Symetra, Seahawks Honor Issaquah Middle School Teacher

Bellevue-based Symetra and the Seattle Seahawks honored Issaquah Middle School teacher Traci Brewster as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Nov. 19. Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Malik Turner (#17) was on hand to help present the award during a surprise assembly at the Issaquah school, where Brewster is an algebra instructor and Math Department lead.

“Traci Brewster has a gift for making each student feel special. Even when challenged with tough, rigorous content, they ultimately emerge from her courses ready for anything that their future math learning require. They are ready to attack challenges because they have learned that they can do difficult things, grow from the struggle and experience, and come out on top. Importantly, they understand that hard work is valuable, and that they have a staff member who deeply cares about their success as an individual,” said Principal Carrie Reckling, who nominated Brewster for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.

“Every year, as part of her commitment to supporting her students, Traci reaches out in partnership to their families. By developing an understanding of each student’s background, culture and learning strategies, Traci forges strong connections with our diverse community,” said Reckling. “Families have a strong connection to her as an individual, because they know that she deeply cares about their student as an individual and will do anything she can to help them feel welcomed in her classroom.”

Brewster is one of 16 K–12 teachers across the Puget Sound area that will be honored for educational excellence in the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® program during the 2019 NFL season. Honorees are recognized in front of their students and peers at surprise in-school presentations, and Symetra makes a $2,000 donation to each teacher-Hero’s school for classroom books and supplies. Teachers also receive tickets to a Seahawks home game, where they enjoy a pre-game sideline experience and are acknowledged during an on-field presentation at CenturyLink Field. Brewster will be recognized at the Dec. 2 game, when the Seahawks take on the Minnesota Vikings.

Teachers may be nominated by their principal, district staff, student or student’s parent. The honorees 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.

About Symetra Heroes in the Classroom®

Since 2006, the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom program has honored over 600 K–12 teachers nationwide for educational excellence during the NFL regular season, including 270 Puget Sound-area teachers. In addition, Symetra has contributed more than $1M for schoolbooks, equipment and programming.

Each of the 16 Puget Sound schools with a 2019 teacher-Hero is eligible to participate in the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom MVP Award, a $20,000 grant in support of innovative student programming. Proposals will go out to eligible schools in early 2020 and the winning submission will be announced at a springtime event at CenturyLink Field for the Heroes, their principals and school district leadership.

For more information about the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom program or to nominate a teacher, visit www.SymetraHeroes.com/Seahawks.