Seattle Seahawks CB Roy Lewis Honors Parkwood Teachers as ‘Symetra Heroes in the Classroom’

Bethany Ibach  (left) and Kristin Mesler  (right).  Photo courtesy Symetra.

Symetra Financial and the Seattle Seahawks honored Parkwood Elementary School teachers Bethany Ibach and Kristin Mesler as “Symetra Heroes in the Classroom” Tuesday during a special school assembly. 

Seattle Seahawks Cornerback Roy Lewis greets Parkwood Elementary School students. Photo courtesy Symetra

 Seahawks cornerback Roy Lewis made a surprise appearance at the Shoreline school, where Ibach teaches first grade and Mesler teaches third grade, delighting both the teachers and the 430 students on hand. Tom Marra, president and chief executive officer of Symetra Financial, joined Lewis for the presentations.

Bethany Ibach was nominated for a Symetra Hero in the Classroom award by Parkwood Elementary School principal Laura Ploudre, who cited Ibach’s passion for teaching, her successful first-grade blended program, and her resilience following a recent battle with a brain tumor. “Bethany’s true talent lies in taking the natural energy of six- and seven-year-olds and directing it toward engaging, hands-on learning activities that result in outstanding student achievement. While she recognizes each student’s individual struggles or needs, she lovingly holds them accountable to give their best effort. She is the ‘warm demander’ who says, “I know you can do this!”

“Kristin Mesler is an extremely talented, skillful teacher who gives her students an outstanding education in academics as well as unconditional love, an acceptance of diversity and a window into the joy of learning,” said co-worker Dianne Hertzberg, who nominated Mesler. “Her mainstream third-grade classroom successfully blends eight special education students, giving each child, of every ability, the chance to learn from others.” The school’s PTA also recently honored Mesler as 2010 Teacher of the Year.

(left to right) Tom Marra, CEO, Symetra Financial; Bethany Ibach, Parkwood Elementary (1st Grade); Roy Lewis, Seattle Seahawks Cornerback; and Kristin Mesler, Parkwood Elementary (3rd Grade) Photo courtesy Symetra.

Ibach and Mesler are two of 24 K-12 teachers across the Puget Sound area who will be honored for educational excellence in the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom program during the 2010 NFL season. Teachers are recognized in front of their students and peers at surprise in-school presentations. In addition, they receive tickets to a Seahawks home game and are acknowledged during an on-field presentation at Qwest Field. Mesler will be recognized at the Dec. 19 game when the Seahawks take on the Atlanta Falcons, and Ibach will be honored at the Jan. 2 game against the St. Louis Rams.

Teachers may be nominated by their principal, district staff, student or student’s parent. The winners are selected based on their ability to balance the core curriculum with students’ individual needs; build trust among students, parents and the community; and invest in their students’ long-term success.

In addition to honoring exceptional teachers on and off the field, each of the schools represented by a 2010 teacher Hero is eligible for an MVP Award, which provides funding to enhance learning in Seattle-area schools. Three $10,000 grants will be awarded at the end of the 2010 football season.  More information about Symetra Heroes in the Classroom is available at their website.

About Symetra

Symetra Financial Corporation (NYSE: SYA) is a diversified financial services company based in Bellevue, Wash. 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 advisers.