Dist. 102 science teacher recognized for excellence

Aptakisic Junior High School science teacher Susan Brontman received the “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” award during a recent assembly at the Buffalo Grove school.

Chicago Bears Chairman George McCaskey and representatives from Symetra and Gallagher Benefit Services recognized Brontman for excellence in education.

She received a $1,000 donation for classroom books and supplies, tickets to Sunday’s home game against the Minnesota Vikings, and she will be acknowledged again during an on-field presentation Sunday at Soldier Field.

“Susie Brontman is an inspiring science powerhouse at Aptakisic Junior High School. Known as ‘Dr. B,’ she has brought the concept of saving the planet to Aptakisic’s students,” said Rose Koerner, a teaching colleague who nominated Brontman for the award.

“Several years ago, Susie launched a year-end reuse and recycle project when students clean their lockers. The hallways are dotted with various stations, with signs listing items that are appropriate for each category. All students are provided with instructions and encouragement to do their best for the planet,” Koerner said.

“On clean-out day, Susie makes her rounds, hauling the bins to her own classroom. Each bin and garbage can are checked for items that should not end up in a landfill. Volunteer students then sort the recovered materials, boxing items that can be used by needy schools.

“Last June, 66 bins were redirected from landfill to recycle — and nearly 70 boxes containing three-ring binders, spiral notebooks, loose-leaf and construction paper were redirected to needy schools.” Koerner said.

“Thanks to Susie’s dedication, this annual reuse and recycle exercise has brought attention to a key ecological problem — responsible garbage disposal — for each and every student at our school.

“Even our returning high school students, who often visit at the end of the school year, recognize the effort that ‘Dr. B’ is making to preserve the environment. In addition, Susie’s efforts help hundreds of students, who will never be known to her, by providing materials for them to use at school.”

Brontman is one of 16 kindergarten to 12th-grade teachers in the Chicago area who were recognized in front of their students and peers at surprise in-school presentations sponsored by Symetra Financial Corp., a financial services company.