Barrington teacher named “Hero in the Classroom”
Most of those who'll find themselves standing on the sidelines of Soldier Field on Sunday when the Chicago Bears take on the St. Louis Rams will be there because of their skills on the gridiron.
For Michelle Jackson, it'll be because of her skills in the classroom.
Jackson, a teacher at Grove Avenue Elementary School in Barrington, will be on the field to be recognized as a Symetra Hero in the Classroom, a joint program from the Bears and Gallagher Benefit Services to recognize the area's top educators.
Jackson received word of her selection Thursday during a surprise ceremony held with her fourth-grade class.
Besides the sideline experience and tickets to Sunday's game, Jackson also received a Bears jersey and $1,000 to spend on her classroom.
She was nominated for the honor last year by her principal, Cindy Kalogeropoulos.
The program, which honors 16 Chicago-area teachers every year, also recognizes educators in Atlanta, San Francisco and Seattle.