MacArthur teacher honored as 'Symetra Hero in the Classroom'
Symetra Financial, Gallagher Benefit Services and the Chicago Bears honored MacArthur Middle School teacher Andre Poisson as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Sept. 27, 2011 during a special school event. Poisson teaches industrial technology at the Prospect Heights, Ill. middle school.
“Mr. Poisson really will do everything in his power to ensure that every student is doing the best that he or she can — you know that he wants you to succeed in class and in life,” said Laura Bjankini, a former student who nominated Poisson for the Symetra Hero in the Classroom award. “Thanks to the woodshop instruction I received in his class, I know how to use just about every wood-working tool there is, from a T-square to a band saw. You never know when you're going to need those skills!”
Bjankini was among a group of students who had Poisson as their advisor. “I lucked out along with the 13 other kids in Mr. Poisson's advisor group because we all bonded so well,” said Bjankini. “Regardless of the issue you were having, he was always willing to help. If you were having a bad day, he was the person you'd want to go talk to. Even though I'm no longer a MacArthur student, both my mom and I stay in touch with Mr. Poisson.”
Poisson is one 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. Poisson will be recognized at the Oct. 2 game when the Bears take on the Carolina Panthers.
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.