The Philadelphia Inquirer, 12/30/07
(Excerpted from the section “Student Spotlight”)
Educator: Emily Z. Wagner
School: Germantown Academy in Fort Washington
Achievement: Wagner, of Abington, recently was named educator of the year by the Pennsylvania State Modern Language Association. The award honors distinguished teaching in world languages. She was recognized during the association’s annual conference held in October in King of Prussia.
Wagner said that more than 91 per cent of GA students continue their world language study through their senior year. “Though their experience at GA permits many to place out of the language requirement when they enter college, most of our students do continue their study at the post-secondary level, often picking up a second or third language there,” she said.
Wagner said she is confident that proficiency in a second language can give a person a competitive edge in the business world. “Being able to communicate, linguistically and culturally, in another language, is a valuable tool in the increasingly global workplace,” she said.
She said that working with children helps her grow personally and professionally, every day. “In order to be a good teacher,” she said,” you need to love two things: your discipline and children. I am passionate about both.”
According to Richard House, Head of Middle School at GA, “The award bestowed upon her is most fitting as her knowledge and passion for the Francophone world are the result of a lifetime’s devotion to France and to the French language.”
—Erica Lamberg |
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