Shorecrest High School Teacher Honored as ‘Symetra Hero in the Classroom’

Symetra and the Seattle Seahawks honored Shorecrest High School teacher Stephanie Rietman as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Sept. 13, 2013 during a school assembly. Rietman, who teaches Algebra and Calculus, is co-head of Shorecrest's Math Department.

“Ask anyone who has had Ms. Rietman, and they will tell you that not only is she genuinely nice and encouraging, she makes math fun! She consistently shows students she really cares by coming in early, staying late and sometimes missing lunch in order to give extra help,” said D'Angela Pritchett-Rowe, a former student of Rietman’s. “Ms. Rietman always comes up with a way to explain difficult concepts. Even if just one student doesn't understand something, she will take the time to work with them individually so that we can all be on the same page. Strict about deadlines and grade values, she also is understanding and empathetic of our needs as busy teens.” Pritchett-Rowe nominated Rietman for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.

“Ms. Rietman’s passion for math shows through her teaching,” said Pritchett-Rowe. “She often cracks math jokes in class in order to get everyone engaged, and it really works. She has taught all of her students to appreciate math — and learning in general — more than they did before they had her. She makes all of us genuinely excited to go to school.”

Rietman is one of 16 K–12 teachers across the Puget Sound area who will be honored for educational excellence in the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom program during the 2013 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. Rietman was recognized at the Sept. 15 Seahawks–San Francisco 49ers game.

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.