This week’s Staff Spotlight goes to Reading Coach, Christie Wagner!
1. What inspired you to pursue a career in education?
My third grade teacher, Ms. Linda Fulton, inspired me to pursue a career in education. She made learning fun and exciting! I remember playing school with my stuffed animals and pretending to be Ms. Fulton. For the 10 years I was a third grade teacher, I always remembered Ms. Fulton and even showed pictures she gave me from my third grade year to my students.
2. What’s your favorite part of working with students?
My favorite part of working with students is setting reading goals, listening to them read and showing them their progress throughout the year. Seeing the students proud of their accomplishments in reading is the greatest reward.
3. If you weren’t in education, what do you think you’d be doing?
If I was not in education, I would probably own a bookstore or work for a public library. Anything where I would be surrounded by books all day!
4. Do you have any professional goals you’re working on this year?
One of the most professionally rewarding experiences I’ve had was earning my National Board certification several years ago and working receiving my Maintenance of Certification this year. I am also a National Board Ambassador, and my goal this year is to help other educators who are working to earn their National Board certifications.
5. What’s one thing you love most about our school community?
The thing I love most about our school community is how it feels like a family. The atmosphere is so warm and caring. I love coming to work everyday because of faculty, staff and students! It is my home away from home!
6. Is there a particular moment in the school year you look forward to each year?
I look forward to Read Across America week every year. It is my favorite week because we celebrate my favorite thing to do, READING!
7. Do you have any hobbies or hidden talents?
I can twirl a flag! I love to choreograph Color Guard routines and teach Color Guard lessons!
8. What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you?
I think some people may be surprised to learn that I was on the Auburn University Marching Band Flag Line and served as Captain during my junior and senior year of college. I have performed in every SEC football stadium and I even marched in the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Ireland!
9. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
If I could travel anywhere in the world, I would travel to Budapest, Hungary. My uncle met my aunt while serving as a missionary in Hungary when I was very young. Growing up with their stories and hearing the Hungarian language, I’ve always dreamed of visiting Budapest to see their home and experience my aunt’s culture firsthand.
10. What’s a food you can never say no to?
It's not a food, but I can never say no to a Dr. Pepper!