Roswell High School Teacher Honored as 'Symetra Hero in the Classroom'

Symetra, SunTrust and the Atlanta Falcons honored Roswell High School teacher Ben Sutter as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Dec. 18 during a surprise faculty meeting presentation. Sutter is a Special Education teacher and department chair at the high school.

“Ben Sutter is a special education instructor at Roswell High as well as the department chair at the largest school in Fulton County,” said Naomi Kirk, a colleague. “Roswell High is a special education center that educates nearly 300 special needs students on a daily basis. Ben spends his days working with students of varying disability levels, taking the time to connect with his students and still managing to maintain the persistent demands of a large department.” Kirk nominated Sutter for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.

“Many of Ben’s students are autistic and struggle with societal norms. However, Ben’s charismatic nature and goodwill somehow breaks down those barriers to open up these students’ lives to the larger world,” said Kirk. “Ben treats each and every student that comes into his classroom as one of his own. He is a gentle giant, who makes us all laugh when times are tough. I am so proud to work with this man on a daily basis.”

Sutter 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. Sutter was recognized at the Dec. 28 game when the Falcons took on the Carolina Panthers.

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.