Bellevue Big Picture School Teacher Honored as 'Symetra Hero in the Classroom'

Symetra and the Seattle Seahawks honored Bellevue Big Picture School teacher Kaarina Aufranc as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Nov. 18 during a surprise school assembly. Aufranc is a Language Arts and Advisory Advisor at the Bellevue high school.

“Kaarina Aufranc has a very positive impact on Big Picture students each and every day. She differentiates her curriculum so it is accessible to all students — no one feels left behind in class,” said Bethany Spinler, principal of Bellevue Big Picture School. “Kaarina excites students with projects and helps them see the value of writing persuasively, dissecting difficult literature, and communicating with purpose. I hear many students say that Kaarina cares about them as learners and as people and that she supports them in ways that really work.” Spinler nominated Aufranc for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.

“Kaarina is widely respected by Big Picture’s staff, students and parents. She is humble, kind, compassionate, energetic, and has incredibly high expectations for herself and her students,” said Spinler. “Kaarina works behind the scenes to support her fellow teachers and is truly a teacher-leader on our campus. Students feel safe with her and trust her a great deal. Her classroom teaching is top-notch and her ability to really listen to kids and connect with them is impressive as she works with them to pave successful pathways to college.”

Aufranc is one of 16 K–12 teachers across the Puget Sound area that 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 Seahawks home game and are acknowledged during an on-field presentation at CenturyLink Field. Aufranc will be recognized at the Nov. 29 game when the Seahawks take 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/Seahawks.

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.