Puesta del Sol Elementary School Teacher Honored as 'Symetra Hero in the Classroom'

Symetra and the Seattle Seahawks honored Puesta del Sol Elementary School teacher Kjell Mattson as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Dec. 16 at a surprise presentation during a school assembly. Mattson teaches fourth grade at the dual language, Spanish immersion public school located in Bellevue.

“Kjell Mattson — known as ‘Señor’ Mattson’ — teaches math, social studies and literacy (all in Spanish) to our children. He is enthusiastic and engaged with the students and keeps them excited about the subject matter,” said Lisa Wada, the parent of a Puesta del Sol Elementary School student. “During the Native American class module, Señor Mattson had students create small ‘families’ of Native peoples. After choosing an identity, a Native American name and a role in the tribe, each child worked with their group to establish unity.” Wada nominated Mattson for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.

“Señor Mattson recently launched a new chapter in the module by dressing in costume as an invading explorer to introduce the topic of colonization in the Americas. The kids absolutely loved it!” said Wada. “This is just one small example of how Señor Mattson’s classroom is a world of creativity and enjoyment.”

Mattson is one of 16 K–12 teachers across the Puget Sound area 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 Seahawks home game and are acknowledged during an on-field presentation at CenturyLink Field. Mattson was recognized at the Dec. 28 game when the Seahawks took on the St. Louis Rams.

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.