Wagner retires after 40 years in Catholic education
By Amber Backus | For On Mission
BRILLION — For 40 years, Laurie Wagner has been in the classroom at her parish school – first at St. Mary-St. Patrick in Reedsville and then Holy Family in Brillion. She retired at the end of this school year and now reflects on her four-decade career in Catholic education with pride.
“It’s so special to see students become successful in their careers and as parents,” said Wagner. “I could cry because that’s what’s so important. I’m very proud of them, and I feel like I played a little part in that.”
Wagner recalls wanting to be a teacher since her childhood days playing school with her siblings.
After graduating from Reedsville High School in 1979, she earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Silver Lake College in Manitowoc, then operated by the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity. In 1984, she began teaching in Reedsville in the same building she attended as an elementary student.
Though Wagner began her career as a second-grade teacher, most of it was spent teaching first grade or a combination of first and second grades.
“I love first grade because you witness the student becoming an independent learner,” said Wagner. “The reading process is fascinating and seeing/hearing a student begin to read with confidence, fluency, articulation and inflection is priceless.”
When St. Mary-St. Patrick Parish merged with St. Mary Parish in Brillion in 2002, the new parish was named Holy Family Parish. Two campuses remained until the Reedsville school closed in 2006. After 22 years there, Wagner transitioned to Brillion, where she taught for 18 years.
Following a full school year at the Brillion parish’s new learning center, Wagner said she decided it was a fitting time to retire.
“My students think I’m retiring at 40 years because they know it’s a very significant number in the Bible,” she said.
The four decades have brought a myriad of changes in education, said Wagner.
She said she recalls making copies manually with a mimeograph machine and also “chalk dust everywhere.” She once gathered teacher guides and books for curriculum assistance, but today an endless supply of resources are available with the “click of the computer keys,” she said.
One constant through the years has been Wagner’s love of her students, she said.
Though she and her husband, Glen, were never blessed with children, she said she thinks of her students as her own.
Todd Blahnik, principal of Holy Family Catholic School, said Wagner is a successful teacher because she “cares about each and every student who steps through the door of her classroom. She has truly made a difference in their lives, and many previous students have looked forward to the day that their children can be in Laurie’s classroom.”
For Wagner, teaching second-generation students is a special blessing, she said.
“My goal is that the students I teach have a deep love for their Catholic faith,” she said. “I want them to embrace the traditions and eventually pass them on to their children. … It is always special when parents appreciate what you do for their children.”
She said she would advise new teachers about the importance of establishing positive relationships with parents. “Listen to their concerns, but don’t be afraid to tell them the truth,” she said.
Throughout the years, parents and colleagues have nominated Wagner for awards. In December 2001, she was featured on NBC26. In October 2020, the Brillion Area Chamber of Commerce recognized her as the parochial teacher of the year.
“This was significant because I began my career in Reedsville,” she said. “This community embraced me with open arms and accepted me as one of their own. It feels like home.”
Most recently, Wagner was one of three recipients in the 2024 Catholic Financial Life Give Back Contest. Students and families voted and commented on Facebook, and Wagner received the award during a Catholic Schools Week assembly. The school received a $4,000 donation in her honor.
“I didn’t realize what an impact I had on so many lives,” said Wagner.
In their comments, many former students recalled Wagner’s classroom songs. She sings not only as a discipline technique, she said, but to teach vocabulary words, spelling words and religious concepts.
“It’s so heartwarming when you hear about former students attending their high school reunions and singing the songs they learned,” she said.
In addition to music, the Catholic faith has been another hallmark of Wagner’s career.
“Teaching in a Catholic school has helped me to grow deeper in my faith,” she said. “I’ve experienced the death of my dad, two brothers, brothers-in-law and a niece this past decade. My faith has gotten me through these times of trials.”
During difficult times — whether helping struggling students or working nights and weekends at home — Wagner said that she has stayed positive and focused with daily walks and prayers.
“His love is there,” she said. “We just have to ask for his help. God will provide what we need.”
Wagner lectors at Holy Family Parish and has served on parish committees. She organized the “Gather the Children” program at St. Mary-St. Patrick and taught summer school in Valders for more than 25 years.
“There’s that faith-based component that’s so important,” said Wagner about serving as a Catholic educator. “Family support is strong and there’s a sense of community.”
Wagner said that she hopes to spend more time in retirement with Glen at their vacation property, but also plans to stay involved at the school.
“I plan on being Holy Family Catholic School’s number one sub next year,” said Wagner. “I will truly miss the new learning center and being with the faculty and staff. We are a close-knit group and I call each of them a special friend. I can never thank them enough for all their support over the last 40 years.”