Prairie Trails teacher honored by the Bears

The Chicago Bears recently recognized Prairie Trails School kindergarten teacher Tracy Frew as part of the team's Classroom Legends program.

During a surprise visit, members of the Bears organization, including former player Rashied Davis, presented Frew with a personalized Bears jersey, custom-painted football, and a $1,000 grant for her classroom.

She was also rewarded with tickets to a Bears game, where she was recognized on the Soldier Field scoreboard.

"I'm so glad I get to impact so many lives," Frew said. "But, really, they're the ones impacting mine, and I become a better teacher with each class I get. I'm excited to have more fun every single day."

Frew is in her 12th year of teaching, spending the past five years in River Trails School District 26. In 2021, she began at Prairie Trails School when it first opened as the district's prekindergarten and kindergarten building.

"Tracy makes kindergarten a magical experience for her students," Prairie Trails teachers Natalie Hudson and Laura Chmura wrote in their nomination submission.

"She meets each student where they're at, appreciates them for who they are and helps them blossom. She also isn't afraid to get messy and have fun, which is exactly what kindergarten is all about."

The Classroom Legends program honors teachers all across the Chicago area throughout the school year. According to the Bears, hundreds of nominations are submitted, with two selected for recognition each month.

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