Norwalk teacher Shelly Vroegh has been named the 2017 Iowa Teacher of the Year, Gov. Terry Branstad announced today. Vroegh, a fifth-grade teacher and instructional coach at Lakewood Elementary School, has taught in the Norwalk Community School District since 1997. “Great teachers really do change lives,” Branstad said. “Shelly Vroegh’s talent, dedication and enthusiasm make her a great teacher, and I’m thrilled that she has taken on a teacher leadership role to improve instruction and raise student achievement.” Vroegh’s contributions to her school and community include serving as a district lead mentor, elementary math curriculum leader and instructional coach. She also coordinated an elementary summer reading program. She and her husband, Troy, live in Norwalk with their two children, Mitch and Connor.