Symetra, Wells Fargo and the San Francisco 49ers honored Los Altos High School teacher Robert Freeman as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Nov. 15, 2012 during a school presentation. Freeman is a History and Economics instructor at the school.
“Mr. Freeman has made a lasting impression upon my family. He left a demanding career in high tech to devote more time to his family and transitioned into teaching history and economics. His love for these subjects comes through in the classroom, where my daughter was able to experience history in a most engaging and interesting way,” said Mary Crum, a parent of one of Freeman’s students.
“Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Mr. Freeman’s impact on my daughter is through an organization called One Dollar for Life (ODFL), which he first introduced to Los Altos High School students in 2007. He spoke with my daughter about the obstacles Kenyan children face to get to school without access to transportation. The conversation inspired my daughter to organize a local bicycle drive through ODFL, and together they collected over 450 bikes donated by the local community,” said Crum. “The experience gave my daughter a sense of empowerment and a desire to make a difference in the lives of others. That belief has become a cornerstone of her life and the lives of her younger sisters, who have learned that you can and should do what you can to make the world a better place.” Crum was one of several people who nominated Freeman for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.
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Freeman 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 2012 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 are acknowledged during an on-field presentation at Candlestick Park. Freeman was recognized at the Nov. 19 game, when the 49ers took on the Chicago Bears.
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.