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

Symetra and the Seattle Seahawks honored Maywood Middle School teacher Melissa Norman as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Sept. 18, 2014 during a surprise assembly. Norman is a special education instructor at the Issaquah middle school.

“Melissa Norman makes a difference in every one of her students’ lives. She combines a calm, organized classroom structure with creative, individualized instruction tailored to meet each student’s academic and social needs. Her great sense of humor and inclusiveness create a climate of welcome for all in her classroom, which makes learning fun and meaningful,” said Betty Teel, a co-worker at Maywood Middle School. “What truly sets Melissa apart as a teacher is the relationship she establishes with her students’ families. She goes above and beyond to coordinate and communicate on a daily basis with each family, and this teamwork helps create continual improvements for students.” Teel nominated Norman for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.

“Preparing her students for the next phase of their lives is a personal challenge for Melissa. Her instruction includes both academics and real-world skills that will enable her students to be as independent as possible,” said Teel. “Melissa constantly fine-tunes each student’s curriculum to maximize their learning each day.”

Norman 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. Norman was recognized at the Sept. 21 game when the Seahawks took on the Denver Broncos.

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.