Wal-Mart honors its local teachers of year
By Julie Mullen
SPECIAL TO THE COURIER NEWS
Wednesday, May 10, 2006


MARINA MAKROPOULOS / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER (Courier News)
Casandra Wagner, a fourth-grade teacher at St. Margaret Mary School in Algonquin, was presented a "Teacher of the Year" award Tuesday from the local Wal-Mart. The school was presented a $1,000 check and a $100 check went to Wagner, who won after being nominated by a pupil.


ALGONQUIN — It seems pretty clear that Casandra Wagner chose the right career path in life.

Before even finishing her first year of teaching, Wagner, 23, already has earned the prestigious title of Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year.

The St. Margaret Mary Catholic School fourth-grade teacher has been praised by pupils for bringing some rather dry school subjects to life with fun games and activities.

"She really is excellent with children, and for being such a young teacher it's amazing," said St. Margaret Mary Principal Kathleen McMahon. "She's a real natural and is extremely creative."

Wagner was surprised with the award at an all-school assembly Tuesday morning, where Algonquin Wal-Mart store manager Jack Navarrete presented her with a $1,000 grant check.

Since 1995, Wal-Mart stores nationwide each have chosen annually a local winner to receive the award, and have presented it on National Teacher Day, designated as the first Tuesday in May by the National Education Association.

Fifty state winners then are named among the local honorees, earning a $10,000 award for their schools. One national winner, selected from the state finalists, will receive a $25,000 award.

Other local winners announced Tuesday include Kerry Carpenter from Eastview Elementary School in Algonquin; Gloria Pedtka of Golfview Elementary School in Carpentersville; Marianna Sheridan of Heartland Elementary School in Geneva; Jodi Rehberg of Corron Elementary School in South Elgin; and Barb Reiser of Glenbrook Elementary School in Streamwood.

Congratulations Mrs. Wagner on your great achievement!

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