Symetra and the Seattle Seahawks honored Ben Franklin Elementary School and Kirkland teacher Emily Morgan as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Sept. 10 during a surprise assembly.

“Emily Morgan is an astonishing Kindergarten teacher. I’ve had opportunities to observe her class and have been amazed at the level of structure and professionalism with such young students,” said Riley Frazier, a parent of a Ben Franklin Elementary School student. “For some students, Kindergarten is their first year in any kind of school environment or  experience with an authority figure other than a parent. I was amazed to see my son was learning to read, write, add, subtract, work with computers and use vocabulary words well beyond what I would expect from a Kindergarten student.” Frazier nominated Morgan for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom award.

“Not only are Mrs. Morgan’s students reading and able to do math, but their study skills and civility have become much more consistent. Her students are learning valuable social skills that will, no doubt, shape their scholastic careers and adult lives,” Fraizer said. “Lessons about being kind, encouraging others and being respectful of their peers are surely building a foundation for kids to succeed both academically and socially.”

Morgan 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 2014 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. Morgan was recognized at the Sept. 21 game when the Seahawks took on the Denver Broncos.

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 at www.SymetraHeroes.com/Seahawks.