Aptakisic Teacher Honored as Classroom Hero

An Aptakisic Junior High School teacher was honored Tuesday as a “hero in the classroom.”

Susan Brontman, who teaches eighth-grade science, is among 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. Brontman will be recognized at the Sept. 15 game when the Bears take on the Minnesota Vikings.

Brontman was recognized during a school assembly Tuesday morning, at which Bears Chairman George McCaskey presented her with a jersey. She was nominated by fellow teacher Rose Koerner. 

“Susie Brontman is an inspiring science ‘powerhouse’ at Aptakisic Junior High School. Known as ‘Dr. B,’ she has brought the concept of saving the planet to Aptakisic’s students,” Koerner said. “Several years ago, Susie launched a year-end reuse and recycle project when students clean their lockers. The hallways are dotted with various stations, with signs listing items that are appropriate for each category. All students are provided with instructions and encouragement to do their best for the planet. On clean-out day, Susie makes her rounds, hauling the bins to her own classroom. Each bin and garbage can are checked for items that should not end up in a landfill. Volunteer students then sort the recovered materials, boxing items that can be used by needy schools. Last June, 66 bins were redirected from landfill to recycle — and nearly 70 boxes containing three-ring binders, spiral notebooks, loose-leaf and construction paper were re-directed to needy schools.”

“Thanks to Susie’s dedication, this annual reuse and recycle exercise has brought attention to a key ecological problem — responsible garbage disposal — for each and every student at our school,” said Koerner. “Even our returning high school students, who often visit at the end of the school year, recognize the effort that ‘Dr. B’ is making to preserve the environment. In addition, Susie's efforts help hundreds of students, who will never be known to her, by providing materials for them to use at school.”

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.