Bears name teacher at Glen Ellyn school hero in the classroom
Brian Pindar used to be the last student in the classroom to turn in his tests, the kid who wanted to quit.
He had mild dyslexia and low self-esteem. But he also had teachers who looked beyond grades and football coaches who told him he could dig deeper.
"You've got more in you than you think," Pindar now tells his own students at Lincoln Elementary School in Glen Ellyn.
Pindar's ability to inspire and identify with students who need extra help earned him another teaching honor Tuesday, when the Chicago Bears named the 46-year-old from Aurora a Hero in the Classroom.
"He's always motivating them to be their best," his proud mom, Phyllis Pindar, said.
Pindar often is the school's anointed - and eloquent - speaker at events, said Ed Klingberg, a fellow fifth-grade teacher who mentored Pindar as a college student in 1992.
"You make this place," said Klingberg, patting him on the shoulder.
During a surprise presentation, co-workers and students cheered as Pindar received congratulations from Bears kicker Robbie Gould via video, a $1,000 check for classroom supplies, a Bears jersey and two tickets to the team's home game Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings.
Pindar, who grew up in Pittsburgh rooting for the Steelers, hesitated putting on the jersey, but looked stunned by the award, given to 16 educators during the regular season out of thousands of applications.
He deflected much of the accolades to the teachers and coaches who went the extra mile for him.
"That's an incredible feeling that lasts forever, and so seeing that in other kids and students is very powerful, to let them feel the same things that I feel," Pindar said. "I think that's what motivates me day in and every year."
Pindar instills in his students the discipline and work ethic he learned playing football at Downers Grove North High School and as punter at Eastern Illinois University, his co-workers say. And he's often the first to help a colleague, Principal Linda Schweikhofer says.
"He epitomizes the term, 'role model,'" said Schweikhofer, who nominated him, along with Glen Ellyn Elementary District 41 Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Laurie Campbell.
On Sunday, he'll be recognized again at Soldier Field in front of Bears fans.
"I'm still in awe," he said.