Symetra, Wells Fargo and the San Francisco 49ers honored Almond Elementary School teacher Amy Shelley as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Nov. 29, 2012 during a surprise classroom presentation. Shelley teaches sixth grade at the Los Altos elementary school.
“Just eight years into her teaching career, Amy Shelley is a brilliant educator. She has been a beloved leader blazing the path for her colleagues to introduce and incorporate technology into teaching in ways that embrace the best of 21st Century learning,” said Camilla McCrea, a parent of an Almond Elementary student. “Ms. Shelley has combined these digital pursuits with a care and compassion for the whole student as a member of the school community and as a citizen of the global world. She believes that students can learn a lot about themselves through giving back to their community — and they annually volunteer more than 800 hours to help the environment via coastal clean-up projects, composting, recycling and letter-writing. Ms. Shelley participates alongside the children and gives them a sense of value and self-worth.” McCrea nominated Shelley for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.
“Here in California, where all we hear about is education funding being cut and teachers' unions at war with administration, along comes a talent like Ms. Shelley who is everything you ever hoped for in a teacher — bright, engaged, eager to learn and grow; an inspiration to students, staff and parents,” said McCrea. “I know great things will happen for her and because of her. I know we may lose her to the world of higher education as she teaches others how to teach. But for the few moments we do have the privilege of her teaching at Almond Elementary, I’d like to share her merits with others, so she can feel appreciated and respected for the teaching choice she made.”
Shelley is one of 16 K-12 teachers in the San Francisco Bay Area — and the second from a Los Altos school —who will be honored for educational excellence in the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom program during the 2012 NFL season. Los Altos High School's Robert Freeman was celebrated on Nov. 15.
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 49ers home game and are acknowledged during an on-field presentation at Candlestick Park. Shelley was recognized at the Dec. 9 game when the 49ers took on the Miami Dolphins.
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/49ers.
