Schools

Meet the Teacher: Beth Wagner of Dickson Elementary

This local art teacher shares her love of the job.

Beth Wagner of Castle Shannon is the art teacher at School in . This is her 13th year in the position. She recently talked to us about her love of the job and more. 

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I love art and I am a practicing artist and love sharing that with the kids. I love the fact that I teach every kid in the building because it's a good way to connect with them. If they stay in the district, I will have taught them for more than half of their regular schooling and for me it's really cool to watch them grow up in a way. I really like that.

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Why is art important to kids?

I find for some reason, and this isn't for every kid, the kids who struggle with reading and math, those are my most artistic kids. They might be more right-brained then left-brained, but it's always intriquing to me. It really helps with their self-esteem because you know, not every kid is into art. For some reason, art is a different avenue for some kids. It's a way to make them feel successful and express themselves. It’s a good thing.

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How is it rewarding for you?

I just love my job. It's rewarding when a kid takes an idea I have given them and runs with it, giving me an end product I never thought of in the first place. That happens every day with their art and the things they do. It’s great.


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