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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 classroom management clicked, how different real-world lesson planning is from college, and why she’s giving herself more grace in year two.

For principals listening, Anna offers a practical look at what makes a new teacher thrive:

• Three traits to look for in a new hire: confidence, a positive attitude, and flexibility
• What she wants from leaders: kindness, a commitment to helping her grow, and leading by example
• What great support looks like: a present administrator, silent observations followed by a “glow and grow,” weekly instructional coaching, and a team that carries some of the planning load

She also talks about work-life balance (schedule things after school to get yourself out the door), how she uses AI for coloring sheets and seating charts, and why teaching kids to think critically matters more than ever.

In the On Tap segment, the hosts celebrate Anna’s upcoming wedding with their picks for perfect wedding and love songs.

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The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any organizations they are affiliated with. This podcast is not intended to replace professional advice, mentorship, or official training programs. Listeners are encouraged to adapt the strategies discussed to their unique contexts and consult with relevant experts when making decisions.

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