Hillsdale High School Teacher Named 'Symetra Hero in the Classroom'

Symetra, Wells Fargo and the San Francisco 49ers honored Hillsdale High School teacher Kristin Landucci as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Nov. 20 during a classroom presentation. Landucci is a Special Education instructor at the San Mateo high school.

“Kristin Landucci is a hero of the highest order. For 11 years, she has worked with my now 16-year-old son in his home program, beginning when she was a high school student herself at Burlingame High School,” said Elisa Hughes. “Through working with my son and other autistic children, Kristen decided to become a special education teacher during her college years at UC Davis.” Hughes nominated Landucci for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.

“In 2014, Kristin was a student teacher in Hillsdale’s special education program. During a walking field trip with students one day, an impaired driver drove up onto the sidewalk. Kristin shielded her students by jumping in front of the car at the very last minute and sustained massive head trauma. Despite being in a wheelchair for six months, Kristin pushed herself to get back to her life and the classroom. She defied all the odds and finished her master’s program and teaching credential last year, right on schedule, and joined Hillsdale as a lead teacher in the Special Education department for the 2015 school year.”

“Having a son with special needs offers an incredible litmus test — through working with Alex, the people who have become a part of our lives are truly the most selfless, inspiring human beings in the world,” said Hughes. “However, even among this very special group, Kristin Landucci stands out. She pursued a career teaching special kids because she knew she could make a difference in their lives. Watching her battle back from and triumph over the debilitating effects of her life-changing accident has been inspiring to so many in our community. For her students, who face their own challenges, Kristin’s courage and perseverance are an inspiration.”

Landucci 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. Landucci was recognized at the Nov. 29 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.