This session will be presented by:
Cecil "Giggy" Wagner, MA
Senior University Lecturer
College of Business at Governors State University
Prof. Wagner earned a Bachelor's degree from Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky, majoring in Middle School Education with an emphasis in English and Spanish. This academic background provided extensive training in reading and writing across two languages, forming a strong foundation for a career in teaching. Over the course of seven years, Prof. Wagner taught in public schools across Missouri, Illinois, and Texas, gaining diverse experience in mixed-level elementary ESL (English as a Second Language), secondary-level ESL, Spanish, and English Language Arts and Reading.
Prof. Wagner went on to earn a Master’s degree in English: Composition and Communication from Central Michigan University. During the time at CMU, Prof. Wagner worked as a tutor in the writing center and taught freshman writing courses. Additionally, teaching reading and writing classes at several institutions, including Saginaw Valley State University, Mid-Michigan Community College, Grand Rapids Community College, and Baker College Online. With 20 years of teaching experience, 13 of which have been in higher education, Prof. Wagner has demonstrated a deep commitment to fostering student learning and success.
As an accomplished writer, Prof. Wagner completed a Master’s thesis that combined creative nonfiction with an academic study of critical literacy. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of critical literacy, drawing on the ideas of Paulo Freire, to empower students not only to become literate citizens but also to engage with texts critically and reflect on how these texts shape her perspectives.
Beyond her academic contributions, Prof. Wagner has developed a passion for storytelling and public speaking. They have frequently attended Homewood Stories™ performances at the Ravisloe Country Club in Homewood and honed storytelling skills by participating in workshops on effective storytelling in early 2018. That same year, Prof. Wagner made her public storytelling debut at Ravisloe Country Club. |
