Ben Franklin Teacher Named 'Symetra Hero in the Classroom'

Symetra and the Seattle Seahawks honored Ben Franklin Elementary School teacher Shawna Sandstrom as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Nov. 21 during a school assembly. Sandstrom is a music instructor at the K–5 school in Kirkland.

“Shawna Sandstrom stands out because of her unique approach, expertise with all things music and ability to identify individual student’s strengths — even when she works with hundreds of kids!” said Riley Frazier, the parent of a Ben Franklin student. “Mrs.Sandstrom makes music accessible, offering her students multiple ways to get involved. She teaches traditional choir, but also films music videos with the kids. They learn how to play instruments, but also how to collaborate, perform and play to their strengths. She's the kind of teacher that everyone wants their child to have. And by the nature of being a specialist, every student in the school gets to be in her class!” Frazier nominated Sandstrom for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.

Sandstrom 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 2018 NFL season. Honorees are recognized in front of their students and peers at surprise in-school presentations, and Symetra makes a $2,000 donation to each teacher-Hero’s school for classroom books and supplies. Teachers also receive tickets to a Seahawks home game, where they enjoy a pre-game sideline experience and are acknowledged during an on-field presentation at CenturyLink Field. Sandstrom will be recognized at the Dec. 23 game, when the Seahawks take on the Kansas City Chiefs.

Teachers may be nominated by their principal, district staff, student or student’s parent. The honorees 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.

About Symetra Heroes in the Classroom®

Since 2006, the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom program has honored over 570 K–12 teachers nationwide for educational excellence during the NFL regular season, including more than 250 Puget Sound-area teachers. In addition, Symetra has contributed nearly $950,000 for school books, equipment and programming.

Each of the 16 Puget Sound schools with a 2018 teacher-Hero is eligible to participate in the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom MVP Award, a $20,000 grant in support of innovative student programming. Proposals will go out to eligible schools in early 2019 and the winning submission will be announced at a springtime event at CenturyLink Field for the Heroes, their principals and school district leadership.

For more information about the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom program or to nominate a teacher, visit www.SymetraHeroes.com/Seahawks.

About Symetra

Symetra Financial Corporation is a diversified financial services company based in Bellevue, Washington. 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.