EdLeadership on Tap

Send us Fan MailIn 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.comEmail: [email protected] 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 MailIn 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.comEmail: [email protected] 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 MailIn 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.comEmail: [email protected] 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 MailGilbert, 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.comEmail: [email protected] 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 MailGilbert, 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.comEmail: [email protected] 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 MailIn 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 looks like in practice to ensure everyone is moving in the same direction.Accountability can be a dirty word in education, but the hosts argue that holding staff to high standards is an act of kindness. They discuss strategies for maintaining clear expectations without sacrificing professional relationships.Collaboration doesn't happen by accident. The co-hosts emphasize that if a leader values teamwork, they must reflect that priority in the master schedule by protecting and prioritizing time for educators to meet.For the On Tap segment Gilbert, Dave and Michael reveal which car best describes their personality and leadership style, leading to some fun (and surprisingly revealing) comparisons.Website: www.edleadershipontap.comEmail: [email protected] 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 MailIn 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 yourself in your purpose, communicating clearly and often, embracing adaptability, building collective resiliency and above all, supporting your people.For the On Tap segment Gilbert, Dave and Michael share what would be their last meal. Can you tie Hamburger Helper, Bloomin' Onion and Blue Bell Butter Pecan ice cream to the host that selected it?Website: www.edleadershipontap.comEmail: [email protected] 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 MailIn 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 of school leadership—ranging from crisis management to staff morale—impact the mental well-being of administrators. Chansi shares insights on how leaders can navigate these demands without compromising their effectiveness, emphasizing that a leader's mental health is a foundational element of a positive school culture. The episode outlines actionable ways to maintain a healthy mindset. The episode concludes with the "On Tap" segment, where the hosts and Chansi step away from professional talk to share their most iconic characters from a movie or TV series.Website: www.edleadershipontap.comEmail: [email protected] 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 MailIn 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 leadership" model that helps create an environment where every student and staff member feels at home and genuinely cared for. Dr. Koontz reflects on the people who shaped his career from his early days to his current role.For the On Tap segment we discuss our most impressive sports records. Find out who Cecil Isbell is and why he was in the conversation. Let us know if you agree on who we include in this segment.Website: www.edleadershipontap.comEmail: [email protected] 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 MailIn 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.comEmail: [email protected] 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 MailJoin 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 leadership lessons Ted learned in the high-stakes environment of competitive sports and how he effectively transferred those vital skills—communication, team building, strategy, and resilience—into the administrative setting of a school. Whether you are an educator, a coach, or a professional in any field looking to refine your leadership style, Ted’s story offers actionable insights into translating experience across different roles and inspiring those around you. For the On Tap Segment your co-hosts and Ted share their favorite Texas high school football players of all time.Website: www.edleadershipontap.comEmail: [email protected] 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 MailIn 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, distinguishing between informal notes, formal observation reports, and performance improvement plans.A major portion of the discussion is dedicated to the common barriers administrators face, such as time constraints, discomfort with difficult conversations, and the emotional toll of critical feedback. To counter these challenges, the hosts share key characteristics of effective documentation: it must be clear, objective, concise, and consistently guided by factual data and evidence.Ultimately, the episode emphasizes that the primary goal isn't just compliance, but culture. The hosts encourage school leaders to use documentation as a tool for fostering a coaching and growth-oriented environment, rather than a punitive one, thereby sustaining staff morale and building a positive school climate.For the On Tap segment Gilbert, Dave and Michael share the musical artist they would pay $500 to see in concert.Website: www.edleadershipontap.comEmail: [email protected] 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 MailIn 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, rather than a single event tied to an annual review. Our Co-hosts argue that frequent, brief check-ins are more effective than infrequent, comprehensive evaluations. For the On Tap segment Gilbert, David and Michael inform us of their favorite Thanksgiving plate items.Website: www.edleadershipontap.comEmail: [email protected] 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 MailGilbert, 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 educators can model leadership through collaboration, initiative, and everyday actions that shape school culture and student success. You don’t have to be in the principal’s chair to be a leader—leadership begins the moment you decide to make a difference.For the On-Tap segment your co-hosts and Dr. Osborne name some world landmarks that they would like to visit.Website: www.edleadershipontap.comEmail: [email protected] 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 MailGilbert, 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 and resilience.For the On Tap segment, the hosts and Dr. Schnautz discuss their favorite baseball player and most iconic baseball moment.Website: www.edleadershipontap.comEmail: [email protected] 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 MailGilbert, 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.Website: www.edleadershipontap.comEmail: [email protected] 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 MailGilbert, 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 events to see.Website: www.edleadershipontap.comEmail: [email protected] 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 MailGrapevine 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.edleadershipontap.comEmail: [email protected] 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 MailThis 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.edleadershipontap.comEmail: [email protected] 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 MailTrailer for EdLeadership on Tap podcast.Website: www.edleadershipontap.comEmail: [email protected] 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.