Teacher Named 'Hero in the Classroom' at Kirkland's A.G. Bell Elementary

Cathy Daly, a first-grade teacher at Kirkland’s A.G. Bell Elementary, has earned a Hero in the Classroom Award from Bellevue-based Symetra Life Insurance and the Seattle Seahawks.

The award recognizes 24 Seattle-area teachers for outstanding leadership and instructional skills during the Seattle Seahawks season, and includes $1,000 for the school and $350 from Office Max for supplies

A popular teacher among students and parents, Daly was surprised last month with the award presentation at the school in Juanita. She also received two tickets to a Seahawks regular-season game -- her favorite player is quarterback Russell Wilson.

“We know how wonderful our teachers are here at Bell Elementary, so we are so proud that she was acknowledged,” said A.G. Bell principal Heidi Paul.

In giving her the award, Symtra noted: “Cathy Daly goes the extra mile every day. She always encourages, inspires, and promotes, and is passionate about helping each student. Cathy also volunteers with a children's literacy program, Reading with Rover, and brings her own dog (a registered therapy dog who she rescued and trained herself) so students can read aloud to her dog in a non-threatening, non-judgmental environment.”