Symetra, Seahawks Honor McDonald International School Teacher

Symetra and the Seattle Seahawks honored McDonald International School teacher Jennifer Morris as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Dec. 14 during a surprise presentation. Morris is a third-grade instructor in math, science and social studies at the K–5 dual language school, located in Seattle’s Wallingford neighborhood.

“Jennifer Morris is an amazing teacher who works hard every day to make a real difference in children’s lives,” said Kate Koester, the parent of a former student. “Ms. Morris finds way to connect students to real issues impacting the community. For a social studies project around food insecurity in Seattle, she brought her students’ classroom learning to life by organizing a trip to a local farm where the children harvested spinach to donate to a local food bank.” Koester nominated Morris for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.

“Ms. Morris shares her Mexican culture and encourages her students to share and learn more about their own backgrounds. Students made family trees in Spanish showing where their families had come from. The connections she helps her students make between their personal histories and the larger world is one of the many attributes she brings to teaching that sets her apart,” said Koester.

Morris 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. More than 240 teachers around the region have been celebrated since the program’s inception in 2006.

Teachers are recognized in front of their students and peers at surprise in-school presentations, and they receive a $2,000 donation from Symetra 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.

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.