Rathan Mahendran is a major Seattle Seahawks fan, so it’s only fitting that he ended up on the CenturyLink Field prior to last Sunday’s matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.
Like Seahawks players, the Redmond Middle School (RMS) sixth-grade math and science teacher, earned his spot on the gridiron by being a standout coach, mentor and role model for his students.
Thanks to a nomination from former student Christine Ito, Mahendran scored a Symetra Hero in the Classroom award at a Nov. 18 surprise school assembly, which featured an appearance by Seahawks defensive end Cliff Avril. He won $1,000 for RMS, a customized Seahawks jersey, tickets for the game and a trip onto the field.
“It was a tremendous thrill to be on the field to watch warmups, meet players and even try on a Seahawks Super Bowl championship ring,” said Mahendran, who is a season-ticket holder. “I’m lucky to work with a lot of amazing teachers, many of whom I have looked to for ideas and have helped me become the teacher I am today, so it was a complete surprise to receive this honor.”
Mahendran is in his third teaching at RMS and he previously taught fifth- and sixth-graders for nine years at Norman Rockwell Elementary. Along with his classroom duties, he currently coaches cross country, basketball and track.
His teaching game plan is to engage students with his lessons and make learning fun for them.
“My goal is to have students see the value of science and math concepts and how they are useful in their life, and not just as something they have to learn at school,” he said.
“I want to continue to inspire students to do their best.”
On the playing field, Ito — a 22-year-old graduate student in the University of Washington’s Master’s in Teaching program — said Mahendran gets students excited about sports.
“He is competitive and pushes the students, but always makes light of the situation and knows when to balance the winning mentality with having a positive attitude and trying your best — no matter what,” Ito said. “Mr. Mahendran’s involvement in extracurriculars at school gives him the opportunity to make long-lasting connections with students in every grade.”
Mahendran’s creativity, dedication and love for teaching resonated with Ito, and she aspires to have the same impact on students when she becomes a teacher.
The Hero in the Classroom remains a mentor to Ito and he invited her to tutor one of his math students about five years ago. Ito still tutors the student, who is now a junior in high school.
“His continuous support and opportunities have pushed me to try new things and reach my highest potential,” Ito said.
