Symetra and the Seattle Seahawks honored the two Issaquah teachers along with 14 others in the Puget Sound-area as Symetra Heroes in the Classroom during the 2013 NFL season. The awards came at a special celebration at CenturyLink Field on March 14.

Among the 2013 honorees were Jeannie Joseph, a Language Arts and Social Studies instructor at Issaquah Middle School, and Heather Ireland, an eighth-grade Mathematics instructor at Beaver Lake Middle School.

Ireland was nominated as a Symetra Hero in the Classroom by Beaver Lake Principal Stacy Cho. “Heather Ireland cares so much about Beaver Lake’s students,” said Cho. “She realized that eighth grade is such a pivotal year in students’ lives as they make choices that will have an impact on their path in life. Heather wanted to help build her students’ confidence not only through math skills, but also with guidance on how to transition into becoming a responsible adult. She is a wonderful role model, and she contributes mightily to our mission that Beaver Lake has a place for everyone.”

Issaquah Middle School Principal Corrine DeRosa nominated Jeannie Joseph for her Symetra Hero in the Classroom award. “One of the most important things Jeannie does for struggling learners is to help them feel good about themselves and just like the other kids,” said DeRosa. “When students feel good about themselves, both their behavior and learning improves. A gracious, caring and strong advocate for students, it’s no wonder that Jeannie is respected by staff, administration and parents — and loved by her students.”

Joseph was honored during a school presentation on Oct. 29, 2013, and acknowledged during an on-field presentation at the Nov. 3 Seahawks–Tampa Bay Buccaneers game.

Following a lunch, the teachers received an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium, which included taking in a view of the field from the press box. The festivities wrapped up in the Seahawks locker room, where each teacher was surprised with a “customized” locker complete with nameplate. Each teacher’s locker’s contents included a plaque commemorating his or her “Heroes” award.

Seahawks Linebacker K.J. Wright was a special guest, joining the teachers and guests in the players’ locker room. Wright, who brought along the Lombardi Trophy, offered some advice for the teachers with students who have designs on becoming NFL or NBA players. “Just tell them, ‘Just make sure you get your degree,’ ” Wright said. “If you make it to the NFL, that’s just a bonus. But the education that will last you a lifetime.”

Since 2006, more than 180 Puget Sound-area teachers have been honored as Symetra Heroes in the Classroom.