Hopewell Middle School Teacher Honored as 'Symetra Hero in the Classroom'

Symetra, SunTrust and the Atlanta Falcons honored Hopewell Middle School teacher Kelsey Dierdorff as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Dec. 10 during a surprise assembly. Dierdorff is a sixth-grade Social Studies instructor at the Milton middle school.

“Mrs. Dierdorff is beyond amazing. She respects all students, no matter their background. She understands us and treats us like equals,” said Olivia Kiely, a Hopewell Middle School student. “Mrs. Dierdorff is tough and expects a lot from us. Her expectations are high, and we always rise to the occasion. She makes every lesson fun because she gives us choices in activities to complete on different topics.” Kiely was among several Hopewell Middle School students who nominated Dierdorff for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.

“A lot of students trust Mrs. Dierdorff and are comfortable enough to talk to her about their personal problems. She gives everyone life advice and also teaches us about life skills,” said Kiely. “Mrs. Dierdorff is such a good teacher that she created her own rap about a topic we’d just learned about in class. She videotaped and posted it on YouTube! so that the class could watch!”

Dierdorff is one of 16 K–12 teachers in Georgia 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 Falcons home game and are acknowledged during an on-field presentation at the Georgia Dome. Dierdorff was recognized at the Dec. 14 game when the Falcons took on the Pittsburgh Steelers.

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/Falcons.

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.