey was on hand to help celebrate Ermel, who teaches English as a second language at the Orland Park junior high school.

“Good fortune has given me the opportunity to work with Nancy Ermel for the last several years at Jerling Junior High School, where I am a Science teacher. However, my first experience with Nancy as a teacher goes back to 1971 when she was my freshman English teacher at Queen of Peace High School. She was a bright light for a scared freshman. Not only did she help me adjust to life as a freshman, but to this day I remember the material she taught me!” said Judy Stellato, a teaching colleague. “As an English as a second language teacher, Nancy travels between all three of School District 135’s junior high schools. The students she works with are new to this country. She not only helps them with the language, but also helps them and their families acclimate to living in the United States.” Stellato nominated Ermel for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.

“It is not unusual to see Nancy back at school at night, meeting with working parents, assisting them with issues their children may be facing as students and new U.S. residents,” said Stellato. “Nancy also generously gives her free time to students. On a Saturday, you might find her helping them register for high school classes or organizing get-togethers so that students and their families have an opportunity to meet each other and form a friend/family support group. Over the years, she has had many challenges and has met them all with enthusiasm and a profound willingness to help these students and their families love their new country!”

Ermel 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 2013 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. Ermel was recognized at the Oct. 6 game when the Bears took on the New Orleans Saints.

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.