Symetra and the Seattle Seahawks head back to school by honoring two Parkwood Elementary teachers

Carla Salmon (left), Parkwood Elementary School Principal Ann Torres (center),
and Renee Iverson (right).

Symetra and the Seattle Seahawks kicked off the 14th season of Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® yesterday with a first for the teacher-recognition program, simultaneously honoring not one but two teachers from the same school in Shoreline.

Parkwood Elementary School kindergarten teacher Carla Salmon and third grade teacher Renee Iverson thought they were attending the regular district staff meeting that precedes a new school year for Shoreline Public Schools.

Carla Salmon (left) and Renee Iverson (right) learn more about
what their Symetra Heroes in the Classroom honors entail.

Both were curious when Superintendent Rebecca Miner deviated from the agenda to invite Parkwood Elementary School Principal Ann Torres to help her introduce two surprise guests — and stunned when Symetra Public Affairs AVP Sharmila Swenson and Seattle Seahawks Partnership Activation Manager Emily Sikma announced their names.

Iverson and Salmon are two of the 16 K–12 teachers that will be honored for educational excellence by the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom program during the 2019 NFL season.

“The difference Renee Iverson has made in our daughter’s life and in those of the students who have been fortunate to have her as a teacher simply cannot be overstated,” wrote district colleague Curtis Campbell in his nomination. 

“My wife and I will often refer to Mrs. Iverson as the ‘child whisperer’ because she has an innate ability to connect with each student she works with to develop a trusting relationship and understand each child’s needs and strengths. She leverages those relationships, along with her exceptional teaching knowledge, to support students reaching their true potential.”

Superintendent Rebecca Miner (red jacket) reacts

Parent Annie Culliton applauded the dedication and imagination Carla Salmon brings to the classroom in her nomination. 

“Kindergarten is a tricky age. I've never seen a more equipped teacher than Carla, who fosters and nurtures individuality, creativity, diversity, teamwork and confidence in young minds. Society will be much better served having more teachers like Carla mold these minds at an early age, setting them on the path of loving school as a goal above all else,” wrote Culliton. 

“I'm excited to see a brighter future because of the foundation and passion Carla is building in our future leaders because she sees the big picture and is coloring it in one day and child at a time.”

“High 5” for Renee Iverson on her way down to the floor
to accept her Symetra Heroes in the Classroom honors.

Both teachers will receive $2,000 from Symetra for classroom supplies and two tickets to the Seattle Seahawks season-opening game with the Cincinnati Bengals on September 8.

Since 2006, Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® has celebrated 264 K–12 teachers across the Puget Sound and contributed $640,000 for schoolbooks, classroom supplies and equipment, and in support of innovative student programming.

Symetra Life Insurance Company is a subsidiary of Symetra Financial Corporation, 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.