When Kailey Shepard was helping Seattle Seahawks mascot Blitz raise a “12” flag for a back-to-school assembly last Friday, little did the second-generation social studies teacher know that the celebration was really for her.<\/p>\n
Shepard, who works at Mill Creek Middle School, was stunned to learn that she had become the 234th Puget Sound-area teacher to be recognized for educational excellence as a Symetra Hero in the Classroom.<\/p>\n
Symetra and the Seahawks kicked off the 12th season of the Heroes teacher-recognition program with a surprise presentation at Mill Creek Middle School. Teachers are recognized in front of their students and peers at surprise in-school presentations, with Symetra making a $2,000 donation to each teacher-Hero’s school for classroom books and supplies.<\/p>\n
Heroes honorees also receive tickets to a Seahawks home game, where they are acknowledged during on-field presentations at CenturyLink Field. Shepard will be recognized on Sunday when the Seahawks take on the San Francisco 49ers.<\/p>\n
“Look up ‘excellent teaching’ in the dictionary and you will find Kailey Shepard’s picture. … She is an integral part of Mill Creek Middle School,” said Nanette Navarro, a Kent School District colleague, who nominated Shepard for the award. “Kailey wholly dedicates herself to her profession and her students. Immediately after earning her master’s degree in her second year of teaching, she pursued an English Language Learners endorsement in order to better serve a diverse student population represented by 125 languages. She teaches these kids about the world and has a way with young people that makes them feel loved, respected and excited to learn.”<\/p>\n
Shepard is one of 16 kindergarten through 12th grade teachers who will be honored for educational excellence in the Heroes program during the NFL season.<\/p>\n
“Great teachers make such a powerful contribution to students’ lives. We feel privileged to be able to honor the dedication and inspiration they deliver in classrooms every day,” said Tracy Wort, assistant director, community relations at Symetra. “We know there are so many wonderful educators throughout our area – and we’re always on the lookout for a compelling nomination.”<\/p>\n
Teachers may be nominated by their principal, district staff, students or students’ parent. Honorees 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.<\/p>\n