After 42 years in the education profession, retiring Churchill Jr. High teacher Deb Wagner plans to continue being involved in her two great loves: science and physical education.

“Everything is science. It’s all curiosity. When the kids are curious, half the battle is won. The kids come in and they still like to play so I channel that and make sure it’s fun.”

Mrs. Wagner wore many hats during her time at Churchill including teaching Physical Education, Science, Health and coaching track, basketball and cross country.

She has enjoyed teaching middle school, and she made sure to channel her students’ enthusiasm in a positive way.

“The days I will remember best are the days when we have had our Fun Run. We get the whole school out and run a 5K course around the neighborhood. We do it on Halloween so they are wearing a costume and when we finish, it’s a party. There’s music and we give awards. It’s a great day. Everyone comes together for a healthy life style.”

It is also important that her students learn something new every class and that when they leave junior high that their curiosity and learning is a lifestyle that they will continue.

In P.E. Mrs. Wagner teaches sportsmanship to her students. “We like to play fairly and work Super hard. It’s part of our class goals,” she said.

In her 42 years at Churchill she made sure the school’s values were met. She taught her students to be responsible, respectful and safe. Safety was very important in P.E.

Now that she’s entering retirment, Wagner will continue her two great loves, science and fitness.

“We need to take much better care of our planet. I want to get behind a cause.”

She hopes to either get into micro plastics or a group to help control our pollution in the valley.

Wagner hopes to start a book club. “There is never enough time to read.”

During Wagner’s time at Churchill she was named the Granite School District Excel winner in 1999. She was also named the Utah Outstanding Middle School Physical Educator in 1995-1996.

“I loved my time at Churchill Jr. The teachers and administrations are incredible,” said Wagner.

Check out the KSL interview with Deb Wagner