Dimmitt Middle School Teacher Honored as 'Symetra Hero in the Classroom'

Symetra and the Seattle Seahawks honored Dimmitt Middle School teacher Molly Oosterhof as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Oct. 8, 2014 during a surprise classroom presentation. Oosterhof is a sixth-grade Language Arts instructor at the Renton middle school.

“Molly Oosterhof has worked tirelessly at Dimmitt for the last six years to make an impact in students’ lives inside and outside of the classroom,” said Gretchen Wenzl, a Dimmitt teaching colleague. “She created our quarterly sixth-grade PRIDE parties for students who meet or exceed school expectations. Students can go to the cafeteria and playground after school for art activities, sports, various games, movies, or just to spend time with friends. It really motivates students to improve at school because they have so much fun!” Wenzl nominated Oosterhof for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.

“Molly encourages students to try their best and take risks in their learning,” added Wenzl. “During a historical fiction unit that focused on immigration and why people move to other countries, she created a project that allowed students to explore their own histories and backgrounds. Students were excited to share their stories and their families’ experiences. It helped create strong bonds and strengthen the classroom community. Molly sees the absolute best in her students, cares about them as individuals, and it’s reflected in the relationship she has with them.”

Oosterhof 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 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. Oosterhof will be recognized at the Oct. 12 game when the Seahawks take on the Dallas Cowboys.

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.