Symetra, Gallagher Benefit Services and the Chicago Bears honored Jane Addams Elementary School teacher Joseph Dudycha as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Oct. 31, 2013 during a surprise school assembly. Chicago Bears Chairman George McCaskey was on hand for the presentation to Dudycha, a Physical Education instructor at the Palatine elementary school.
“Joe Dudycha continually finds ways to encourage kids to be physically active, to respect themselves and others, and to stretch themselves,” said Kerri Bloom, the parent of a student. “Mr. Dudycha successfully worked with the PTA on a grant that helped install a huge climbing wall in the gym. It offered kids a great vehicle not only to work on trust/partner activities, but also build their upper-body strength, which many kids don't have much opportunity to do outside of school. Mr. Dudycha often shares the lives and experiences of his own young children with his students at Jane Addams, which really resonates with the kids. His sense of humor and equal treatment of all students make him a perennial favorite.” Bloom nominated Dudycha for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.
“Mr. Dudycha has run the Chicago marathon in the past, thereby introducing students to the kind of goal many would otherwise think only happens on TV,” said Bloom. “He introduced and runs the Halloween pumpkin contest, a school favorite. He also captained Jane Addams' team for the district's first-ever staff/teachers basketball competition to raise funds for our district foundation. Despite severely injuring himself in the process, he played and coached the whole game. Mr. Dudycha is always looking for new and better ways to inspire the Jane Addams school family and push himself and the kids alike.”
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Dudycha 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 2013 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. Dudycha will be recognized at the Nov. 10 game when the Bears take on the Detroit Lions.
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.
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More information about Symetra Heroes in the Classroom is available at
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.
