Mary M. Bethune Elementary School Teacher Honored as 'Symetra Hero in the Classroom'

Symetra, SunTrust and the Atlanta Falcons honored Mary M. Bethune Elementary School teacher Ryan Mohammed as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Oct. 6, 2014 during a classroom presentation. Mohammed is a physical education instructor at the elementary school, which serves Atlanta’s Vine City community.

“Ryan Mohammed is such a great team player and a vital asset to Bethune Elementary School,” said Carmen Williams, a school colleague. “Mr. Mohammed teaches two classes at a time, has few breaks and never complains. He handles our fall festival and our field day at the Georgia Dome. He oversees our dismissal and emergency drills and is a three-time grade-level chair. He also is our ‘Teacher of the Year’ this year.” Williams nominated Mohammed for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.

“During an ice storm last year, Mr. Mohammed stayed to make sure every student made it safely home. He spent the night at school,” said Williams. “Mr. Mohammed is an amazing P.E. teacher. The students and staff love him dearly. He is a hero to us at Bethune Elementary!”

Mohammed 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. Mohammed will be recognized at the Oct. 12 game when the Falcons take on the Chicago Bears.

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.