Send us Fan Mail

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, yearbook, and eventually math) and tennis coach, through a stint in higher education as a professor and program director, into an instructional coach role, and finally into the assistant principal seat. She speaks openly about the humbling realities of year one — including a first-week discipline case that pushed her beyond her experience and taught her to lean on her team rather than go it alone.

The conversation covers her top three leadership traits (humility, thick skin, and servant leadership balanced with high expectations), her approach to earning veteran teachers' trust by getting to know people rather than leading with authority, and the intentional systems she uses to manage the job's constant plate-spinning — calendar blocking, journaling, campus walks, and an "anxiety dump" exercise she does with her husband. She also unpacks what instructional leadership really looks like day to day, from classroom walkthroughs to coaching conversations to stepping in and teaching a class herself.

The episode closes with the hosts' recurring "On Tap" segment, where the group swaps lighthearted pet peeves — from urinal splash guards and group texts to blocked crosswalks and lane-splitting motorcyclists.

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

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, consider this your pre-flight briefing from someone who just landed the plane. Real talk, no filters, straight from someone who's been exactly where you're about to go.

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 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@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 "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. The discussion also covers his current work in community recreation.

For the On Tap segment Gilbert, Dave, Michael and Matt discuss their desired sports superpowers.

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, 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 administrative drudgery—and, more importantly, what it cannot do, such as managing classroom culture or making final high-stakes disciplinary decisions.
Designing for Equity First: AI has the potential to either close the achievement gap or widen it into a canyon. Gilbert, Dave and Michael discuss how to support under-resourced schools that lack basic digital infrastructure and how to protect marginalized communities from biased algorithms.
Revising the Learning Mission: What is the point of a test if an AI can pass it? The hosts explore shifting our instructional focus toward uniquely human traits: "slow learning," grit, empathy, and the ability to navigate deep ambiguity that data alone cannot solve.
Establishing Ethical Guardrails: Protecting student data is the non-negotiable foundation of AI adoption. The conversation covers the necessity of prohibiting the input of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and demanding transparency from tech vendors.
Modeling Adaptive Learning: Finally, they discuss how leaders and teachers can "walk the talk." By using AI to enhance their own productivity and accessibility, educators can model a healthy, curious, and critical relationship with these new tools.

For the On Tap segment, Gilbert, Dave and Michael share what two non-work related chores they would relinquish to their own personal AI robot.

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 "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 today, from mastering difficult conversations to managing the daily pulse of a school building. But beyond the logistics, Mary’s core message is clear: student success is a direct result of teacher support.
Tune in as we discuss how APs can move beyond being "the disciplinarian" to becoming the ultimate advocate for their staff, ensuring every teacher has the tools and confidence to help their students win.

For the On Tap segment of the show, the co-hosts and Mary discuss a trend from their younger days that they would bring back.

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 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 empathy, growth mindset, grit, and resilience are non-negotiable traits in a modern school environment.

The hosts wrap up with a toolkit of sample interview questions specifically designed to bypass rehearsed answers and reveal a candidate’s true character and pedagogical heart.

For the On Tap segment the hosts discuss their 2 favorite classical video games. Find out how Gilbert, Dave and Michael spent some of their childhood.

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 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, healthy organizations. They then take a deep dive into the leader’s responsibility to foster confidence and capacity in others, ensuring the next generation of talent is prepared to step up. Dr. Finnegan also shares practical advice on identifying and avoiding common leadership mistakes that can derail a team's culture.

To wrap things up, the hosts and Dr. Finnegan get personal with a unique scenario. They reveal the one song and one movie they would choose to keep if they were restricted to just one of each for the rest of their lives.

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.