Alisal Elementary School Teacher Named 'Symetra Hero in the Classroom'

Symetra, Wells Fargo and the San Francisco 49ers honored Alisal Elementary School teacher Katie Crawford as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Dec. 17 during a surprise classroom presentation. Crawford teaches third grade at the Pleasanton elementary school.

“Katie Crawford is the embodiment of what a teacher should be. Patient, fun and caring, she instills a love of learning in her students while creating a classroom environment that fosters their academic, emotional and social growth,” said Lindsay Franco, the parent of one of Crawford’s students. “Ms. Crawford faces the challenges that many educators face — she has a classroom of students with various learning abilities and needs. As a teacher myself, I know the challenges of successfully meeting these demands; however, Ms. Crawford approaches them with flexibility and an innate sense of what is best for each child. Her genuine care for her students goes beyond the curriculum and creates an endearing bond between her and her students.” Franco nominated Crawford for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.

“As a student moves on, one never knows if lessons and curriculum will be remembered; yet, I am confident that many years from now when my son looks back on his time with Ms. Crawford, he will remember the fun he had in her class,” said Franco. “Importantly, I know that he also will remember her warmth and how she always made him feel important, valued and capable of achieving his goals. Any child that steps in Ms. Crawford’s classroom will be positively influenced not only her engaging teaching methods, but also by her warm, genuine personality.”

Crawford is one of the 16 K–12 teachers in the San Francisco Bay Area honored for educational excellence in the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom program during this 2014 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. Crawford was recognized at the Dec. 20 game against the San Diego Chargers.

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.