Oliver Wolcott Teacher of the Year

Mr. Jeff DeNote, Carpentry Department Head

Jeff DeNote began teaching in the Technical High School system as a Carpentry teacher at Wilcox Tech in 1989.  Seven years later, in 1996, he moved to Oliver Wolcott to become Carpentry Department Head.

Through his many years of service to the system, Mr. DeNote has coached Cross Country, Basketball, and Baseball, in addition to being a class advisor. 

Mr. DeNote has been involved in a long list of community service projects.  He and his students have done numerous projects for the town of Torrington, including the theater program at the High School and Middle School.  They have worked on projects for the handicapped, including building ramps for handicapped access, The Pavillion in Burlington, and have produced many signs for bike paths and trails.  In addition, Mr. DeNote has been a long-time volunteer at the Breakfast with Santa, and Thanksgiving lunch programs.  He is currently interested in starting a charity road race in the area.

Mr. DeNote feels that he is “not only teaching a trade, but life skills, work ethic, business skills, and the proper approach to all of these.  We work throughout the community, because when you drive a big blue bus that says Oliver Wolcott, you have that responsibility.”

Congratulations, Mr. DeNote.