Jason Wagner

A Findlay High School art teacher of 15 years, Jason Wagner was chosen as teacher of the week because of his ceaseless dedication to his students. Paul Kuhn, fellow Findlay High School art teacher, tells us, “(Wagner) is always going above and beyond when it comes to his students. Jason often spends countless hours outside of school preparing and planning lessons. Jason created the FHS Art Camp allowing school aged students to experience art outside the regular school year.”

Wagner is originally from Fostoria, but moved to Findlay in the fourth grade and attended class in the Van Buren Schools. “I had a really positive experience in art classes when I was in school and wanted to see if I could add to what had inspired me,” states Wagner.

The use of technology in the art room is just one of the ways that Wagner tries to keep his students involved, “I have routinely engaged with students via social media for several years now, having seen the benefits early on. Teaching students about digital citizenship and using the phone as a tool to learn, not just socialize. Students are responsible for their learning, I just facilitate an art studio.”

Wagner also encourages his students to use critical thinking skills with in his classes. By using the Design Thinking approach developed at Stanford University, Wagner develops lessons that help students use their critical thinking and problem solving skills in a creative manner.

Outside of the classroom Wagner is kept busy as the advisor for the FHS Art Club as well as the FHS Ski Club. He has also be the director of set construction for the FHS musical for the last five years. He is married with two boys Brahlen and Avett. He enjoys spending time with his family riding bikes and being outside. He is also the member of a folk rock band called The Athen.