Symetra, Seahawks Honor Broadview-Thomson K-8 School Teacher

Symetra and the Seattle Seahawks honored Broadview-Thomson K–8 School special education teacher Brian Robertson as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Nov. 29 at a surprise presentation during an assembly at the Seattle school.

“Brian Robertson works with Broadview-Thomson middle school students who have significant learning, behavioral and social challenges — building strong relationships with all of them. Walk into his classroom and you’ll find students who may struggle in every other class getting help from a trusted adult. Brian is patiently helping them organize their binders; he’s looking up their grades and finding missing assignments; he’s reviewing a science or history lesson. He doesn't let his students fail, and he holds them to high standards,” said colleague Emily Sugiyama, who nominated Robertson for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom award. ®

“Somehow, Brian knows what’s happening in every class; he knows when the science fair project is due, even though he doesn’t teach science. He knows that there’s a map test coming in Washington state history, even though he doesn’t teach that either. This information is crucial for his students and that’s why he knows it. He goes out of his way to have conversations with other teachers and other students about what’s going on so that he can make sure his students have the best chance to succeed,” said Sugiyama.

Robertson 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 2017 NFL season. Teachers are recognized in front of their students and peers at surprise in-school presentations, and they receive a $2,000 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. Robertson will be recognized at the Dec.3 game when the Seahawks take on the Philadelphia Eagles.

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.