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Pritchett Elementary School Teacher Honored as 'Symetra Hero in the Classroom'

Symetra, Gallagher Benefit Services and the Chicago Bears honored Pritchett Elementary School teacher Natalie Daley as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Oct. 1 during a surprise school assembly. Daley teaches first grade at the Buffalo Grove elementary school.

“Every first-grader should have a teacher like Natalie Daley. She is enthusiastic, a risk-taker and the lead learner in her classroom,” said Mary Shorey, a teaching colleague. “Natalie sets high standards for herself as a teacher and for her young students. She is the teacher who arrives early at school and works well into the evening as she designs innovative ways to engage her young learners. Like most of us, Natalie has students with learning challenges. She is conscientious and compassionate and works hard to help them to be successful.” Shorey nominated Daley for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.

“Natalie is the newest member of a team of four teachers, and she is a thoughtful listener and collaborator. One of her strengths is her innovative use of technology. She communicates well with parents through her blog. She has presented workshops on the use of iPads in the classroom, both at school and at a local technology conference. Teachers learn from and with her. Her colleagues are very appreciative, and her students are the benefactors!,” said Shorey. “Perhaps the best thing about Mrs. Daley’s classroom is that it is a joyful place to learn. The physical environment is inviting — it just feels good to enter the room. Students dance, sing, dramatize and draw as they learn the skills and strategies that will help them become lifelong learners.”

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Daley 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. Daley was recognized at the Oct. 6 game when the Bears took on the New Orleans Saints.

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 www.SymetraHeroes.com/Bears.

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.






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