Ingleside teacher honored as 'Symetra Hero in the Classroom'

Symetra, Gallagher Benefit Services and the Chicago Bears honored Gavin South Middle School teacher Naomi Willman as a "Symetra Hero in the Classroom" on Dec. 12 during a school presentation. Willman teaches science at the 5-8 school in Ingleside.

"Naomi Willman makes learning science fun. Whether it is dropping eggs off the school rooftop, racing homemade cars down the hallways for physics lessons, or making solar ovens out of pizza boxes, her lessons bring the curriculum to life in exciting ways.

"Her love of science is evident in everything she does; she can take anything and connect it to science in an interesting, memorable way," said Stephanie Kaye, a teaching colleague.

"Mrs. Willman always considers her students first. She takes the time to conduct lots of hands-on science labs that could easily have been simple paper and pencil assignments. Her creativity is also apparent with engaging assignments like 'break outs' and 'escape rooms.'

"In addition to the science curriculum, Mrs. Willman teaches respect. She does so in a serious but engaging way by relating to students, sharing personal stories, or taking time out of class to just talk. Importantly, Mrs. Willman leads by example and does everything she can to make each student feel safe and welcomed in her classroom."

Kaye nominated Willman for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom award.

Willman is one of 16 K-12 teachers in the Chicago area honored for educational excellence in the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom program during the 2018 NFL season. Teachers are recognized in front of their students and peers at surprise in-school presentations, and they receive a $2,000 donation from Symetra for classroom books and supplies.

In addition, they receive tickets to a Bears home game, enjoy a pre-game sideline experience and are acknowledged during on-field screened presentations at Soldier Field. Willman was recognized at the Dec. 16 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 make a real difference in students' lives; to go above and beyond in their day-to-day responsibilities; and to help students build life skills.

Since 2006, Symetra Heroes in the Classroom has honored more than 570 K-12 teachers nationwide for educational excellence during the NFL regular season, and Symetra has contributed nearly $950,000 for school books, equipment and programming. The teacher-recognition program has celebrated more than 130 Chicago-area educators since 2010.

Each of the 16 Chicago-area schools with a 2018 teacher-Hero will be eligible to participate in the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom MVP Award, a $20,000 education grant in support of innovative student programming.

Proposals will go out to eligible schools in early 2019 and the winning submission will be announced at a springtime event at the PNC Center at Halas Hall for the 2018 Heroes, their principals and school district leadership.

For more information about the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom program or to nominate a teacher, visit www.SymetraHeroes.com/Bears.

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