2021 Norwood Teacher of the Year Nominees Revealed

29 Norwood Teachers Honored for Classroom Innovation and Creativity
Five Finalists to be Unveiled May 27 through June 3
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Norwood's Teacher of the Year to be Named June 4

Twenty-nine Norwood teachers are candidates for the 15th 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. 

The 2021 nominees are:
Balch Elementary: Darlene Follett, Julie Cayer, Laura McColgan
Callahan Elementary: Katie Lambrenos
Cleveland Elementary: Annemarie Higgins, Mary Brigham, Nancy Landfield
Coakley Middle School: Amy Riley, Debra Harding, Joseph Killian, Julie Bayiates, Michael McCarthy, Robert McDonough
Little Mustangs Preschool Academy: Kimberly Beaudet, Teresa Aiello
Norwood High School: Jennifer Hartnett
Prescott Elementary: Janice ElBach, Jillian Rathier
Remote Learning Academy: Anne Watson, Diane Kelley, Elizabeth Robin, Jessica Looney, Patricia Kelliher, Sterling Blonder
St. Catherine of Siena: Denise Matthews, Karen Gorman, Paula Pelaggi
Willett Early Childhood Center: Karen Wilson, Lynne Doherty

The winner, selected by a blind jury of parents and educators, will receive a cash award as well as a charitable donation to their school. Five finalists, selected by the Teacher of the Year organizing committee,  will each receive a $100 gift card to One Bistro. The five finalists will be revealed across Orient Lodge social channels, one each day, starting Thursday, May 27, and continuing through Thursday, June 3. The winner will be unveiled Friday, June 4.

Follow all the Teacher of the Year news on Orient Lodge’s Twitter and Facebook pages using the hashtag #NorwoodTOY. Additionally, everyone is welcome to post their own “Norwood teacher appreciation” video or post on social media, tagging #NorwoodTOY 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. Follow-up posts and video shorts featuring the finalists are also planned.

Originally conceived by the Exchange Club of Norwood, Orient Lodge now proudly presents the annual program. In 2020, Norwood High School teacher Teresa Drummey was honored as Teacher of the Year among 35 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.