EdLeadership on Tap
Published every two weeks during the school year, EdLeadership on Tap is your go-to podcast for current and aspiring school leaders and administrators ready to lead with purpose, vision, and impact. Whether you're looking to sharpen your leadership skills, stay informed about the latest trends in education, or simply unwind with engaging conversation, this podcast has something for you. Questions? email us- info@edleadershipontap.com
Episodes
In this episode of EdLeadership on Tap, hosts Gilbert, Dave, and Michael welcome Tony Muñoz, Chief Talent Officer at YES Prep Public Schools, to explore what a career in human resources looks like for educators. Tony traces his path from school social worker to district leadership to the hotel industry and back to education, and explains how “talent” differs from traditional HR.
The conversation c...
Gilbert, Dave and Michael continue their “first year” series with a voice from the classroom: Anna Day, a second-grade teacher at Glen Hope Elementary in GCISD who just wrapped up her first year. Anna shares how she went from broadcast journalism to elementary education, and what she learned from her students about embracing the chaos and letting kids do the learning. She also opens up about how quickly ...
In this episode of EdLeadership on Tap, Gilbert, Dave, and Michael sit down with Dr. Steffany Batik of New Tech Network, a nonprofit that helps schools bring project-based learning to life. A former debate coach, teacher, associate principal, and high school principal, Dr. Batik walks through what life looks like after leaving campus leadership for consulting, the traits that make someone a good fit, and what she sa...
Gilbert, Dave, and Michael sit down with retired 40-year education veteran Dr. John Doughney, former Executive Director of Learning at GCISD, to discuss what it takes to grow into an effective instructional leader. Dr. Doughney stresses that new administrators do not need to have all the answers. He stresses that effective instructional leaders should give specific, reflective feedback that names what someone did we...
In this episode of EdLeadership on Tap, Gilbert, Dave, and Michael sit down with Dr. Alexandra McClung, a secondary assistant principal who just wrapped her first year on the job. Following last week's conversation with a first-year elementary principal, this episode shifts to the secondary level for a candid look at what that first year really involves.
Dr. McClung traces her path from classroom teacher (journalism,...
You've got the job. Now what? In our opening episode of season 2 of EdLeadership on Tap, Gilbert, David and Michael sit down with Brooke Teeter-Stocz, principal of Grapevine Elementary in the Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District, fresh off her first year in the role. She shares the wins, the surprises, and the lessons learned the hard way. If you're stepping into your first principalship this fall, cons...
Gilbert, Dave and Michael take a look back at some of their favorite moments from Season 1. Pulling snippets from select episodes they reflect on the learning that they have experienced throughout the season.
For the On Tap segment they select one song that reminds them of summer. They conclude the episode by giving a Top 10 List of vacations for educators.
Website: www.edleadershipontap.com
Email: info@edleadershipont...
In this "Leadership Unplugged" episode, Gilbert, Dave and Michael welcome Matt Criner, Therapeutic Recreation Supervisor for Grapevine Parks and Recreation. Matt, a true relationship builder, shares leadership lessons from his 18-year career in education and coaching, emphasizing leading from the front, and admitting mistakes. Matt explains the philosophy of "We not me" for success and the "Me not we" for failures.&...
In this episode, Gilbert, Dave and Michael dive into the complex and rapidly evolving world of Artificial Intelligence in schools. Moving beyond the "hype vs. fear" debate, they outline five core responsibilities for leaders ready to guide their communities through this technological shift:
Building Shared Literacy: The hosts explore what AI can do—like personalizing math problems and automating adminis...
In this "In The Chair" segment of EdLeadership on Tap, Gilbert, Dave and Michael sit down with veteran educator Mary Smith to pull back the curtain on the Assistant/Associate Principal role. Often seen as the bridge between vision and execution, the AP position requires a unique blend of agility, empathy, and strategic thinking.
Mary dives into the essential skills and competencies needed to thrive in the role to...
Gilbert, Dave and Micahel pull back the curtain on effective hiring practices that go far beyond standard interview checklists. While a strong resume is the starting point, the conversation shifts quickly to the "un-fakeable" qualities that define a truly great educator.
In this episode, they discuss:
- The Resume Deep Dive: What to look for between the lines to identify high-potential talent.
- The Core Four: Why empa...
Gilbert, Dave, and Michael sit down with Dr. Mike Finnegan from Oklahoma State University for a candid, "unplugged" look at the leadership journey. Dr. Finnegan shares personal stories from his career, illustrating that leadership is a continuous evolution rather than a destination. The group explores essential leadership traits, emphasizing the non-negotiable roles of ethics and inclusion in building modern, health...
In this episode of EdLeadership on Tap, "Building a Collaborative School Culture," Gilbert, Dave and Michael break down the essential ingredients for moving a school from isolated silos to a unified team.
They emphasize the necessity of a shared collaborative vision. It’s not enough to just say "work together"; leaders must clearly define what collaboration looks like in practice to ensure everyone is moving in...
In this episode Gilbert, Dave and Michael dive into the chaotic reality of leadership during a crisis. When the pressure is on and the stakes are high, it’s easy to get lost in the noise. The hosts break down the essential mindset shifts and actionable strategies needed to steer your school or organization through turbulent times.
The hosts talk about the importance of grounding yourself in your purpose, commun...
In this episode of EdLeadership on Tap, co-hosts Gilbert Gonzalez, Dave Denning, and Michael Crow are joined by guest Chansi Shope, a Licensed Professional Counselor and experienced school counselor. The discussion centers on the vital intersection of leadership and mental health in the high-stakes environment of school administration. The team explores how the unique pressures of school leadership—ranging fro...
In this In The Chair episode we sit down with Dr. Cody Koontz the veteran educator who is the principal of Marcus High School in the Lewisville ISD. Drawing on his experience as the founding principal of Coppell High School's 9th grade campus, Dr. Koontz explores the foundational elements of transformative school leadership. Dr. Koontz shares his commitment to a "servant leadership" model that helps create an enviro...
In this brief holiday episode Gilbert, Dave and Michael share their favorite things about the holidays in education. They then share their favorite Christmas gift. They conclude by presenting their version of a Visit From St. Nicholas.
Website: www.edleadershipontap.com
Email: info@edleadershipontap.com
The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by t...
Join Gilbert, Dave and Michael for an inspiring conversation with Ted Willmann, a leader whose career path exemplifies adaptability and the enduring power of fundamental leadership principles. In this episode, Ted shares his unique professional journey, which began on the football field as a coach and evolved into an impactful role in educational administration.
Discover the leadership lessons Ted learned in th...
In this episode Gilbert, Dave and Michael tackle a critical but often challenging aspect of school administration: effectively documenting teacher performance.
The episode opens by defining the core purposes of documentation—from ensuring legal compliance and supporting HR decisions to facilitating professional growth. The hosts then outline various types of documentation, distinguishing between informal notes,...
In this episode Gilbert, David and Michael explore how administrators can provide effective feedback, reframing feedback as a "growth engine" rather than a mere evaluation task. Feedback is presented as a catalyst for lasting improvement focused on learning, trust, and growth rather than judgment. It should be timely and woven into daily practices and existing systems, rather than a single event tied to an annual re...
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