After 27 memorable years of coaching, teaching and connecting with students, Ms. Beth Fitzpatrick retired from South on Sep. 22.
Ms. Fitzpatrick, endearingly known as “Fitz” among students and staff, described her career as a story being written. “It’s this continuing little storybook, and the memories just keep building on top of each other,” she said.
Although teaching became her lifelong career, it was not her plan at first. Ms. Fitzpatrick originally hoped to work in therapeutic recreation with disabled children– her passion for kids and coaching sparked an interest in teaching.
“I loved trying to teach and connect with kids,” she said. “When I got out of school, I had the opportunity to start coaching while I was finishing up college and it just became my passion.” At this point, she realized education was her passion.She earned her teaching degree from The College of New Jersey. She said that she realized as a teacher, “You teach your students, but you also learn from your students.”
At South, one of Ms. Fitzpatrick’s most memorable chapters was coaching the varsity girls basketball team alongside former teacher Mr. Erik Daniels in 2001. “We had a really special team,” she said.
Her passion for coaching also led her to coaching boys soccer with Mr. Bryan Fisher. He described Ms. Fitzpatrick as someone who is “consistent in her values: hard work, accountability and compassion.”
Reflecting on the challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic brought, Ms. Fitzpatrick explained the importance of teaching during this time of hybrid learning. Being present in the building in a time of isolation allowed her to connect with students in a way that went beyond the screens.
“Trying to make some sense out of such a crazy time was difficult, but being able to talk to students in person created such a lasting impact,” she said. As schools returned to in-person school, she worked to rebuild the community. In 2021 she was recognized as Educator of the Year.
Ms. Fitzpatrick currently has a part-time teaching job at Notre Dame High School. The relationships Ms. Fitzpatrick built with students and staff members has lasted beyond her time at South.
“Once you have changed my life, you’ve left your footprint on my heart,” she said. “West Windsor has been the best opportunity for me.”
