Lake Hills Elementary School Teacher Honored as 'Symetra Hero in the Classroom'

Bellevue-based Symetra and the Seattle Seahawks honored Lake Hills Elementary School kindergarten teacher Megan James as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Oct. 22 during a surprise school assembly.

“Megan James is the teacher I always hoped my son would have,” said Jocelyn Shope. “Bellevue’s Lake Hills neighborhood has a broad spectrum of cultures, economic status and languages. The area’s diverse population is reflected in Ms. James’s kindergarten class — 20 young students with a wide range of needs. Some speak English, others do not. Some students attended pre-school, most have not. And some students’ parents have homes while others are in great need. It takes a teacher of Ms. James’s poise and grace to successfully bring these components together in a classroom. She is kind and structured, fun and very organized. She truly loves her job and is always willing to work with parents to make school fun for her students.” Shope nominated James for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.

“When I mentioned to the parent of an older child that Ms. James was my son's teacher, she lit up and said that I could relax because he’s in good hands. That means the world to a parent,” said Shope. “Your first teacher paves the way for the rest of your education. If children think school is fun in kindergarten, as my son did, then they will be excited to return the next year. I have never seen anything like Ms. James!”

James is one of 16 K–12 teachers across the Puget Sound 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 Seahawks home game and are acknowledged during an on-field presentation at CenturyLink Field. James will be recognized at the Nov. 3 game when the Seahawks take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

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.

More information about Symetra Heroes in the Classroom is available at www.SymetraHeroes.com/Seahawks.

 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.