Beaver Lake Middle School Teacher Honored as ‘Symetra Hero in the Classroom’

Symetra and the Seattle Seahawks honored Beaver Lake Middle School teacher Josh Berg as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Oct. 28th during a surprise school assembly. Berg is a TechSmart and leadership instructor at the Issaquah school, as well as its Associated Student Body (ASB) advisor.

“Josh Berg pours his heart into his work at Beaver Lake Middle School (BLMS). His efforts directly impact and support our school culture and reflect our mission that we have a place for everyone,” said Principal Stacy Cho. “Josh has created dynamic courses in which our students are learning how to be leaders. As our ASB advisor, leadership elective teacher and TechSmart elective teacher, he is always sharing with our students that actions speak louder than words. He helps them see the value in serving others through vehicles like the poster in his classroom that reads, ‘See a need, meet a need.’ Josh stretches his students to think beyond themselves by inspiring them to welcome everyone at school.”

“Mr. Berg takes a leadership role with colleagues and can be counted on to hold the highest standards of honesty and integrity,” said Marilee Bosshart, assistant principal. “Active in serving all students in his role as the 6th grade Tech Smart teacher, he has the privilege of connecting with every single student that passes through Beaver Lake. He uses this as an opportunity to build connections with every student, regardless of their background, challenges or circumstances. Just as our mission statement reflects having a place for everyone at BLMS, Mr. Berg embodies that in the classroom and beyond.”

Cho and Bosshart nominated Berg for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.

Berg 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 2016 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. Berg will be recognized at the Dec. 4 game when the Seahawks take 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/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.