Position: Kindergarten Teacher
School: Union Elementary School
School District: Montpelier Roxbury Public Schools
City, State: Montpelier, VT
Dena Cody was nominated by her colleague, Natalie Peete.
"I had the pleasure to work with Mrs. Dena Cody last school year," explains Peete. "She has an energy and presence that makes you feel warm and at ease when you are around her. It is amazing to watch all her previous students run up to hug her or yell 'Hi Mrs. Cody!' when they see her. She remembers everyone's name and who their siblings and family members are. She is very generous and cares for her students deeply. Mrs. Cody even supports her students and attends their sports games. She is passionate about helping little people learn and grow academically and as a whole person. She gets to know every one of her students as a person, what they like, dislike, and what they are passionate about."
"At Union Elementary, we are a family. Everyone is there to help one another. Mrs. Cody is even a mentor for new teachers. She supports, guides, and listens to anyone who comes to her. I truly learned a lot from her while being with her for only a short time," said Peete.