For the third time in four years, a Roxhill Elementary teacher has been chosen as a “Heroes of the Classroom” winner. Honored today in a ceremony at the school: Robin Hicks, who teaches 3rd-5th-grade Roxhill students who are on the autism spectrum (at center in our photo with Jennifer from Symetra and Allison from the Seahawks, both organizations that sponsor the awards). Her prizes include a $1,000 donation for classroom supplies and books and two tickets to this Sunday’s Seahawks game with the 49ers; she’ll be recognized on the big screen during the game. Read on for more about her work and her nomination:

From Symetra’s news release:

… “Robin Hicks has a challenging student population at Roxhill Elementary. In addition to her responsibility for the educational curriculum of nine students with diverse needs based on their place on the autism spectrum, she must manage the complicated behavioral and sensory aspects that children with autism exhibit,” said Kelley Sepavich, a parent of a Roxhill Elementary student. “Not only does Ms. Hicks approach her role with the seriousness it requires, she does so with enthusiasm, respect and an enormous amount of patience.” Sepavich nominated Hicks for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.

“Over the course of her tenure at Roxhill, Ms. Hicks has done more than teach her students to read, write and do math. She and her aides have taught their students how to get dressed, eat with utensils, sit calmly, walk quietly, and generally how to behave in a world they are continually trying to navigate,” said Sepavich. “Spend one day in Ms. Hicks’ classroom, and you will be in awe! I am continually amazed at her ability to manage it all.”

Hicks is one of 16 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 2013 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 Seahawks home game and are acknowledged during an on-field presentation at CenturyLink Field. Hicks will be recognized at the Sept. 15 game when the Seahawks take on the San Francisco 49ers.

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/Seahawks.

Roxhill’s two previous winners were Christopher Robert in 2009 (WSB coverage here) and (corrected) Teresa Klein in 2011 (WSB coverage here).