Joe Michell School Teacher Named 'Symetra Hero in the Classroom'

Symetra, Wells Fargo and the San Francisco 49ers honored Joe Michell School teacher Heather Psaros as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Oct. 14 during a surprise school assembly. Psaros is the Special Day Class (SDC) instructor for Kindergarten through second grade at the Livermore K–8 school.

“Heather Psaros works tirelessly to ensure that each child in her special needs classroom has the same opportunities to learn as any other child at Joe Michell. There is not a day that goes by that she does not have a smile on her face,” said Kathleen McClane, the parent of a Joe Michell School student. “Mrs. Psaros will research and find programs and lessons that will work for each individual student’s specific—and often different—needs. As a result, her students continuously reach their personal learning goals. She is a guide for parents when they need assistance identifying additional resources that can help aid their child’s development. Parents of her former students continue to reach out to her for advice, and she is always there to help.” McClane nominated Psaros for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.

“There are challenges working with special needs children, but Mrs. Psaros has an uncanny ability with her students. She has a very calm demeanor and the children know that she is in charge,” said McClane. “There are not enough great things that can be said about Mrs. Psaros. Advocate, champion, happy, caring, loving, generous and dedicated all describe what she brings to her classroom and students every day.”

Psaros 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 2015 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. Psaros will be recognized at the Oct. 22 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 (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.