Nominees for 2020 Norwood Teacher of the Year Unveiled

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.