Concord Int'l Teacher Named ‘Symetra Hero in the Classroom’

Symetra and the Seattle Seahawks honored Concord International Elementary School teacher Douglas Pentland as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Oct. 22 during a school assembly. Pentland teaches 1st grade at the K–5 dual language school located in Seattle’s South Park neighborhood.

“Mr. Pentland has only recently begun his second year at Concord, but he has already made his positive presence felt. He is gentle, loving and enthusiastic with all of his students,” said Robin Schwartz, a Concord parent and PTA member. “Mr. Pentland brings so much good energy to the classroom and our school community. He truly appreciates the energy first-graders have and encourages them to move around if they need to while they do their work. A true team player who goes the extra mile, he is always willing to pitch in with co-workers, as well as with parents and the PTA. And he is a double-dutch expert!” Schwartz nominated Pentland for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.

Symetra Heroes in the Classroom 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. Pentland will be recognized at the Nov. 4 game, when the Seahawks take on the Los Angeles Chargers.

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.