AN EDUCATOR TO CELEBRATE: Meet

DR. JOYCE BURICK SWARZMAN

Awarded State “Teacher’s Teacher” Recognition

story and photo by Corbett Preparatory School of IDS

As Corbett Preparatory School of IDS’ longest serving Head of School, Dr. Joyce Burick Swarzman established a model of professional development that inspired her own faculty and staff as well as thousands of educators worldwide to strive for excellence and keep students at the center of all they do.

The Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS) honored Dr. Swarzman this month with the 2021 Edgar McCleary Service Award, a special recognition for a “teacher’s teacher” who has given generously of his or her time to further the mission of FCIS schools.

FCIS, the state accrediting organization for independent schools, created the award in 2011 to spotlight educators who go above and beyond in their service. Founded in 1968, Corbett Prep is a private independent International Baccalaureate school that serves 500+ PreK3-8th grade students from all over the Tampa Bay area.

Dr. Barbara Hodges, executive director of FCIS, presented the award via Zoom during the FCIS Annual Convention this month while Dr. Swarzman, Corbett Prep faculty and staff and more than 1,000 guests watched online.

“Corbett is a very, very special place,” said Dr. Hodges. “But it wasn’t just about Corbett.”

Throughout her career, Dr. Swarzman led professional development trainings for more than 20,000 teachers locally, nationally and internationally. She created the research-based M.O.R.E. Model (Multiple Options for Results in Education), specific components and strategies designed to help educators create a brain-friendly learning environment, and she traveled to Spain and China to share those methods with schools worldwide.

Her efforts produced great teachers, many of whom became great heads of school, Hodges said. And together they changed the lives of countless children.

A native of Dayton, Ohio, Dr. Swarzman received her Bachelor of Art degree from Ohio State University. She received her Master of Arts in counseling, her Master of Education degree in supervision and curriculum, and her Doctorate in teacher education, all from Teachers College, Columbia University, New York. Dr. Swarzman has extensive experience as a classroom teacher, having taught in the inner cities of Chicago, Atlanta and New York. Her story is told in the book "It’s All about Kids: Every Child Deserves a Teacher of the Year," published in 2004.

Dr. Swarzman joined Corbett Prep – then Independent Day School – in 1996. A strong leader, energetic teacher and experienced trainer, Dr. Swarzman was the director of the University of South Florida’s Suncoast Area Teacher Training program. She made professional development a priority for IDS/Corbett Prep and hosted conferences in cooperative learning, social-emotional learning and brain-based communication.

In 2020, Corbett Prep welcomed Nicholas Rodriguez as its new Head of School, and Dr. Swarzman turned her focus on supporting initiatives and training. Rodriguez, who has two decades of experience in private and independent schools, honed his leadership skills during a yearlong fellowship with Dr. Swarzman.

Corbett Prep maintains its commitment to the dynamic learning community Dr. Swarzman established. Hodges said she looked forward to the ways Dr. Swarzman will continue to shape the lives of students and their teachers: “She joins the greats of the greats, but she’s not finished yet.”

“You create magic,” Dr. Hodges told Dr. Swarzman.

SEFFNER CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 11605 E. U.S. HWY 92, Seffner 33584 813-626-0001; scacrusaders.com

Seffner Christian Academy is a distinctly Christian learning community for students in preschool - 12th grade. We are committed to developing well-rounded, Gospel-driven students who are prepared for life. Please contact our Admissions department to schedule a time for you to experience the SCA difference!

SHORE ELEMENTARY MAGNET

(VISUAL, PERFORMING AND COMMUNICATION ARTS)

1908 2nd Ave., Tampa 33605 813-276-5712; shore.mysdhc.org

We are an award-winning Magnet School of the Arts located in historic Ybor City. Students learn through arts and science integration and can take part in the Annual Arts Festival and school musical. Students expand their horizons through visual art, dance, strings, music, drama, STEAM Engineering and robotics programs. Our partnership with the Straz Performing Arts Center brings Broadway to our students--something you will find at no other school!

SHORECREST PREPARATORY SCHOOL 5101 1st St. NE., St. Petersburg 33703 727-522-2111; shorecrest.org

Founded in 1923, Shorecrest is a coed, nonsectarian, PK3-12 independent school in St. Petersburg, FL. In a safe, student-centered environment, Shorecrest educates a diverse community of students to become lifelong learners in the pursuit of personal and academic excellence, physical well-being, creative achievement and the development of a commitment to social responsibility.

SIMMONS CAREER ACCELERATION ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL 1202 W. Grant St., Plant City 33563 813-707-7430; hillsboroughschools.org/simmons

Simmons Career Acceleration Academy High School in Plant City serves students 9-12, providing a school culture focused on academic achievement, personal growth, and preparing students for a successful future after high school. Students experience a hybrid learning approach, career preparation through industry certifications, and a streamlined path to graduation. Students can take part in athletics and extracurricular activities at their zoned school.

SKYCREST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 129 N. Belcher Road, Clearwater 33765 727-797-1186; skycrestchristianschool.org

The value of a Skycrest education is immeasurable. School graduates enter their high school years with outstanding academic preparation, leadership skills and confidence in their ability to succeed. With newly integrated technology, an extensive list of extracurricular activities and a small student/teacher ratio, a Skycrest education is available at amazingly competitive rates.

SLIGH MIDDLE MAGNET

(HUMAN HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE, MEDICAL ADMINISTRATION AND SCIENCES)

2011 E. Sligh Ave., Tampa 33610 813-276-5596; hillsboroughschools.org/sligh

Join a culture of future health professionals whose uniforms are doctors' scrubs four days a week. We are preparing students for one of the fastest growing career fields in the country. Electives engage all students with Career and Technical Education, Family and Consumer Science and our AVID college readiness program.

SOUTH COUNTY CAREER ACCELERATION ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL 2810 John Sherman Way, Ruskin 33570 813-233-3335; hillsboroughschools.org/sccc

South County Career Center offers an accelerated program to any high school student to either earn previously lost credits or to accelerate in current courses using Edgenuity. We currently offer Automotive program as well as Agriculture as electives. Enrollment: 754 Class-Size: 20 Grades: K2-12 Tuition: $9,500 - $11,200

Enrollment: 441 Grades: K-5 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 995 Class-Size: 16-18 Grades: PK3-12 Tuition: $12,670 - $28,460

Enrollment: 250 Grades: 9-12 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 500 Class-Size: 22 Grades: K4-grade 8 Tuition: $11,000+ fees

Enrollment: 579 Grades: 6-8 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 200 Grades: 9-12 Tuition: FREE

(IB CANDIDATE)

4716 Montgomery Ave., Tampa 33616 813-272-3020; hillsboroughschools.org/monroe

We develop active learners and internationally-minded students. Students will be guided by the International Baccalaureate World School Philosophy. Students can pursue unique electives like computer modeling and simulation. Our sixth grade structure creates a supportive middle school transition. We are the only middle magnet school in South Tampa and prepare our students to potentially step into the halls of Robinson IB!

ST. CECELIA INTERPAROCHIAL CATHOLIC SCHOOL 1350 Court St., Clearwater 33756 727-461-1207; st-cecelia.org

St. Cecelia (SCS) is a two-time recipient of the prestigious Blue Ribbon Award, both in 2020 and 2010. SCS is also Pinellas county’s only private school to offer the International Baccalaureate to students in grades PreK-3 to grade 8. Through the IB Programme we provide tools, develop character and teach skills that prepare our students to thrive in high school, college and beyond. We remain steadfast in our commitment to our students’ educational and personal success and to the betterment of our local and global communities.

ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL 1002 S. Rome Ave., 906 S. Orleans Ave., 240 S. Plant Ave., Tampa 33606 813-849-4200; stjohnseagles.org

Located in the heart of Tampa, St. John's Episcopal School delivers an unparalleled, values-driven, progressive education for children in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. Hard work, faith, respect, honesty and a commitment to excellence allow our graduates to thrive in high school, college and beyond.

ST. LAWRENCE CATHOLIC SCHOOL 5223 N. Himes Ave., Tampa 33614 813-879-5090; stlawrencecatholicschool.org

Celebrating 60 years of Catholic Education since 1961, St. Lawrence Catholic School provides a Christ-centered environment inspiring students from Early Childhood through grade 8 toward academic excellence to become life-long learners. 21st Century classrooms promote creativity, critical thinking and collaboration. Fully accredited by the FCC, with a strong curriculum exceeding Diocesan, state and national standards in academics, art, music, physical education, Spanish, technology, STREAM and media.

ST. MARY’S EPISCOPAL DAY SCHOOL 2101 S. Hubert Ave., Tampa 33629 813-258-5508; smeds.org

St. Mary’s Episcopal Day School provides challenging academics, performing and visual arts, competitive athletics, technology, public speaking, world languages, global studies, community service, religious education and more. St. Mary’s highly-qualified pre-K through 8th grade faculty inspires students to achieve their best, developing into well-rounded individuals ready for the challenges ahead.

ST. PETERSBURG COLLEGIATE HIGH SCHOOLS St. Petersburg: 6605 5th Ave. N., St. Petersburg 33710 | 727-341-4610 Tarpon Springs: 600 Klosterman Road, Tarpon Springs 34689 | 727-712-5891 spchs.spcollege.edu

St. Petersburg Collegiate High Schools offer a supportive educational experience with all the benefits of high school and college. Students thrive at SPCHS as successful learners and leaders. SPCHS students graduate with their high school diploma, an Associate’s degree, and the skills for continued success. Best of all, it’s free!

ST. RAPHAEL CATHOLIC SCHOOL 1376 Snell Isle Blvd. NE, St. Petersburg 33704 727-821-9663; straphaelschool.net

St. Raphael Catholic School welcomes families who believe that Christ is the cornerstone of our lives, strive for academic excellence, seek to provide faith-filled service to others, reflect Catholic values and are responsible leaders of the Church and community. Enrollment: 432 Grades: 6-8 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 425 Class-Size: 12-24 students depending on grade level Grades: PreK3-grade 8 Tuition: $7,120-$7,918

Enrollment: 525 Class-Size: 17 Grades: K4-8 Tuition: $14,660 - $15,190

Enrollment: 495 Class-Size: < 25 Grades: PreK3-grade 8 Tuition: $8,250 - $11,445

Enrollment: 450 Class-Size: 20 Grades: PreK-grade 8 Tuition: $16,600

Enrollment: 240 per location Class-Size: grade 10 average of 18, grades 1112 varies by course Grades: 10-12 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 170 Class-Size: 17 average Grades: PK-8 Tuition: $6,100-$8,100

STEWART MIDDLE MAGNET (NASA EXPLORER SCHOOL)

1125 Spruce St., Tampa 33607 813-276-5691; hillsboroughschools.org/stewart

Be part of one of the only nationally recognized NASA Explorer Schools in the country! Through our Project Lead the Way curriculum, students choose from electives like aerospace and engineering. Stewart partners with NASA, NOAA and the U.S. Air Force for real-world learning. Our location on the Hillsborough River and next to Blake and near Dunbar Magnet add to the opportunities our students enjoy every day!

TAMPA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL 4630 N. Rome Ave., Tampa 33603 813-870-0860; tampacatholic.org

Tampa Catholic High School is a co-educational school of the Diocese of St. Petersburg dedicated to providing students with “Veritas et Caritas” (truth and charity) through educational excellence in a Christ centered environment. Its curriculum reinforces critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, problem solving and depth of understanding necessary for 21st-century learners.

TAMPA DAY SCHOOL 12606 Henderson Road, Tampa 33625 813-269-2100; tampadayschool.com

Celebrating 50 years of meeting the needs of bright students with Dyslexia, ADHD or anxiety, TDS offers a uniquely designed college-prep curriculum. With small class sizes, instruction incorporates interactive and handson experiences, along with an emphasis on study and organizational skills, promoting success and improved confidence. Contact us to learn more!

TAMPA HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY MAGNET

(GLOBAL LEADERSHIP ACADEMY)

3719 N. 17th St., Tampa 33610 (temporary) 813-276-5405; tampaheights.mysdhc.org

Our students become innovative thinkers who achieve academically and socially through our seven Wonders—leadership, environment, economics, wellness, innovation, communication and culture. Students can participate in Model United Nations and Odyssey of the Mind, learn world languages and leadership, and experience cultural clusters such as yoga, cooking, African art and LEGO makerspace.

TAMPA PREP 727 W. Cass St., Tampa 33606 813-251-8481; tampaprep.org

There’s a culture of creativity here, a willingness to try new ideas – anything that better serves students. We are Florida’s Most Innovative School, where students graduate uniquely prepared to succeed in a world of accelerating change. Located in the heart of downtown Tampa, we’re here to inspire the next great creators.

VALRICO LAKE ADVANTAGE ACADEMY 13306 Boyette Road, Riverview 33569 813-699-5049; valricoacademy.com

A tuition-free, public charter school proudly serving students in kindergarten through fifth Grade, the school provides a well-rounded elementary foundation through a challenging curriculum with a focus on teaching math and science in proven and innovative instructional methods preparing students for their secondary education and beyond. We are an “A” rated Florida School of Excellence offering the Cambridge program for Advanced Studies. Cognia accredited.

VANGUARD SCHOOL 22000 US Highway 27, Lake Wales 33859 863-676-6091; vanguardschool.org

The Vanguard School is a co-educational boarding and day school for students in grades 6-12. Vanguard specializes in educating students who experience academic learning challenges in an environment that works with academic strategies, executive functioning, social skills, celebrates student strengths and assists in transitioning into higher educational opportunities and independent living. Enrollment: 1,024 Grades: 6-8 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 725 Class-size: 24 Grades: 9-12 Tuition: $12,000 - $15,000

Enrollment: 150 Class-Size: 10-12 Grades: 3-8 Tuition: $21,600 + $1,750 fees

Enrollment: 308 Grades: K-5 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 700 Class-Size: 15 Grades: 6-12 Tuition: $24,788 - $25,683

Grades: K-5 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 100 boarding, up to 120 total Class-Size: 6-10 Grades: 6-12 Tuition: 7-day $49,000; 5-day $43,000; Day $25,500

VILLA MADONNA SCHOOL 315 W. Columbus Dr., Tampa 33602 813-229-1322; villamadonnaschool.com

Villa Madonna is a private Catholic school operated by the Salesian order of Sisters, founded by Saint John Bosco. Villa Madonna School has been a Tampa tradition for more than 75 years. Villa Madonna's standardized test scores continually exceed the national average in reading, science, and math. Enrollment: 325 Class-Size: 18 Grades: Ages 3 through grade 8 Tuition: $6,500

WALKER MIDDLE MAGNET (IB)

8282 N. Mobley Road, Odessa 33556 813-631-4726; hillsboroughschools.org/walker

We develop creative and confident learners. Communication, reflection and whole-child learning energize Walker Middle Magnet, Odessa's IB World School. As a Magnet School of Distinction, students are exposed to a rigorous curriculum. High-impact teachers and our Florida Power School Library highlight our exceptional, highly-rated team of educators. Enrollment: 984 Grades: 6-8 Tuition: FREE

WEB OF WISDOM 5238 Mile Stretch Drive, Holiday 34690 727-389-4750; wowschools.org

WOW, where learning meets adventure and education, isn’t limited to the classroom. We offer college preparatory academics (AP/Dual Enrollment) in conjunction with extraordinary extracurriculars. These include snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, climbing, camping, athletics (K-12), computer programming, automotive repair, music and photography. We are the education that you’re looking for, with the experiences that your child will remember forever.

WESTLAKE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 1551 Belcher Road, Palm Harbor 34683 727-781-3808; westlakechristianschool.org

Westlake Christian School, a National Blue Ribbon School, is accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools/Cognia. Westlake’s mission is to help students develop in their faith, academics, fine arts and athletics. Westlake serves approximately 425 students in Kindergarten through eighth grade from Northern Pinellas County, Southern Pasco County, Trinity, Westchase and surrounding communities.

WILLIAMS MIDDLE MAGNET (IB)

5020 N. 47th St., Tampa 33610 813-744-8600; hillsboroughschools.org/williams

We are a top-ranked IB World School, earning an A-grade for nearly 20 years! We create global learners focused on intercultural awareness and communication. Scholar Quest high school credit offerings challenge students in French, algebra and emerging technology in business. Connect through clubs including LEGO Robotics, Model UN, Future Business Leaders of America and our award-winning Chess Club. Enrollment: 100 Class-Size: 10-19 Grades: K-12 Tuition: $8,200 - $10,200

Enrollment: 475 Class-Size: 1:18 Grades: K-8 Tuition: $8,950-$9,275

Enrollment: 841 Grades: 6-8 Tuition: FREE

YOUNG MIDDLE MAGNET (CREATIVE SCIENCE CENTRE)

1807 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd., Tampa 33610 813-276-5739; hillsboroughschools.org/young

We empower creative learners with our Project Lead the Way STEM curriculum. We focus on engineering, sustainability and "Global Planting"— engaging students in hands-on learning with an on-campus hydroponic farm and greenhouse, along with student-constructed rain gardens. Students learn using state-of-the-art technology, including touch-enabled whiteboards and 3-D printers. Enrollment: 654 Grades: 6-8 Tuition: FREE