As Superintendent of Monrovia Unified School District, she is known for her extensive, respected experience in instructional leadership, having led comprehensive improvement efforts for diverse student populations and improvement of instructional practices at the classroom level. She implemented a number of progressive research-based educational models including a highly successful dual-immersion program.  She is known as an active and visible leader who spends time at school sites and in classrooms. 

Prior to her work in Monrovia, Dr. Wagner served as Superintendent in Keppel Union and Acton-Agua Dulce Unified School Districts. This followed her work as Assistant Superintendent in Acton-Agua Dulce Unified and as Founding Principal of a K-8 dual-immersion magnet school and Bilingual Coordinator in Palmdale. Her teaching experience includes grades 1-8, primarily in bilingual settings. 

She is the author of two books, The Savvy Superintendent: Leading Instruction to the Top of the Class and The Power of Experience: Principals Talk About School Improvement.