Our Employee of the Month is Hailey Wenger from New Jersey!
Hailey Wenger is an extraordinary educator who consistently goes above and beyond in everything she does. She is deeply creative, finding fresh and engaging ways to bring lessons to life, and endlessly hardworking, always investing extra time and energy to support each learner. Her patient nature shines through in every interaction as she meets students where they are, offers encouragement, and helps them progress at their own pace.
What truly sets Hailey apart is her caring spirit. She builds warm, trusting relationships with every child and demonstrates genuine empathy with parents, ensuring everyone involved feels understood and valued. Hailey’s strong rapport with both families and colleagues fosters an inclusive, supportive atmosphere in her program where creativity, compassion, and dedication come together to nurture growth.
Hailey, thank you for being such an outstanding employee and teacher.
To show our appreciation for your dedication and hard work – please check your email this week for a special gift from us.
Check out our interview with Hailey below:
- Who are you, where do you come from, where are you going?
Hi ya! My name is Hailey Wenger and I am from northern New Jersey! I am a dedicated educator and a middle sibling of 5 children! I’m going nowhere but up! For my future I am going to finish my schooling and further my career in education. Traveling to help others all over the world while living the best life I can and making unforgettable memories!
- How long have you been teaching with Apollo?
I have been teaching with Apollo for 2 years!
- What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned since you started teaching?
Children are our futures, how we show up in their lives, any way shape or form will leave an impact! With that I make it my mission to show up in everyway I can, with full knowledge each child has their own differences and needs. Patience and holding a safe place for children has shown me how to connect and adapt to all different situations/places and ages!
- How do you motivate your students to succeed?
I motive my students to succeed by connecting with them, which then I will create goals and opportunities based on their person! I show how important it is to be yourself and never give up, no matter how difficult! Having an environment where each student can shine in their own unique way and celebrating any and all progress. Showing up for yourself is a big motivator for them as well, when the students see I am happy and motivated, they will be too!
- If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
If I could have any superpower, I would chose to be a healer! A cut knee or hurt feelings, being able to heal any living beings has always been a dream of mine! I am a very empathetic person, I feel deeply for others and trying to find a way to make things okay is what I strive for!
- What is your most memorable memory from your time as an Apollo instructor?
I think the most memorable memory from Apollo would be the amazing events we had like a real Prom or Awards Ceremony! But regardless of all the fun events, the most memorable is coming to work everyday and truly feeling in my heart the happiness of being there with the amazing students and great staff!
- If you could retire tomorrow and never have to worry about money again, what would you do with your time?
I LOVE this question! I would do volunteer work traveling the world, helping any and all children and animals! I would create and organize charities, events to help those less fortunate! Every person to every animal deserves the best in the world, and I strive to give that to them no matter the circumstances!
- What’s your go-to technique for dealing with ‘handful students’?
Children are in a stage where many new things are happening to them, like new emotions! What best helps me is showing up very calm and giving them space to express themselves. I will give them a quiet space, or go for a walk in the hall and let them pour out their emotions. Once I understand how the student is truly feeling, I can navigate a way to show them right from wrong in a way that is specific to them!
- What is an unusual place you have been to?
An unusual place I have been too is an abandoned Ginger Bread Castle with a waterfall behind it.
- Do you have a talent that not many people know about?
Many people don’t know that I’m talented at training dogs! I also like to do roast battles!
- What’s your #1 teaching tip?
Introduction and supervision is key! Laying down the rules and regulations very early on will promote a fun and insightful schedule and atmosphere. Assign chores and responsibilities for the students and encourage healthy behavior and habits.
- What’s your favorite classroom Attention Getter?
ALL EYES ON ME
- What is something interesting that you’re involved in, outside of Apollo After School?
Outside of Apollo After School I love to help animals anyway I can, I also love to journal and care for/collect plants!
- How do you spend your summer breaks?
I spend my summer breaks by working at Apollo Summer Camp, as well as spending time at the beach, hiking, cliff jumping and anything that is outside!
- Star Wars, Star Trek, or they’re both lame?
I haven’t seen either, those types or films aren’t my kind of genre but I heard both are great!
- What do you like most about working with Apollo?
The children and the positive environment! Apollo has created such a safe haven where staff can express their emotions and take time to collect themselves when needed! Coming into work and seeing the students’ faces light up with happiness, Apollo is more than a program, it’s a family!
