After 30-plus years of teaching leadership and being a truly dedicated Vice Principal at Wilcox High School, Kathleen MacDonald was honored by the San Francisco 49ers and Symetra Financial as one of their Hero in the Classroom winners for 2011.
Being selected to be a Hero is based on the teacher’s 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. Kathleen has been doing this and more for her whole career and acts as a model for teachers and administrators alike. Kathleen was nominated for this award by a former student and for winning this award; she received a wide variety of gifts that benefit both Kathleen and Wilcox High. Wilcox received a donation of $1,000.00 and Kathleen received $250.00 towards purchases at Office Max plus two tickets to the 49ers game on Dec. 4th where she had pre-game VIP sideline privileges and was recognized on the video board during the game itself. She was awarded her certificate and a model check of the donation for Wilcox at her staff meeting.
Well Fargo also is a partner in the awards.
Nominated by a former student, MacDonald was one of 16 K-12 teachers in the Bay Area honored for educational excellence in the “Symetra Heroes in the Classroom” program during the 2011 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 49ers home game and are acknowledged during on-field presentations at Candlestick Park.
“Mrs. MacDonald fosters an environment where students can intellectually and socially mature. She deals with the most unique and dynamic personalities of Wilcox and is committed to helping students succeed in every facet of their lives,” said Heather Narciso, a former student of MacDonald’s. “Every student has different leadership skills, but when you graduate, you know you’re the best leader that you can be —thanks to Mrs. MacDonald.” Narciso nominated MacDonald for the Symetra Hero in the Classroom award.
“Mrs. MacDonald offered me endless support when I was in high school, but what really makes her stand out is the time she invests in her students’ lives after they graduate,” said Narciso. “She keeps track of her former students and genuinely cares about their future and lives in the real world.”
More information about Symetra Heroes in the Classroom is available at http://www.symetra.com/heroes/fortyniners/Pages/fortyniners.aspx