Albert Talley Teacher Named ‘Symetra Hero in the Classroom’

Symetra and the Seattle Seahawks honored Albert Talley Senior High School teacher Leonard Anderson as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Dec. 11th during a school presentation. Anderson teaches English and creative writing at the alternative high school located in Seattle’s Bryn Mawr-Skyway community.

“Leonard Anderson works tirelessly to engage students, learn about their interests and build relationships. He challenges himself to find ways to connect with every single student in his classroom, and I’ve consistently seen him adjust his curriculum to meet students’ interests,” said Lori McEwen, a school colleague. “Beyond the classroom, Len watches out for his students, checking in on their academic, social and emotional well-being. He makes sure that none of his students falls through the cracks. His work ethic and ability to build relationships with students is inspiring and makes him a pillar of our staff.” McEwen nominated Anderson for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.

“Len is doing work he is truly passionate about,” adds McEwen. “We work daily with kids who are so close to giving up on school, helping them understand that they are capable, they are smart, and they are loved. I have not worked with anyone who has taught with more love, passion and dedication than Len.”

Anderson 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. Anderson will be recognized at the Dec. 30 game, when the Seahawks take on the Arizona Cardinals.

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.