A music teacher within the Robbinsdale School District has been named the 2020-2021 Schmitt Music Educator of the Year. Jeanne Kauffmann, the orchestra director for three district elementary schools, was nominated and given the distinction for her “outstanding” work as a music educator.
Kauffmann said she was “honored, surprised, and humbled” by her nomination.
“So much of our success is a result of the fantastic team of orchestra teachers in our district. We work very hard to help our students succeed,” Kauffmann said.
Kauffmann oversees the orchestra program at Lakeview Elementary School in Robbinsdale, Neill Elementary School in Crystal, and Zachary Lane Elementary School in Plymouth.
Each year, Schmitt Music organizes the award for exceptional music educators in the Midwest at the elementary, middle and high school levels. Kauffmann was recognized alongside Katie Hauser, the band director at Roseville Area Middle School, and Erin Holmes, the director of bands for Farmington High School.