McHenry High teacher honored as 'Symetra Hero in the Classroom'

Symetra, Gallagher Benefit Services and the Chicago Bears honored McHenry High School teacher John Beerbower, Ed. D., as a "Symetra Hero in the Classroom" on Oct. 9, 2014 during a surprise classroom presentation. Beerbower is the chair of the physical education department at the high school's West Campus.

"John Beerbower has been extremely innovative with the improvements he has orchestrated for McHenry West's physical education department. He revised our curriculum to focus on overall health rather than a more traditional 'game'-oriented emphasis. As a result, our student fitness scores have improved over the past few years," said Marsha Potthoff, principal at McHenry West High School. "In addition, the P.E. department staff teaches students about the impact cardio vascular health can have on test performance. They offer students the opportunity to work out and increase heart rate prior to our standardized assessments.

"Changes like these have made McHenry's P.E. program a leader in the field and have directly impacted not only our students but students across the state," Potthoff said. The principal nominated Beerbower for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom award.

"John is an extraordinarily humble leader who embraces a servant leadership model," Potthoff said. "He sets an example for others not only through his teaching, but through his professional relationships with students, staff, parents and community members. He refuses to take credit for the impact he has had, but he is most deserving of this recognition."

Beerbower is one of 16 kindergarten to 12th-grade teachers in the Chicago area who will be honored for educational excellence in the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom program during the 2014 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 Chicago Bears home game and are acknowledged during an on-field presentation at Soldier Field. Beerbower will be recognized at the Oct. 19 game when the Bears take on the Miami Dolphins.

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.