High School World Language Teacher Named 2017 Norwood Teacher of the Year

Cynthia Derrane Selected Among 33 Norwood Nominees; Teachers Honored for Classroom Innovation and Creativity

​NORWOOD -- May 5, 2017 -- World language teacher Cynthia Derrane today was named Norwood Teacher of the Year, capping off a celebration held at the Norwood Masons building to honor 33 Norwood teachers for their classroom innovation and creativity.

The Norwood Teacher of the Year awards recognize teachers for the dedication and commitment to the education of Norwood students. This is the 11th year that the Orient Lodge of Masons has organized this annual awards program. Thirty-six nominations were entered, most by parents and several by students, on behalf of 33 Norwood teachers.

Derrane was nominated by Norwood High Principal Jonathan Bourn, who wrote about Derrane’s stewardship of the high school’s Global Citizenship Program. The program, which is also co-coordinated by Teacher of the Year nominee Jennifer Orlinski, strives to heighten students’ appreciation of diversity and enlarge their capacity to contribute in an increasingly interconnected world through interdisciplinary academic study, community service, and international travel. Students present findings of their research and work to the high school community near the end of the school year. Upon completion of the program, students receive a special commendation on their transcript and are recognized at graduation. Bourn noted that the program is unfunded but thrives under Derrane’s commitment.

Derrane and Orlinski presented about the program's efforts at the Massachusetts Computer Using Educators (MassCUE) conference earlier this year. Derrane also arranged a multi-school, interdisciplinary Design Thinking Challenge with global study partners Youth Futures International and Education First.

As part of her award, Derrane receives a $1,000 award in addition to an award plaque. Norwood High School also receives a $1,000 charitable donation and a plaque for the school building. All nominees received a certificate and a $100 gift card for Sky Restaurant of Norwood.

The 33 nominees, representing St. Catherine of Siena and every school in the Norwood Public Schools system, are:
Balch Elementary: Darlene Follett, Elisabeth Kelly, Janice Garrity, Julie Cayer, Kathleen Duseau, Nicole Smith, Patricia Wheeler
Callahan Elementary: Jill Wood, Katie Lambrenos, Michael Downs, Sara Ryan
Cleveland Elementary: Jane Catalano, Lawrence Smith, Nancy Landfield
Coakley Middle School: Joseph Oliver, Sara Seals
Norwood High School: Cynthia Derrane, Jennifer Orlinski, Jeb Brunt, John Quinn
Oldham Elementary: Kaitlyn Lang, Stephanie Andrews
Prescott Elementary: Maura Belanger, Janice El Bach, Sadie Bishop
St. Catherine of Siena: Marisa Ferrara, Rosanne Dulong
Willett Early Childhood Center: Daisha Sullivan, Jennifer Hanley, Julie Lampron, Karen Wilson, Tish Donovan

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. A jury comprised primarily of educators not from Norwood schools reviewed each essay with nominee names redacted, scoring each on the above criteria to select a winner.

Originally conceived by the Exchange Club of Norwood, Orient Lodge now proudly organizes the annual event. Previous Teacher of the Year Award winners include:

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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