Our "Employee Spotlight" series aims to showcase the unique personalities, talents, and stories that contribute to the success of Lansing USD469. This section celebrates the incredible individuals who make our Lansing USD469 community thrive.
Penny Wagner, 8th Grade Math and Algebra Teacher
Question: How long have you worked in Lansing USD 469?
Answer: 13 years
Question: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and the role you have within the school district?
Answer: I am a Lansing graduate. I returned to Lansing as a teacher in 2012 to teach 7th grade math. After several years, I applied and received an opportunity to teach in 8th grade. I currently teach 8th grade math and Algebra. I am also the Math Chairperson for our department.
Question: What do you enjoy most about your role and the work you do in the school district?
Answer: From the time I was a student in elementary school, I have always enjoyed math. Although I didn't start out from high school with the intention to become a teacher, it has become the joy in my life. I enjoy teaching the different roles mathematics can do to support students in their current lives and their future ones.
I learned at a young age to pay attention to how people learn. I helped two of my brothers with their homework and tried to adapt it in a way they could understand. I use that experience everyday in my classroom. The most wonderful part of math is that there is more than one way to find a solution. Each method can be unique to each student and creates an opportunity to become successful in math.
I know people say that math is hard, but I find that you just have to approach it in a way that fits the person. I enjoy that challenge. I also enjoy watching a student that has struggled for years see some success. I want my students to be successful and to grow mathematically into their future selves. I make myself available for my students when they need that extra help. Sometimes that may be a quick meet during independent work time, a trip to see me during a study hall, or a time after school if that is what works best for my student.
I may not have started out young in my career, but I feel that this is truly my place in life.
Question: When you're not working, what hobbies or activities do you enjoy?
Answer: When I am not in my classroom, I can be found in my sewing room creating quilts for my friends and family, or in the garden raising food or canning it for my family. I can also be found spending time with my grandchildren.
Question: What is something unusual about you that most people don't know?
Answer: Something people find unusual about me is that I am a very shy person. Because I talk and laugh with people in social and public spaces, most people are surprised to learn that I am truly shy.
Question: Could you share a particularly heartwarming or memorable experience you've had while working with students or colleagues?
Answer: A few years into teaching, I had a student that truly believed they couldn't do math. They struggled to memorize facts, they couldn't see how they could find a solution to a mathematical problem. So I got to know this student better and discovered he loved shoes. Not just any type, but fancy, expensive sneakers. I created lessons that revolved around those sneakers. He learned how to add up amounts, determine sales price, and even ran a budget. It was pure joy to watch him learn and stretch himself to learn as much as he could about his virtual sneaker collection. One day, he turned to me and said he didn't think he could ever learn math, but he was grateful I took the time to reach him where it was important.
Question: What piece of advice would you like to offer to students to help them succeed and make the most of their educational journey?
Answer: My advice is to never give up. Everyone can learn. We may go about it differently, but we can all learn. Make it important to you and you can do anything you set your mind to. Math isn't just about 1 + 1 = 2, it is about learning how to solve problems that look difficult at first, but by taking it a piece at a time, you can solve anything.