Eastside College Preparatory School Teacher Named ‘Symetra Hero in the Classroom’

Symetra, Wells Fargo and the San Francisco 49ers honored Eastside College Preparatory School teacher Shaneka Julian as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Sept. 16th during a classroom presentation. Julian is a Spanish instructor for grades 9–11 at the high school, located in East Palo Alto.

“Shaneka Julian is a wonderful educator who has made a tremendous difference in the lives of Eastside’s students during the past 15 years. An excellent Spanish teacher, she has inspired many students to develop a passion for the language,” said Principal Chris Bischof. “Born and raised in East Palo Alto, Shaneka attended Stanford University. During her undergraduate years, Shaneka wanted to give back to her community so she taught seventh- and eighth-graders in the East Palo Alto Stanford Academy. She joined our Eastside faculty after graduating from Stanford and has continued to demonstrate a deep commitment to helping students from her community become the first in their families to attend college.” Bischof nominated Julian for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.

“Outside of class, Shaneka Julian goes out of her way to create opportunities for Eastside students with the goal of motivating them to pursue higher education. Shaneka took the initiative to create our Eastside Society of Engineers by getting Stanford’s National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) to sponsor our program. Through this partnership, our students have been able to work with Stanford engineering students who can serve as great role models for our students,” said Bischof. “One of the kindest, most generous people you will ever meet, Shaneka is deeply committed to providing opportunities for our students to experience the world beyond East Palo Alto. We are so very grateful for all that she has done for them throughout the years!”

Julian 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. Julian will be recognized at the Oct. 6 game against the Arizona Cardinals.

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.