This is the first post, in what will soon be a regular weekly update, on what is happening in the lives of our Warrior Staff members. As busy educators, we rarely get an opportunity to get outside our departments and get to know other staff members throughout the building. Hopefully this weekly post will help bring us closer together as we get to know our fellow Warriors. Our very first “Warrior You Should Know” is Jill Pagels. I want to thank Jill for bravely accepting my request to be the first “Warrior You Should Know”.
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Jill Pagels is an educator in the Family and Consumer Science department. This is Jill’s first year at WVHS and it is also her first year in education. Jill is a graduate of Illinois State University. Go Redbirds! I have been drawn into Jill’s classroom on a few occasions due to the great aroma that always seems to be emanating from her student’s cooking and I love seeing all of the activity in the kitchens. If you have an opportunity, stop in and observe her classroom. Jill is very welcoming, her door is always open, and there is usually some kind of food to sample!
I asked Jill some questions so that we can all get to know her better.
Where do you get inspiration from?
It is really inspiring to see how hard my coworkers work, seeing the time and effort they put into making themselves a better teacher, asking them for advice on programs to continue my education, etc. I’m hoping that eventually I’ll be able to help them like they have helped me this year, whether it is advice or tips in the classroom. They really have helped me immensely so far in my teaching experience.
What is your favorite memory from the classroom?
My favorite memory so far was when my students were making pulled pork with different BBQ sauces. Each group had a different role in the lab, and everybody went around the room to try each of the different sauces and discuss what they liked or didn’t like. It was awesome to see the students coming together as a whole, talk about their personal experiences with different kinds of BBQ, and what everybody did to help out.
What is your most embarrassing moment?
My most embarrassing moment in class was probably when I went to grab a bowl of soup from the fridge. It was on the top shelf and there wasn’t a top on it. I tried getting it down and the whole thing spilled on my shirt and all the way down to my knees. My students stared at me for a few seconds before they started laughing!
Favorite book? Favorite Song/Artist? Favorite Food?
I love country music!! A few of my favorite artists include Brantley Gilbert and Eric Church.
Favorite childhood teacher and why?
My favorite teacher in high school was Mrs. Candia because she was down to Earth, she was able to give me advice whenever I needed it, she had high expectations for me, and she was very passionate about her job. I think a lot of the things I do in the classroom were inspired by her.
When not at school, where do you like to spend your time or what do you like to do?
I spend most of my time with my family. Some things that I enjoy doing include baking, shopping, and traveling.
What are your future goals?
I plan on staying at Waubonsie for a long time. I’m hopeful to begin working towards my Masters this Fall and finish the program in two years. As for the next few years, I’m looking to move closer to Waubonsie to cut down my 45 minute commute.
Be sure to say hello the next time you see Jill in the building and stay tuned for our next edition of “Warriors You Should Know”.