Jennifer Jagdmann, a 2004 graduate of the University of South Florida's College of Education, has been named head of school at Corbett Preparatory School of IDS, following more than two decades of service to the institution.
Jagdmann graduating with a degree in secondary English education.
Jagdmann earned her degree in secondary English education, primarily attending the
USF Sarasota-Manatee campus while also taking courses at the Tampa campus. She credits her time at USF—especially
the secondary English program—for shaping her teaching philosophy and career.
"My time in those secondary English classes at USF is what shaped me into a teacher
who can have a profound impact on her students," Jagdmann said. "If I hadn't gained
the skills I needed to be a high-quality teacher, I wouldn't be in this role now."
As a student, Jagdmann was actively involved in the Suncoast Area Teacher Training (SCATT) program, a hallmark initiative of the USF College of Education designed to
equip educators with the skills and leadership qualities to make a difference in classrooms,
schools, and communities. Through SCATT, she connected with Joyce Burick Swarzman,
then head of school at Corbett Prep and a key figure in the program's early development.
"There are thousands of educators throughout Florida who went through SCATT," Jagdmann
said. "The intangibles we learned have prepared an elite group of people who are now
running classrooms and schools across the country."
That connection led to an internship at Corbett Prep, where Jagdmann initially commuted
from Sarasota. She quickly embraced the school's culture, particularly its strong
emphasis on professional development—a value championed by Swarzman both at Corbett
and through SCATT.
"Joyce Swarzman brought excitement and professionalism to teaching at Corbett Prep,"
Jagdmann said. "She emphasized professional development for her teachers, and I want
to continue that legacy by ensuring our educators have opportunities to grow."
Jagdmann participating in a professional development activity.
Jagdmann's career at Corbett Prep evolved from intern to language and literature teacher,
then to middle school division leader and principal. Now, as head of school, she continues
to prioritize growth and innovation.
"Professional development gave me the opportunity to join the International Baccalaureate
Organization as a workshop leader and trainer," she said. "I've had the chance to
train teachers around the world in concept-based instruction."
Jagdmann holds both a Master of Education and an MBA from Northwest Missouri State
University. She often reflects on the possibility of returning to USF to pursue a
doctorate.
Looking ahead, she hopes to strengthen ties between Corbett Prep and USF's College
of Education by creating internship opportunities for students.
"Our goal is to bring in quality teachers," she said. "Knowing how strong the program
is at USF, we want to open an avenue for students to get their foot in the door—and
hopefully stay."
For Jagdmann, the heart of education remains the impact on students.
"If you want to be an educator, it's probably because there's a part of you that's
a little bit of an angel on earth," she said. "It's a calling and it's an art. If
you stay true to yourself and why you became a teacher, it will reward you."
Her advice to current USF education students is simple but powerful: "All the things
you're learning—especially in your specialized, upper-level courses—you'll use all
the time in the classroom. I looked back at those books and notebooks for years while
I was writing lessons and finding my way as a teacher."
The English Education program at USF aims to develop and support secondary teachers of English Language Arts of all backgrounds and at all levels (bachelors, masters and doctoral) as they expand access to literacy, empower language users, encourage critical thinking, create and deepen professional communities, and continue to learn and to share what they know.