NORWICH – The Norwich City School District recognized two of its staff members at a special gathering on Tuesday, which marked the district’s first day of school for the new year. Dawn Wenzel, an elementary teacher at Stanford Gibson Elementary, was selected as Teacher of the Year, while Bus Driver and Courier Richard Dean Cloyd was named Employee of the Year.

“Capable, works well with students, shares new ideas, thirst for learning and professional growth, flexible, risk taker and willing are just a few of the words used to describe our Teacher of the Year,” said Iraina Gerchman, the Director of Instruction and Staff Development at Norwich, as she introduced Wenzel.

According to Gerchman, this year’s honoree is known for differentiating instruction and integrating technology in her classroom, as well as her work with various committees. Some of her involvements include the school’s Site-Based Team, District English Language Arts Committee, District Technology Committee, 100 Book Challenge Committee and PTA.

Wenzel was nominated for the award by a fellow teacher, who wrote: “I have watched my son grow and become a self-confident learner thanks to her guidance. When you are in her classroom, you can sense the warmth and caring and can truly feel her dedication to her students.”