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Drummey Selected Among 35 Nominees; Teachers Honored for Classroom Innovation and Creativity
NORWOOD -- April 14, 2020 -- Norwood High School English teacher Teresa Drummey was named the 2020 Norwood Teacher of the Year, highlighting a celebration honoring 35 Norwood teachers for their classroom innovation and creativity. Organized annually by the Orient Lodge of Masons, the Norwood Teacher of the Year awards recognize teachers for their dedication and commitment to the education of Norwood students. Drummey was nominated by students from her 12th grade AP English classes, noting her exceptional ability to bring students deep into challenging texts such as Dante’s Inferno and Shakespeare. Senior Stephen Ailinger noted that many of the literature discussions thread back to the human condition. “This has enabled us to grow as people. I know that we’ve done so much self-reflection as a result of this class. She challenges us to do self-reflection after every major assessment, but also sporadically throughout the term,” he said. He added, “The consistent energy she brings to the classroom is palpable. Her ostensibly strict teaching style is what drives us to be better students. She expects the most of us and does not tolerate laziness and yet we know that she loves us, is there for us, and will support us in all our endeavors." Richard Silverman, who served as one of the program’s three judges, said, "She seems to have developed a deep love of learning among her students, helping them develop the tools to be independent, self-motivated learners. She also appears to be a major contributor to the life of the school, working with colleagues to support the Norwood High School Clothes Closet as well as Genius hours to foster creative and divergent thinking. Impressively, she also serves in the all-consuming role as chairperson of the NEASC Accreditation self-study and site-visit coordination committee. As one of her students said, ‘She’s the kind of teacher every student deserves.’ Shivaun Brenizer and Henry Mahegan also served as program judges. Drummey receives a $1,000 award and an award plaque. Norwood High School will also receive a $1,000 charitable donation and a plaque for the school building. All nominees received a gift certificate for Victoria’s Cafe of Norwood in recognition of their achievement. Earlier this year nominations were solicited from the community; each nomination attested to their nominee’s innovation and creativity, ability to inspire a love of learning in their students, and work on special projects and initiatives. More than 50 nominations were submitted on behalf of 35 teachers by students, parents and colleagues. The Norwood Teacher of the Year committee selected five finalists for a review by the program jury. Originally conceived by the Exchange Club of Norwood, Orient Lodge now proudly organizes the annual event. Previous Teacher of the Year Award winners include: 2019 - Rachel Siegel, Coakley Middle School 2018 - Joy Hughey, Cleveland Elementary 2017 - Cynthia Derrane, Norwood High School 2016 - Laura Tolman, Willett Early Childhood Center 2015 - Lindsey Bell, Prescott Elementary 2014 - Dr. Michael Crowley, Norwood High School 2013 - Michael Finnerty, Prescott Elementary 2012 - Nora Glynn, Norwood High School 2011 - Scott Maffei, Oldham Elementary 2010 - Laurel Cawley, Prescott Elementary 2009 - Debbie Shook, Oldham Elementary 2008 - Kathryn Benson, Norwood High School 2007 - Sean Richardson, Balch Elementary Follow Orient Lodge @Orient_Norwood, or visit www.orientlodge.org for more information.
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Thirty-five Norwood teachers were nominated for the 14th annual Norwood Teacher of the Year Award, having been put forward by colleagues, parents and students who have shared stories of the teachers’ exemplary work. The winner will be announced Tuesday, April 14. We have announced the five finalists for the award.
Teresa Drummey, Norwood High School The fifth finalist to qualify for the 2020 Norwood Teacher of the Year Award is Teresa Drummey, Norwood High School English teacher. Nominated by members of her 12th grade AP English classes, her students noted her exceptional ability to bring students deep into challenging texts such as Dante’s Inferno and Shakespeare. Student Stephen Ailinger noted that many of the literature discussions thread back to the human condition. “This has enabled us to grow as people. I know that we’ve done so much self-reflection as a result of this class. She challenges us to do self-reflection after every major assessment, but also sporadically throughout the term,” he said He added, “The consistent energy she brings to the classroom is palpable. Her ostensibly strict teaching style is what drives us to be better students. She expects the most of us and does not tolerate laziness and yet we know that she loves us, is there for us, and will support us in all our endeavors.” The Norwood Teacher of the Year Award winner will be announced on Tuesday, April 14. The winner will receive a cash award as well as a charitable school donation in their name. Jason Andrews, Dr. Philip O. Coakley Middle School Jason Andrews, a seventh-grade language arts teacher at the Dr. Philip O. Coakley Middle School, is the fourth finalist to qualify for the 2020 Norwood Teacher of the Year Award. School principal Dr. Margo Fraczek noted how Mr. Andrews integrates technology seamlessly to support student learning and brought innovative methods of teaching ELA to teaching practices at the school. These include "No Red Ink," an online tool used to improve student writing and grammar. He also created an African American literature elective at the school and developed schoolwide lessons supporting Martin Luther King Jr. and Black History Month observances. Parent Kathy Langley noted that Mr. Andrews finds ways to use light humor in his teaching to keep students engaged. “I really enjoy seeing that Mr. Andrews uses a variety of methods to help strengthen the students’ ELA skills, whether it’s a short journal entry, answering questions from a story, a longer written piece or other activity. Changing up the activities also helps keep the students’ interest.” The final finalist for the 2020 Norwood Teacher of the Year Award will be announced on April 9., and the winner will be unveiled Tuesday, April 14. Janet Lynch, F.A. Cleveland Elementary School Janet Lynch, a special education teacher at the F.A. Cleveland Elementary School, is the third finalist to qualify for the 2020 Norwood Teacher of the Year Award. She was nominated by colleague Marisa Farulla, who recognized Ms. Lynch as a compassionate, collaborative teacher who works in unison with the school’s teachers and staff to engage and teach students. “Janet’s compassion for others is also apparent in her ways of student engagement. She is always willing to help with new creative or strategic ideas. As we all know, student engagement is important, and Janet has this ability to turn everything into a teachable moment to engage her kids to a plethora of subjects.” She was also recognized for creating a highly engaging environment in the school’s sensory room, which includes a PVC pipe tent, trampoline, comfort blanket and more, and for her work in helping students learn outside the classroom, such as a trip to Franklin Park Zoo, where she arrange admission and transportation for students requiring accommodation. Two more finalists for the 2020 Norwood Teacher of the Year will be announced, one each day, on April 8 and 9. The winner will be announced Tuesday, April 14. Karen Gorman - St. Catherine of Siena School A first grade teacher at St. Catherine of Siena School, Karen Gorman is the second finalist to qualify for the 2020 Norwood Teacher of the Year Award. She was recognized by several parents both for her tireless work in the classroom as well as service projects she leads, such as having her students write out get-well cards for patients at Norwood Hospital. One parent of a former student wrote, “She is compassionate and nurturing even with the most challenging of students. Each and every day she strives to show the children how fun it is to learn, be kind to others and always do their best.” Several nominations from parents noted her ability to reach children in a variety of ways. “She takes extra time to talk with the parents about our concerns and tailors her teaching approach to each child differently as she sees fit to their specific learning style. She truly loves these kids and we feel more than fortunate that she is our son's teacher.” Another parent wrote, “Most importantly, Mrs. Gorman is helping to build confidence in these six and seven-year olds that can’t be matched. She’s laying a foundation of education, compassion, respect and faith they will carry with them for a lifetime.” Christine LaRaia - Norwood High School Several past and present students of Mrs. LaRaia shared their insights in support of her nomination, all of them praising the supportive, safe environment that she creates for students in the school’s therapeutic and academic classroom, TASC. One wrote, “The warmth she brings to that classroom is unbelievable. It's so easy to just let things out and talk. It was so easy to tell her I'm struggling with my work and needed help.” Another added, “She always kept my head up and motivated me to do things that I didn’t want to do.” “On a daily basis she teaches not only a vast number of academic subjects, but also life lessons, conflict resolution, social/emotional learning, empathy, and perseverance,” said Leah Reed, an adjustment counselor at Norwood High School. She added that Mrs. LaRaia continually offers creative projects that keep her students engaged with each other, and highlighted her work to apply successfully for an annual grant to help support TASC. Christine LaRaia is the first of five finalists to be announced for this year's Norwood Teacher of the Year Award. Subsequent finalists will be announced between April 6 through 9. ----- Organized annually by the Orient Lodge of Masons, the Norwood Teacher of the Year award recognizes teachers for their dedication and commitment to the education of Norwood students. Follow all the Teacher of the Year news on Orient Lodge’s Twitter and Facebook pages using the hashtag #2020NorwoodTOY. 35 Norwood Teachers Honored for Classroom Innovation and Creativity Five Finalists to be Unveiled Between April 3 and 9, Norwood's Teacher of the Year to be Named April 14 Thirty-five Norwood teachers are candidates for the 14th annual Norwood Teacher of the Year Award, having been nominated by colleagues, parents and students who have shared stories of the teachers’ exemplary work.
Organized annually by the Orient Lodge of Masons, the Norwood Teacher of the Year award recognizes teachers for their dedication and commitment to the education of Norwood students. Given public health concerns regarding Covid-19, the annual spring reception honoring the nominees is not planned for 2020. Rather, a series of social posts highlighting the top nominees is planned for the next two weeks, culminating with a reveal of this year’s winner on April 14. Follow all the Teacher of the Year news on Orient Lodge’s Twitter and Facebook pages using the hashtag #2020NorwoodTOY. Additionally, everyone is welcome to post their own “Norwood teacher appreciation” video or post on social media, tagging #2020NorwoodTOY and Orient Lodge’s Twitter handle (@Orient_Norwood) or Facebook page in their post. Nominees are particularly encouraged to share messages for students, parents, and colleagues. The nominees are: Callahan Elementary: Catherine Breen, Katie Lambrenos, Michele McAvoy, Sara Ryan Cleveland Elementary: Janet Lynch, Nancy Landfield, Susan Barry, Susan Kilduff Coakley Middle School: Jason Andrews, Kerry Silva, Suzanne Ryan Little Mustangs Preschool Academy: Kelli Bailey, Laura Tolman* Norwood High School: Christine LaRaia, Kate Danner, Molly Uppencamp, Rebecca Newman, Taymys Scannell, Teresa Drummey Norwood Public Schools Elementary Fine Arts: Amy Bedard Oldham Elementary: Jennifer D'Amato, Lindsey Bertone Prescott Elementary: Carol Thornton, Janice Elbach, Jennifer Marcotte, Jillian Rathier, Katie Lyons, Laurel Cawley*, Maura Belanger, Maureen Condon, Robert Marshalsea St. Catherine of Siena: Karen Gorman Willett Early Childhood Center: Amy Michienzi, Christina Jenkins, Colleen Reynolds * Past winners are not eligible for award selection. In recognition of their achievement, all nominees will receive a gift certificate to Victoria’s Cafe, redeemable for take out or local delivery through May 31. Details for redemption will be sent to each teacher’s school email address. Five finalists will be selected by the Teacher of the Year organizing committee. The first finalist will be announced on Orient Lodge’s website and social channels on Friday, April 3. Subsequent finalists will be revealed, one each day, from Monday, April 6, through Thursday, April 9. Follow-up posts and video shorts featuring the finalists are also planned. One teacher, selected among the finalists by a jury of educators, will be named Norwood Teacher of the Year and receive a cash award as well as a charitable school donation in their name. The winner will be announced on Tuesday, April 14. Originally conceived by the Exchange Club of Norwood, Orient Lodge now proudly presents the annual program. In 2019, Coakley Middle School teacher Rachel Siegel was honored as Teacher of the Year among more than 50 nominees. About the Orient Lodge of Masons Founded in 1861, Orient Lodge F. & A.M. is a lodge of Freemasons based in Norwood, Massachusetts and active in many community endeavors. Freemasonry is the world's oldest and largest fraternity, comprised of adult men of good character. Follow Orient Lodge @Orient_Norwood, or visit www.orientlodge.org for more information. |
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