Adelante Spanish Immersion School Teacher Named 'Symetra Hero in the Classroom'

Symetra, Wells Fargo and the San Francisco 49ers honored Adelante Spanish Immersion School teacher Elizabeth Hernandez as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Dec. 17 during a surprise school assembly. Hernandez teaches first grade at the K-5 two-way Spanish immersion school in Redwood City.

“’Maestra’ Elizabeth Hernandez is so positive and nurturing to every single child in her classroom. I’ve seen firsthand through my two daughters how tirelessly she works to make sure her students reach their potential,” said Anne Lynch, an Adelante School student parent. “’Maestra’ Elizabeth makes every child feel loved and capable of learning. Just watch her try to go to lunch and be swarmed by current and former students who want to hug her.” Lynch nominated Hernandez for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.

“When my third-grade daughter had Elizabeth as a first grader, she was on the precipice of learning to read but felt discouraged because others in the class were already doing so,” said Lynch. “’Maestra Elizabeth’ told my daughter she was capable of doing anything she put her mind to. She instilled confidence in my child. After many pep talks between the two, my daughter began believing in her abilities and her reading started to blossom. Elizabeth never gives up on a child — she always believes in their potential. We are so lucky to have her as a first-grade teacher at Adelante!”

Hernandez 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. Hernandez was recognized at the Dec. 28 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 (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.