South View Teacher Named Music Educator of the Year

South View Middle School teacher Geneva Fitzsimonds has been named one of two Minnesota Music Educators of the Year for her work teaching band and jazz band.

“Geneva expects great things from her students and usually gets it,” Beth Russell, South View's principal, said in a statement. “She understands middle school age students and through this understanding is able to push them to exceed their own perceived limits in music.”

Fitzsimonds will be recognized by the Minnesota Music Educators Association during a February convention in Minneapolis. Nominated by her South View colleague Charlie Weise, Fitzsimonds received recommendations from parents, teachers and administrators.

“This is very humbling for me, considering all the exceptional music educators out there,” she said. “I am thankful to my colleagues and peers for this recognition.”

Fitzsimonds recently received a National Board Certification, given after a rigorous, peer-reviewed process. She's the only band teacher in Minnesota to hold the certification.

“Geneva’s dedication to improving her craft and the outcomes for kids is evident in this award and her attainment of National Board Certification,” Russell said. “We are so fortunate to have Geneva at South View!”