Every outstanding teacher has a story shaped by passion, dedication, and perseverance. Having joined the Warrior Family in January 2025, Spanish I teacher Ms. Schwager is no exception. Behind each enriching lesson is a unique and inspiring journey that led her to the field of education.

How Everything Began

In Ms. Schwager’s case, fate played a role in guiding her toward Spanish. “I actually wanted to take French because those classes got to go on a field trip to Quebec in 8th grade, but the classes filled up and I was placed back into Spanish. I sometimes wonder how different things might have been if I had switched.” However, she quickly fell in love with the language. That passion led her to eventually travel abroad, an experience that inspired her to help others discover the value of bilinguality. “I took Spanish all the way through AP in high school and had the opportunity in 2017 to participate in a three-week exchange program in Salamanca, Spain…It inspired me to study abroad again in college and ultimately played a big role in my decision to help others learn Spanish.” 

Challenges and Adversities 

However, for many teachers, the path to education isn’t always straightforward. For Ms. Schwager uncertainty was a major early hurdle. “I grew up unsure of the answer to the question, ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ but I always knew the answer was not supposed to be ‘a teacher.’ My mom and two of my aunts are educators, so I grew up seeing both how demanding and how underappreciated the profession can be.” 

The COVID-19 pandemic also created challenges for many aspiring individuals. “I chose to major in communication because it seemed broad and practical…By the time I graduated, I realized that path didn’t excite me. I was also job searching in the aftermath of COVID-19, which made it even more difficult. I spent about a year working in restaurants and retail while trying to figure out what I wanted to do.” 

Now as a teacher, Ms. Schwager says that managing time and maintaining balance are among the most difficult areas of the profession. “The job doesn’t end when the class period is over. There is always planning, grading, and adjusting lessons to meet different students’needs…It is not possible to achieve everything that goes into the job during work hours, and it can be hard to find motivation to get the job done outside of work especially when many teachers do not feel fairly compensated…”

Present Day

Ms. Schwager’s passion ultimately prevailed. She received her teaching certification in 2024 and was hired at Weddington the next year as the replacement for former teacher Mrs. Schiller. As a newer educator, her teaching style continues to evolve. “When I first started, a lot of what I did was inspired by my mentor teacher. Over time, I’ve been able to add my own style. I find inspiration from other teachers, both at Weddington and online, as well as from my own experience learning Spanish.” 

Ms. Schwager has shown a strong commitment towards ensuring students are interested in continuing wanting to learn a second language. She strives to make the experience meaningful and rewarding. “My favorite moments are when I can see the light bulb go off in a student’s head. For example, it is “easier” for both me and the student if I say ‘the word antipático means mean.’ However, it is more rewarding for both me and the student if I say ‘antipático es un adjetivo.’” 

She also opts for interactive activities that encourage participation and curiosity. “For example, I might use recognizable celebrities or characters, or have students write about their own lives and experiences. When students can see themselves in what they’re learning, they’re usually more interested and involved.”

Ms. Schwager is already making a meaningful impact on the language department at WHS. Her dedication to teaching and commitment to student success inspires and is revered by those around her, serving as a reminder of the lasting influence great educators can have.