High School English Teacher Teresa Drummey Named 2020 Norwood Teacher of the Year

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.