Sedgwick Elementary School Teacher Named ‘Symetra Hero in the Classroom’

Symetra and the San Francisco 49ers honored Sedgwick Elementary School teacher Tracey Rodriguez as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Dec. 14 during a surprise classroom presentation. Rodriguez is a fifth grade instructor at the Cupertino school.

“Tracey Rodriguez makes a daily difference in her students' lives simply by being an amazing, caring adult role model. She truly connects with her students and does whatever extra work is needed to meet each student’s learning needs,” said Julie Lin. “While I am currently a parent-volunteer at Sedgwick, I used to teach at the school years ago and so knew Mrs. Rodriguez as a colleague first. I was constantly amazed and inspired by her dedication and her ability to make learning super fun and engaging for her students. What impresses me today as a parent is how well she also connects with parents, letting us know exactly what our children need to work on, be it academically or socially.” Lin nominated Rodriguez for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.

“Always one of the first teachers to arrive at school each morning, Mrs. Rodriguez devotes a lot of time to preparing engaging lessons for her students. She also spends a lot of time after school looking for new and exciting curriculum ideas to implement in her classroom. She goes above and beyond by providing extra enrichment activity options for those students who finish their classwork early, and she spends extra time one-on-one with those who need a little extra help,” said Lin. “Mrs. Rodriguez also reinforces how important it is to practice good life skills like being organized (she actually walks through how to set up their binders and their planners), exercising regularly, eating and sleeping well, and being good citizens.”

Rodriguez is one of 16 K–12 teachers in the San Francisco Bay Area who will be honored for educational excellence in the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom program during the 2016 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 49ers home game and a special pre-game experience at Levi’s Stadium. Rodriguez will be recognized at the Jan. 1, 2017 game against the Seattle Seahawks.

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/49ers.

About Symetra

Symetra Financial Corporation is a diversified financial services company based in Bellevue, Washington. 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.