Sweetwater Elementary School Teacher Honored as 'Symetra Hero in the Classroom'

Submitted press release

Symetra, SunTrust and the Atlanta Falcons honored Sweetwater Elementary School teacher Joseph Grainger as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Nov. 17, 2014 during a surprise assembly. Grainger teaches first grade at the Lithia Springs, Georgia, elementary school.

“Joe Grainger brings out the best in his students, always challenging them to be the best they can be. He is a calming presence, who can settle the most restless class simply by being in the room,” said Marian Kelly, a Douglas County School System colleague. “Mr. Grainger is a leader at Sweetwater Elementary School. As the first grade team leader, he coordinates the curriculum between his fellow first grade teachers — and when it comes to helping students in need, he is the go-to teacher. Last year, he conceived and spearheaded a crowd-sourcing campaign that netted the school new tablets for students to use for class learning activities.” Kelley nominated Grainger for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.

“Mr. Grainger is Sweetwater Elementary School’s reigning teacher of year (2014-2015) and a nominee for the Douglas County Teacher of the Year,” said Kelley. “The classroom is his Georgia Dome, and the level of passion he brings to his role every day is remarkable and refreshing. It’s easy to see there is nothing else that he would rather be doing.”

Grainger is one of 16 K–12 teachers in Georgia who will be honored for educational excellence in the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom program during the 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. Grainger will be recognized at the Nov. 23 game when the Falcons take on the Cleveland Browns.
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.