Symetra Financial and the Seattle Seahawks honored B.F. Day Elementary School second grade teacher Ericka Johnson Pollard as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Nov. 2 during a special classroom event.
“Ericka Johnson Pollard is in her third year of teaching, but teaches as if she has been doing it for years. She has a class of 26 very lively seven- and eight-year-olds, and she builds a rapport with each child by focusing on high expectations and a belief that they will achieve at their highest level,” said Susan McClosey, principal of B.F. Day Elementary School.”Mrs. Pollard plans her curriculum so that students are actively engaged in their learning, with rich classroom discussions. She also takes them outside of the classroom to embrace the learning that can take place all over our wonderful city of Seattle. The class might visit a local Fremont business or hop on a city bus and head downtown to the Experience Music Project. She figures out what each student needs to be challenged and plans her lessons to meet those challenges.” McCloskey nominated Pollard for the Symetra Hero in the Classroom award.
“The care that Mrs. Pollard feels for her students and her desire for their success comes through in her daily interactions, said McCloskey. “She is constantly telling them how smart they are, how well-behaved they are and how much she enjoys working with them. She loves her job, and her students know it.
Teachers may be nominated by their principal, district staff, student or student’s parent. The winners are selected based on their ability to balance the core curriculum with students’ individual needs; build trust among students, parents and the community; and invest in their students’ long-term success.
In addition to honoring exceptional teachers on and off the field, each of the schools represented by a 2011 teacher Hero is eligible for an MVP Award, which provides funding to enhance learning in Seattle-area schools. Three $10,000 grants will be awarded at the end of the 2011 football season.
More information about Symetra Heroes in the Classroom is available at www.symetra.com/heroes.