EdLeadership on Tap

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...

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 fee...

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 he...

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...

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.edleadersh...

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...

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 mat...

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 c...

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...

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 e...

Send us Fan Mail 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 loo...

Send us Fan Mail 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 y...

Send us Fan Mail 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 o...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 lead...

Send us Fan Mail 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, disting...

Send us Fan Mail 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, r...

Send us Fan Mail Gilbert, Dave and Michael welcome Dr. Sally Osborne and they dive into the powerful idea of leading from where you are —a concept that reminds us leadership isn’t about titles, it’s about influence. Whether you’re a classroom teacher, counselor, support staff member, or campus administrator, every educator has the capacity to lead and make an impact. Join us as we discuss how educ...

Send us Fan Mail Gilbert, David and Michael talk with Dr. Brad  Schnautz, superintendent of the Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District. The conversation focuses on the essential skills that define effective school district leadership. From navigating complex dynamics to fostering a culture of trust, Dr. Schnautz shares real-world insights on what it takes to lead with vision, empathy an...

Send us Fan Mail Gilbert, David and Michael discuss the importance of maintaining an appropriate work/life balance. They talk about the difficulties of juggling work and personal life and strategies to better balance the two. Along the way there is a sidetrack conversation on reality TV, fishing and quantum mechanics. For the On Tap segment they discuss their favorite binge-worthy TV series. Websi...

Send us Fan Mail Gilbert, Dave and Michael talk about effective ways to deal with conflict. They first discuss the things that may cause conflict. Then, they suggest several ways to prevent or resolve conflict. They then conclude the topic by discussing things to do when these strategies do not work. For the On-Tap segment the co-hosts give their top three items on their bucket list of sporting ev...

Send us Fan Mail Grapevine Middle School Principal Mandy Alexander joins Gilbert, Dave and Michael to discuss ways to build better relationships. They answer the questions: How can you improve your relationship building? Does you personality matter when building relationships? What can kill relationship building? For the On Tap segment they discuss workplace pet peeves. Website: www.edleadershipon...

Send us Fan Mail This episode introduces EdLeadership on Tap. Co-hosts Gilbert Gonzalez, Dave Denning and Michael Crow tell a little about their professional experience and the people that encouraged them to go into educational administration. They then discuss their top 3 leadership traits. They close out the episode by listing their Mount Rushmore of school-themed movies. Website: www.edleadersh...

Send us Fan Mail Trailer for EdLeadership on Tap podcast. 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 replac...