Barrington teacher named Hero in the Classroom

Kindergarten teacher Jill Henning was swarmed Wednesday afternoon by her students and Staley the Bear after it was announced that she was named a Symetra Hero in the Classroom.

Chicago Bears Chairman George McCaskey was on hand to recognize the Hough Street Elementary teacher, who was surprised during a school assembly.

"To all of you guys out there at Hough, because you guys are so special, it makes my job easy," said a stunned Henning during the ceremony. "Thank you guys so much. I am way overwhelmed."

The Hero in the Classroom program honors 16 Chicago-area teachers for outstanding leadership and instruction skills during the football season.

Henning was nominated by a fellow teacher, Kelly Haradon, and her daughter, Ceci, who is also one of Henning's students.

In the nomination, Haradon said, "I have been given a gift of watching Jill work her magic for the last 11 years. Her life's work continues now at Hough Street School, where she transformed our kindergarten program."

Henning received a $2,000 donation for the school, two tickets to the Bears game Sunday against the Lions, an autographed football from quarterback Mitch Trubisky and a pregame VIP sideline experience.