Send us Fan Mail

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.

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 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.

By leaving a voicemail, you consent to the recording, editing, and broadcast of your voice and message in future episodes of EdLeadership on Tap. Standard editing for time and content may apply.

Send us Fan Mail

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 says every school leader needs. She also shares what makes project-based learning stick, what she misses (and doesn't) about the principalship, and why she plans to return to a school building someday. For the On Tap segment, the crew shares their favorite sketch comedy characters.

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 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.

By leaving a voicemail, you consent to the recording, editing, and broadcast of your voice and message in future episodes of EdLeadership on Tap. Standard editing for time and content may apply.

Send us Fan Mail

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 well and why — especially for high performers, who need real coaching rather than generic encouragement. Dr. Doughney believes developing other leaders means hiring people smarter than you. He pushes leaders to ask not just how teachers are instructing, but what students are actually doing and learning as a result.

For the On Tap segment the group discusses "dream retirement jobs" completely opposite their education careers.

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 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.

By leaving a voicemail, you consent to the recording, editing, and broadcast of your voice and message in future episodes of EdLeadership on Tap. Standard editing for time and content may apply.