Shoreline Public School’s Jennifer Broadstone honored as a Hero in the Classroom by Symetra and Seahawks

Jennifer Broadstone in front of “her” customized locker in the Seahawks locker room with Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett, a surprise guest.

Symetra and the Seattle Seahawks celebrated the 16 Puget Sound-area teachers recognized as Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® during the 2016 NFL season at an April 28 luncheon at CenturyLink Field.

Among the honorees was Jennifer Broadstone, the occupational therapy and physical therapy team lead for Shoreline Public Schools, who was joined at the reception by Rebecca Miner, district superintendent, and Scott Irwin, director of Secondary Student Services.

The event was held in the Coach’s Loft and included a behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium, including a stop in the Seahawks locker room, where each teacher discovered a personalized locker.

Inside were a copy of the Seattle Times ad honoring them, a commemorative 2016 Symetra Heroes in the Classroom booklet and Seahawks items.

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (#16) made a surprise appearance — sharing a story about the impact two middle school teachers had on his life, signing autographs, and posing for photos.

Shoreline Public Schools guests (l to r): Superintendent Rebecca Miner; Scott Irwin; and 2016 Symetra Heroes in the Classroom honoree Jennifer Broadstone.

The Symetra Heroes in the Classroom program recognizes teachers in front of their students and peers at in-school presentations, and they receive a $1,000 donation for classroom books and supplies.

Ms. Broadstone received her Heroes award during a presentation at Echo Lake Elementary School last December. She was nominated by district colleague Barbara Bender, who wrote, 

“Jennifer Broadstone works with students across the Shoreline school district who have physical challenges that interfere with their ability to access their education. 

"Over the course of her career as a school-based physical therapist, she has worked with hundreds of students, families, teachers and administrators. 

"Teachers and administrators rely on Jennifer for her knowledge of a student’s physical disabilities and how best to modify activities and environments so that he or she can be fully integrated into school programs. 

"Parents often rely on Jennifer to help them better understand their child’s condition or special equipment needs. Students love Jennifer because she is a cheerleader for them, and they have fun with her as she encourages them to go as far as they can go in spite of their physical limitations.”

Heroes honorees also receive tickets to a Seahawks home game and are acknowledged during an on-field presentation at CenturyLink Field. Ms. Broadstone attended the Seahawks’ December 24, 2016 match-up against the Arizona Cardinals.

Learn more about Symetra Heroes in the Classroom and how to nominate a teacher here.