Susannah Wagner
Position: Theatre Teacher
School: Seventy-First High School
School District: Cumberland County Schools
City, State: Fayetteville, NC
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Susannah Wagner was nominated anonymously.
As a theatre teacher, Wagner's passion lies in the transformative power of storytelling and the arts. She believes that theatre is not just about putting on a show—it's about exploring the human experience, expressing emotions, and building connections between people. Wagner is passionate about helping students discover their own voices, both on and off the stage. What excites her most is watching students grow in confidence and creativity as they immerse themselves in the world of theatre. Whether they're acting, designing sets, or analyzing scripts, Wagner loves seeing them take risks, collaborate, and learn from each other. There's a unique magic in theatre that brings out the best in everyone, and being a part of that process is incredibly fulfilling for her. Wagner is also deeply passionate about the role theatre plays in fostering empathy. By stepping into someone else's shoes—whether it's a character from a play or a fellow cast member—she sees students learn to see the world from different perspectives. This ability to empathize and understand others is something Wagner hopes her students carry with them beyond the classroom. In short, her passion is rooted in the belief that theatre can change lives. It provides a space for creativity, self-expression, and community, and Wagner is dedicated to sharing that with her students every day.
I love her excitment about the arts at 71st. Being the School of the Arts, Wagner has taken the bull by the horns and have exposed so many of our students to theatre. I love her passion for the arts.
She’s the best Theatre teacher honestly, i’ve had a few and she’s the best, she’s helped me in ways that i never thought, and then i also learned a lot more about theatre and helped with my passion for theatre i love her so much.
Susannah is great with kids. She puts 110% into the program. She is very dynamic and determined, full of ideas to make her students succeed.
Mrs. Wagner is an outstanding theater and teaching professional. She has been building her own program, many times at her own expense, for the last few years. Theater students at Seventy-First High School are improving at great rates in their educational, social, and empathetic lives due to her influence.
Her students show such enthusiasm for her program and she uses her program judiciously to support them in their high school experience.
I wish I'd had her for an instructor in my high school days.
Mrs. Wagner works tirelessly for the students of Seventy First High School. She has truly elevated the theater program into something that represents excellence in the county. As you can see from the other comments she is an amazing teacher who impacts students every day. She is always a positive light in our school who can always be counted on to listen and help her collogues whenever asked - even if not asked! We are lucky to have her and she deserves all the recognition!
Wagner is an amazing theater/drama teacher that brought excellence of drama back to our school. She demonstrates a level of true drama professionalism that gives her students a real understanding of what real a thespian is. Every play her students perform are at the highest level. Her passion and professionalism is evident in everything she does.
Wagner is truly changing lives of students school wide.
Mrs. Wagner has helped me in so many situations. She is an amazing teacher who spends day and night to make sure her students are happy and able to learn. I have struggled in the past with mental health really badly, and everytime I would talk to Mrs. Wagner she has helped me feel safe and loved. There has not been a moment where I don't appreciate all that she has done for me and every one of her students. My reason for supporting my teacher in this is because not only is she a phenomenal teacher but she also provides an open safe space while still making sure her students are learning.
Mrs. Wagner is one of the best teachers I have had. She is nice to everyone and she is helpful. When I first got my schedule and it said Theatre Arts people been telling me that she only picks favorites. Until I joined her class. Mrs. Wagner is different from what people say she is really good at teaching and she actually get's into character when we are doing plays. Love you Mrs. Wagner and Great Job on the annomination.
I just came to the school but i can see the amount of work she puts to make her classroom safe and while working, interesting.
Congrats on this nomination! Thank you for inspiring students and creating a safe space for students to express themselves and BE who they are without judgement. You are doing incredibly important work that will impact the world for years and years as you continue to teach the importance of empathy, expression and community.
Ms. Wagner taught me that life doesn’t always have to be so serious. I used to be known as the quiet, serious kid in class—until I met her. She’s been the most understanding and supportive teacher I’ve had in my 11 years of school. I never wanted to take theatre when I first saw it on my schedule, but I trusted myself to give it a try, and to this day, I thank God I didn’t change my mind.
In her class, I’ve gained so much confidence, to the point where I volunteer to help her with anything theatre/school related because I see how much hard work she puts in for us. Even though Ms. Wagner doesn’t have kids, she treats us like we’re her own. Thank you for being the teacher I can trust, laugh with, and feel completely myself around. I’m so lucky to have her in my life!
ms.wagner is the greatest teacher because she helps me out with my classwork.She is really nice and I am in her theatre club and she is the best director I have ever had.
-lillianna loftus
Mrs. Wagner is a great teacher, she's an even better Theatre teacher. Mrs. Wagner works well in the Arts Department as a stupendous team player. Also, she represents the Arts Department on our school wide SIT team. She is vocal and passionate about the arts and it shows in her work with teachers and students in the building. I have watched Mrs. Wagner grow as an educator, which in turn the Theatre department has grown by leaps and bounds. I do believe she is changing lives in the field of education, many of her students can attest to that and are excited to have her as their Theatre teacher. Mrs. Wagner continue to be your authentic self and I am proud to work along side of you on this journey we call teaching.
Mrs.Wagner is a phenomenal teacher. I haven't taken her classes myself, but she has supported me ever since my freshman year. She's nice and encouraging to everyone, and always wears a smile.
Susannah what an accomplishment so young in your career. So very proud of you and I know how proud your mom & dad are. Keep up the great work. It takes someone very special to
foster, teach and love kids especially that age group can be tough. You are obviously doing an AMAZING job !!!!!! ??????
Susannah is an amazing gal!! She has boundless enthusiasm, tremendous artistic talent and the ability to achieve a goal no matter what the odds. She has a love for her students, can see their inner talent and help them bring their goals into reality!
Susannah is an exceptionally kind and caring teacher who cares deeply about her students. Her excitement for life and the truly authentic way she lives her own is absolutely contagious. Susannah is an incredibly inspiring influence on those fortunate enough to know her!!!
Susannah is so worthy of this award. She puts so much love, care, and dedication in everything she does and she truly makes a positive difference in the lives she touches.
I've known Ms.Wagner for about 2 years now. I've had them for theatre 1 and theatre 2. I honestly didn't want theatre at first, I had no self confidence at all and going up to speak or act In front of an audience really wasn't my thing. I remember the first day I walked in that class Ms.Wagner was just super happy and energetic. They weren't like the other teachers, they understood me as an actual person and not just as someone they had to teach and get over with. At the end of my first year with Ms.Wagner my confidence levels had grown so much. This has also helped me even outside of school, I use my confidence skills in church, volleyball, or just whenever I see someone in trouble I'll feel confident to be able to help them. I could act and talk in front of my class without being afraid of them judging me. I don't think I've ever felt as comfortable in a classroom until I stepped into Ms.Wagner's. Ms.Wagner is one of the best teachers I have met and now I love to learn and do theatre. Ms.Wagner has influenced me so much to where I have thought about doing theatre in the future. They make the class so fun and exciting to be in. All of the people there have great energy too. I actually learn so much in Ms.Wagner's class and I can't wait to be there for the years to come. Thank you Ms.Wagner, I love you so much! <3 - Yaleidy Caballero
When I first came to 71st I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life until I tried a club called theater. At first I didn’t think I’ll fit into the club until I met Ms Wagner and she was so welcoming and honestly changed my perspective on my life and what I wanted to do. And so now she has helped me find my heart, my passion, and my voice and honestly I’ve turned from the kid with no friends to the kid that brightens the room. Ms Wagner is the reason who I am today, and that’s why I think she should be life changer of the year.
Susannah is a beautiful soul with incredible talent, creativity, and drive. I always love to hear about the amazing work she is doing for her students and the community! I congratulate her on this nomination as it is well deserved!
Susannah Wagner - so very proud of you receiving this nomination. Over the past 20+ yrs I have watched you grow in so many ways. You have the compassion, drive and love of all things theatre related. You so deserve this recognition.
I am writing to offer my enthusiastic support for Susannah Wagner. I have had the privilege of knowing Susannah personally for over 13 years, and during this time, I have witnessed firsthand her remarkable passion for the arts and empathy for people.
Susannah’s dedication to theater is shown in both creation and creativity in set designs and her encouraging words and mentorship of thespians. Susannah has taken this passion into her classroom where the positive impact has made a lasting impression and impact on her students.
I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this recognition than Susannah Wagner!
I am thrilled to see Susannah Wanger nominated as Life Changer of the Year! Susannah is an extraordinary theatre teacher whose dedication to exploring the human experience is truly inspiring. Her passion for helping students express themselves is unmatched, and she possesses a unique gift for bringing out the best and most confident aspects of the kids she teaches. Susannah's ability to connect with her students and nurture their talents is nothing short of remarkable. She is not just a teacher, but a mentor and a guiding light for so many young minds. This nomination is a testament to her incredible impact and the positive change she brings to her community every day.
Susannah brings so much to Theatre. She helps each student to do their best and find themselves!!
Way to Go Susannah
You are amazing and unbelievably skilled! Phenomenal personality too!
Susannah is an amazing person and artist. She is an inspiration to us all.
An absolute joy! A wonderful teacher and person.
So wonderful to see Susannah’s nomination—and so fitting! She truly embodies creativity and self-expression and she has a gift for helping other young people to do the same (at an age when that can be especially difficult.) Keep up the great work, Susannah!
Mrs. Wagner was made for this job! She epitomizes the type of teacher students, parents, and administrators wish for. Not many people can say they found the job that they were meant to be in, especially as early on in her career as Mrs. Wagner has.
The students and Seventy First High are so lucky to have Susannah. She’s a ROCK STAR!!
I am proud of you beyond words can express. You’re changing the world through the meaningful connections you make on the stage and in the classroom. SFHS is blessed to have you on their team.
Susannah is not only deeply knowledgeable about theatre but also is incredibly passionate about sharing that knowledge with all students. Their teaching style is engaging and inspiring, making every lesson feel like a new adventure in creativity.
Susannah has a unique ability to connect with their students, fostering an environment where everyone feels safe to express themselves. They encourage exploration and experimentation, allowing students to discover their own voices and talents. Their constructive feedback is always thoughtful and motivating, pushing their students to improve while celebrating their progress.
Susannah has an incredible talent for making the complex world of prop design accessible and exciting. They guide their students through the entire process, from brainstorming ideas to crafting stunning pieces that enhance any production. Their enthusiasm is infectious, and their innovative techniques inspire creativity and experimentation.
If you’re looking for an exceptional theatre arts teacher, I highly recommend Susannah Wagner. Their expertise, creativity, and genuine care for their students make them an invaluable asset to anyone pursuing their passion in the performing arts.
Mrs. Wagner has been my fav
Mrs Wagner is an amazing human and even more amazing teacher. She values each student’s differences and is always the one to find them any help they need! The students love her and she has started an amazing, successful program at 71st!!
