Dede Ford honored as a Hero in the Classroom

Dede Ford, principal David Tadlock, and Syre students.
Photo courtesy Shoreline Schools

Dede Ford, fifth grade teacher at Syre Elementary School was honored as a Shoreline School District recipient in the Heroes in the Classroom program sponsored by the Seattle Seahawks and Symetra Financial.

Symetra Heroes in the Classroom is a community program that recognizes Shoreline, Renton and Seattle teachers for outstanding leadership and instructional skills during the Seattle Seahawks season.

Dede Ford

Dede was recognized prior to the Seahawks home game against the Carolina Panthers on December 5, along with Nate Courtney of Kellogg. She received a team jersey, two tickets to the Seahawks game and on-field passes, and a $350 Office Max gift card for classroom supplies.

Dede was nominated by a Syre parent who wrote in part: "She goes above and beyond for her students. In addition to treating her students well on a personal level, she expected them to work up to their potential. I know she invested in my son's long-term success by changing his mind about teachers and school in general."

Another parent wrote "Ms. Ford gave so much of herself to her students that she made it possible for my son (and me) to believe that there are teachers out there that love what they do and love the kids they work with. He was able to go on and have a phenomenal 6th grade experience last year - and I think that is "Thanks" in large part to Ms. Ford."