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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.

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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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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.

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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.