Shorewood High School teacher honored as Symetra 'Hero in the Classroom’

Colleen Kiyonaga honored as
Hero in the Classroom

Symetra and the Seattle Seahawks honored Shorewood High School teacher Colleen Kiyonaga as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on October 13, 2015 during a surprise classroom presentation. 

Kiyonaga teaches family and consumer science at Shorewood.

“Colleen Kiyonaga teaches what she loves — food and culture. She shares her own Japanese-American heritage and encourages students to explore and share their own cultures. Through a class called ‘Cuisines and Cultures,’ Colleen shares Japanese food traditions. I often see her lugging two or three loads of utensils and specialized food items into class so her students can experience them firsthand,” said Wendy Jordan, a teaching colleague. 

“Colleen has no fear of learning new teaching strategies, new technologies or new information in general. During her ‘Foods and Nutrition’ or ‘Cuisines and Cultures’ classes, she is always openly asking students and other teachers who may be in the classroom to share information regarding the cooking task at hand. In such a diverse classroom, there are many cultures present and her collaborative teaching style is empowering.” Jordan nominated Kiyonaga for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award. 

“Colleen is excellent at fostering a classroom culture of respect and tolerance. She has a kind, gentle manner and is thoughtful in her words to students. Her voice is calm and slightly quiet, so students listen carefully to hear her and respond with instant attention and respect. It is an incredible situation to watch,” said Jordan.

Colleen and Shoreline Superintendent Rebecca Miner

Kiyonaga 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 2015 NFL season. Teachers are recognized in front of their students and peers at surprise in-school presentations, and they receive a $1,000 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. Kiyonaga will be recognized at the Oct. 18 game when the Seahawks take on the Carolina Panthers.

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 here.  

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 advisors.