Des Plaines teachers honored as 'Symetra Heroes in the Classroom'
Symetra Financial, Gallagher Benefit Services and the Chicago Bears recently honored two Des Plaines school teachers as “Symetra Heroes in the Classroom” during special assemblies at their respective schools.
Crystal Lanksi, a Life Skills teacher at Camelot Therapeutic Day School, was honored on Sept. 13, 2011, and Carolyn Kosiba, a physical education teacher at Apollo Elementary School, was recognized on Sept. 14, 2011.
About Crystal Lanski
“Crystal would be a terrific teacher in any setting, but it's the remarkable job she does at Camelot that sets her apart,” said co-worker Cindy Krostal. “Crystal's classroom has eight high school students who have various abilities along the Autism spectrum. Her patience, perseverance and dedication to her class are unsurpassed. She takes on every challenge with hope, ideas and creativity — she has developed a wealth of curriculum tailored to meet the specialized needs of each student.” Krostal nominated Lanski for the Symetra Hero in the Classroom award.
“Academically, one of the greatest skills Crystal gives her students is the skill of communication. She also helps them become more independent through work tasks and daily living skills like cooking and hygiene,” adds Krostal. “Crystal has taken on some of the most challenging students in our school and helped them become positive, cooperative young adults. She is an exceptional member of the Camelot team.”
About Carolyn Kosiba
“Carolyn works tirelessly to foster a sense of teamwork and cooperation among our students that is seen both in and out of her classroom,” said co-worker Jennifer Pacheco. “Carolyn promotes healthy life choices and citizenship to both the staff and students at Apollo. Through her dedication, the entire school population is making more thoughtful decisions about everything from diet and exercise to the positive impact they can have on the community.” Pacheco nominated Kosiba for the Symetra Hero in the Classroom award.
With the help of local grants, Kosiba organized a “Walk and Roll to School” program. Through this initiative, teachers, administration and parents meet every Wednesday to walk a mile to school with students. This "walking school bus" picks up students from bus stops along the walking route, providing school staff an opportunity to learn more about students and their families. Kosiba also created the "Plan a Meal a Month" group, which works with Apollo's food service provider to create more nutritious lunch entrée options. Through the power of advocacy, the group has been successful in making changes in how foods are prepared and packaged throughout the school district.
“All of Carolyn's efforts, both inside and outside of the classroom, are about bettering the students' lives by teaching them how to make the right or better choice,” adds Pacheco. “By teaching self-advocacy and teamwork, Carolyn helps create a school climate that is about respect and being a good citizen. These valuable lessons will follow Apollo's students throughout their lives.”
About the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom Program
Lanski and Kosiba are two 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 2011 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 on-field presentations at Soldier Field. Lanski and Kosiba were recognized at the Sept. 25 game when the Bears took on the Green Bay Packers.
Teachers may be nominated by their principal, district staff, student or student's parent. The winners are selected based on their ability to balance the core curriculum with students' individual needs; build trust among students, parents and the community; and invest in their students' long-term success.
More information about Symetra Heroes in the Classroom is available at http://www.symetra.com/heroes/bears/Pages/bears.aspx
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.