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New science teacher takes on three classes

Science teacher Jessica Wagner prepares a project for her students on Aug. 24, 2025.
Science teacher Jessica Wagner prepares a project for her students on Aug. 24, 2025.
Jenna Naters

From dissecting owl pellets to leading the science fair, Jessica Wagner now teaches three classes: Anatomy and Physiology, science research and AP Environmental Science.

“I just love teaching here,” Wagner said. “The staff here is so nice, and everyone is so helpful and supportive. I can tell that West Shore has a lot of school spirit and pride.”

Before teaching at West Shore, Wagner taught at Palmetto High School in Manatee County, the same school she once attended as a student.

“I was really nervous to start a new job and move to a completely new school because I used to be a student at Palmetto, so I knew everyone there,” Wagner said. “I knew how to get around and I knew the procedures, so I was scared to move to a whole new county.”

Wagner previously taught general biology and Achieving a College Education (ACE) Biology.

“I taught a diverse group of students in my past school,” Wagner said. “So some didn’t want to be there, and some were put in ACE classes and weren’t meant to be in them. [West Shore students] have a lot more academic integrity. You guys want to be here and work for your grade.”

Although she once planned to pursue medicine, Wagner switched her path to education.

“I went to college with the original idea that I was going to go to medical school,” Wagner said. “Then, when I was in college, COVID hit, and I realized I couldn’t handle medical school. I had no idea what I was going to do after I graduated college. At first, I had a job [at Palmetto], and I was doing campus event services. Then one of my high school teachers went to my house and asked if I wanted to teach.”

Looking back, Wagner said she has always had ties to teaching.

“I do think this was supposed to be my path,” Wagner said. “When I was a kid, I played teacher. My mom always thought I was going to be a teacher. I would tutor in high school and college for free. I just enjoyed helping people learn.”

Sophomore Sophia Kero is taking two classes Wagner offers: AP Environmental Science and Anatomy and Physiology. 

“She’s a very good teacher, and she’s also very bubbly and easy to talk to about anything,” Kero said. “Since I have two classes with her, it’s nice that I can talk to her about both classes while getting to know her too.”

Her class also includes a “Pet of the Day” feature, where students can send in different photos to be displayed to her classes each day.

“I really like her concept of the Pet of the Days, because I think it’s a really nice way for her to connect with her students, and everyone can show off their pet to different classes,” Kero said.

For Wagner, building a community in her classroom is an important aspect of her day.

“Some students have already started coming during lunch, or just talking to me at the beginning or end of class,” Wagner said. “I’ve already created some connections, which feels so rewarding. As a teacher, I want you guys to be successful, and I want you to understand the content, but I also want to be a safe person for you.”

After several weeks of teaching, Wagner said the transition has been rewarding.

“I’m just incredibly grateful for how welcoming the school has been, both on the student and the staff side,” Wagner said. “I feel at home, and I couldn’t have asked for a better school to teach at.”