Carl Schurz teacher honored as 'Symetra Hero in the Classroom'
Symetra Financial, Gallagher Benefit Services and the Chicago Bears honored Chicago school teacher Kevin Rutter as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Oct. 7, 2011 during a school pep rally assembly. Rutter is a finance instructor at Carl Schurz High School, located in Chicago's Irving Park neighborhood.
Rutter teaches and coordinates a Careers and Technical Education (CTE) program known as the Schurz High School Academy of Finance (AOF). Chartered by the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and the National Academy Foundation, the three-year program is designed to teach fundamental business principles by providing students with experiential learning opportunities, professional service career exposure, and connections to top corporate, government, non-profit and post-secondary institutions.
“We at Schurz are so thankful that Kevin Rutter did not become an investment banker or a stock broker. Instead he prepares our students for those positions — and it works,” said Linda Buczyna, a Carl Schurz High School colleague. “Of the four classes that have graduated from the AOF program, 90 percent of the graduates are attending post-secondary institutions, and half of them received scholarships. There are internships galore. It gets so you cannot go downtown anymore without running into a former or current AOF student on their way to the Financial District.” Buczyna nominated Rutter for the Symetra Hero in the Classroom award.
“If extracurricular activities breathe life into curriculum, then Mr. Rutter carries an oxygen tank around with him,” said Buczyna. “He is head coach of the debate team, liaison to the CPS Economics Club and advisor to our Business Professionals of America chapter, to name just a few. Throughout the seven years I've worked with him, I have never seen Kevin's focus on his students waver. His commitment and support provide them with the structure they need to succeed.”
In 2010, Rutter was named Illinois Teacher of the Year, which earned him a trip to the White House. He also was recognized by the Chicago Public Schools Department of College and Career Preparation as a “CTE Exemplary Teacher.” He is celebrating his 10th anniversary at Carl Schurz High School in 2011, which also marks the 10th anniversary of the Schurz Academy of Finance program.
Rutter 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 an on-field presentation at Soldier Field. Rutter was recognized at the Oct. 16 game when the Bears took on the Minnesota Vikings.
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