Greendale Middle School Teacher Jim Hebbe Receives Educator of the Year Award

GREENDALE - The Greendale Chamber of Commerce has awarded the 2017 Charlie Herman Educator of the Year Award to Greendale Middle School (GMS) teacher Jim Hebbe, who instructs and directs the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade orchestra, the GMS Chamber Orchestra, and the school's String Squad Music Mob.

In addition to his music instruction duties, Hebbe recently served as co-director of the Greendale Schools' Youth Engagement Strategic Priority Work Team.

“Jim brings his passion for music to the students that he works with every day, giving them the opportunity to explore all genres of music. He is a leader in the music department, at our school, and in the community,” said John Weiss, principal of GMS. "As a passionate middle school orchestra teacher, he has significantly grown the program by developing strong relationships and providing students with multiple opportunities to showcase their talents both within the school and in the Greendale community. These opportunities include the creation of the String Squad Music Mob, the Sixth Grade Brigade, and most recently the GMS DJ Club. These extra-curricular activities have helped create pathways for students to explore their passion and enhance the positive school culture at GMS.”

Hebbe was recently presented the award at the annual Chamber awards dinner. Hebbe has been a teacher in Greendale since 2009, having taught at all three Greendale elementary schools as well as schools in LaCrosse, Menomonee Falls, and Sheboygan. He and wife Lisa live in Germantown.

Photo supplied by Greendale Schools