Leading students in faith, service and life through classroom and competition.
This week, Concordia University celebrates four alumni who have been recognized with 2026 South Wisconsin District Teacher of the Year Awards.
Their work reflects a deep commitment to excellence, compassion and purpose. Grounded in faith and called to serve, each educator lives out their vocation in the classroom, making a lasting difference in the lives entrusted to their care. This recognition is not only a professional honor, but also a testament to the way a Concordia education prepares graduates to lead and serve with integrity in the world.
Kyle Jagler
Middle school math/athletic director at Immanuel Lutheran in Brookfield, Wis.
2006 alumnus with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education
How has your understanding of teaching as a Christian vocation shaped the way you serve your students and school community each day?
I truly value the opportunity I have each day to be part of building young lives. As a Christian educator teaching in a Lutheran school, I not only have the privilege but also the responsibility to instruct each student to live a God-pleasing life, serving Him and others. I believe leading by example is a powerful way to accomplish this God-given task.
Can you share a moment in your teaching journey when you clearly saw God at work through your classroom or relationships with students?
It has been a joy and privilege to teach in many different places where God has called me to serve. I have witnessed students being baptized and students coming to understand who God is and the plan He has for them. Some of my favorite memories with students, when I have seen God at work, are during opportunities to serve together. We have served at Soles For Jesus and Feed My Starving Children. In those moments, I have seen students work together purposefully, with big smiles on their faces, for people they will most likely never meet.
Sadly, I have also attended multiple funerals for former and current students. At each funeral, I connected with students. In those moments of sadness and grief, there were reflections of a “bigger picture.” Through tears and hugs, we were able to have conversations rooted in the knowledge that heaven is our home someday through our hope and faith in Jesus.
Looking back on your time at Concordia, what experiences or mentors most prepared you to teach with excellence, compassion and confidence in Christ?
Concordia was a place where I felt my faith was ignited. Being on your own and managing your own time can be tricky at that age, but making the decision to worship with other believers of a similar age was important to me.
As I reflect on my education at Concordia, I have to say a big thank you to all of my block teachers. Each one of them was an excellent educator. They were personable, relatable and transparent in their teaching, and they were willing to share their experiences and faith. They had the best interests of every student in mind, which was evident in their teaching. I appreciated being able to go to them with questions and receive thoughtful feedback based on their experiences.
What encouragement would you offer to current Concordia students or future teachers who feel called to serve in Lutheran education today?
You never know where God is calling you to serve, but it is important to trust in that calling. God has a plan for each of us. We do not always know or understand that call, but He has a purpose for placing us where we need to be and where He needs us to be. Wherever God places us, it is important to establish and build positive relationships with students and families.
What’s your favorite thing about CUW?
I loved my time at CUW. During my years there, my favorite experiences were playing tennis and being part of Resounding Joy. I had the privilege of forming lifelong friendships and connections during my time on campus. It has been exciting to see the continued growth of CUW as it expands and provides meaningful degrees across a variety of vocations.
Additional 2026 SWD Teachers
Read about the teachers featured in this series:
- Autumn Bynum
- Amber Curtis
- Libby MacGillis
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Concordia University Wisconsin is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world.