As the next principal of Timnath Elementary School, Jody Drager brings over two decades of experience in education to her new role beginning in the 2024-25 school year.
Drager, the current assistant principal at Rice Elementary School, began in Poudre School District as a teacher at Werner Elementary School in 1997, where she taught kindergarten, second, and third grade. Ten years later, she became part of the team that opened Rice Elementary School and taught second grade before becoming an instructor for Colorado State University’s Center for Educator Preparation. She returned to Rice Elementary School as the assistant principal in 2021.
“Timnath Elementary is a community I’m drawn to because I see tradition, connection, and inspiration everywhere I look,” said Drager. “I can feel the pride inside and outside the walls of the school, and I feel honored and grateful to have the opportunity to build relationships and lead alongside the Timnath staff, students, families, and community.
Striving to consistently model being a calm, positive influence on those around her, Drager is passionate about helping everyone feel safe and have a sense of belonging so they can realize their own potential.
PSD Assistant Superintendent Julie Chaplain is excited for the Timnath Elementary community.
“Jody brings over two decades of experience in the classroom, supporting teacher development at CSU, and administrative experience in PSD,” said Chaplain. “Her focus on ensuring there is a strong collaborative culture and shared leadership structures will serve the students, staff, and families for many years to come!”
Drager received her Master of Education from CSU in 2017 and a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies from CSU in 1994.
Growing up, Drager said she was a shy kid who felt anxious going to school every day. Teachers who noticed this gave her opportunities for hands-on learning that engaged her mind and helped her get lost in the joy of learning.
“As a school leader, I want kids to have ample opportunities to ‘get their hands dirty,’ make mistakes, talk with their peers, experience growth, and take ownership of their understanding of the world around them,” Drager said.
Outside of work, Drager loves spending time with her family. Her husband, Kevin Drager, is her “best friend and biggest cheerleader in life.” They have one daughter and son-in-law, Lexi and Jake.
Drager also enjoys camping, music, reading, podcasts, and cooking. As an animal lover who has had horses, cattle, and dogs all her life, she is also currently fulfilling a dream of training their corgi, Gus, to be a certified therapy dog by the end of July.