Renton Park Teacher Honored For Work In The Classroom

A Renton Park Elementary teacher recently received a surprise from the  and Symetra Financial when she was recently honored as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom.”

Stephane Eliason, who teaches third grade, was honored on Sept. 29, 2011 during a special school assembly. 

“Stephane Eliason is an unsung hero of Renton Park Elementary School and the Renton School District,” said Reinhart Earhart, a school district colleague. “She is a voice for her students, her fellow teachers and her school, especially as an advocate for technology in learning. Her primary responsibility is teaching her third-grade class, but her dedication to promoting student achievement is further demonstrated by the volunteer roles she serves on the district’s Instructional Technology Committee and the Renton Technology Coordinating Council.” Earhart nominated Eliason for the Symetra Hero in the Classroom award.

One of the ways that Eliason has integrated technology into her classroom is by using Scholastic Reading Inventory (SRI), a computer-based reading assessment that provides immediate data on students’ reading levels and growth. “Stephane uses the SRI results not only to assess her students’ reading levels and abilities, but also to suggest specific books that are based on the student’s interests. Her goal always is to engage her students in meaningful learning activities, and through the use of technology in her classroom, she gives them the skills to be successful in the 21st Century.”

Eliason is one of 24 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 2011 NFL season. . Recipents receive tickets to a Seahawks home game. They also are acknowledged during an on-field presentation at CenturyLink Field. Eliason was recognized at the Oct. 2 game when the Seahawks took on the Atlanta Falcons.

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.