Amy B. Wagner, Ed.D.

National University, San Diego, CA, U.S.
Degree: Doctor of Education, 2024
Major: Instructional Leadership
Dissertation: Determinants that Lead to Teacher Retention in K-6 Schools in South Suburban Chicago, Illinois: A Qualitative Descriptive Case Study

Governors State University, University Park, IL, U.S.
Degree: Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction, 2012

Governors State University, University Park, IL, U.S.
Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, 2005 
Specialization: Middle School Education 

Professor Wagner’s journey at Governors State University began in 2003—not as a professor, but as a student with a dream of becoming an educator.

At GovState, she earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a certification in middle school teaching. A little less than a decade later, she returned to GovState to earn her master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction in 2013. Her educational journey continued at National University, where she completed her doctoral studies in 2024.

Being the first person in her family to graduate from college made earning her degrees especially meaningful—and it is an accomplishment she continues to celebrate with great pride! 

Before joining higher education, Professor Wagner spent 18 years as an elementary educator in nearby school districts, teaching students in first through fourth grades. Those years in the classroom shaped her belief in the importance of strong connections between local universities, schools, educators, and the communities they serve.

Professor Wagner began her transition into higher education as an adjunct professor at Chicago State University and later at GovState. In 2023, she returned to GovState once again—this time as a full-time faculty member.

Today, Professor Wagner feels especially fortunate to be on the other side of the classroom where her own journey began. She loves working one-on-one with teacher candidates, helping them discover their strengths, develop their confidence, and prepare for the rewarding journey ahead.

For Professor Wagner, coming full circle at GovState is more than a career—it is a reminder of the possibilities that education can create, especially here at GovState. She is excited to help the next generation of educators begin their own journeys and looks forward to watching them build wonderful futures in the field of education.

Wagner, A. B., & Conrad, D. L. (2025). Stress and burnout: Voices of Illinois educators. Illinois School Board Journal, 93(4), 20-23. https://www.iasb.com/about-us/publications/journal/2025-illinois-school-board-journal/july-august-2025/stress-and-burnout-voices-of-illinois-educators/

Peer-Reviewed Publications 
Wagner, A. (2025). Key factors in teacher retention in K-6 schools in South Suburban Chicago, Illinois. In Education Leadership Review of Doctoral Research, 13(Fall 2025) (ELRDR) (pp. 194–199). International Council of Professors of Educational Leadership. https://www.icpel.org/elrdr-volume-13-fall-2025.html

Peer-Reviewed Presentations
Wagner, A. (2025, February). Securely Attached to Learning: Early Memories [Conference presentation]. Critical Questions in Education Symposium, Savannah, GA, United States. https://academyforeducationalstudies.org

Wagner, A. (2024, October). Commitment vs. culture: What teachers believe and practice regarding social and emotional learning [Paper presentation]. Critical Questions in Education Symposium, Pittsburg, PA, United States. https://academyforeducationalstudies.org

Invited and Practitioner Presentations
Wagner, A. (2024, June). Teacher retention in K-6 schools: What do TEACHERS say they need? [Paper presentation]. Chicago Southland Educator Consortium Annual Conference, University Park, IL, United States. https://www.govst.edu/dei-professional-development

Wagner, A. (2024, May). Determinants that lead to teacher retention in K-6 Schools in South Suburban Chicago, Illinois: A qualitative descriptive case study [Poster presentation]. National University Dissertation Poster Session, San Diego, CA, United States. 

Wagner, A. (2024, April). Teacher retention in K-6 Schools: What do TEACHERS say they need? [Research presentation]. Research Days at Governors State University, University Park, IL, United States.

Jameyfield, L; Helton J; Wagner, A; Clare, J. (2025, October). Graphic Problem-Solving Tool [Presentation]. South Cook Area Wide Institute Days, Chicago Heights, IL, United States.