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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 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.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.

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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. 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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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 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.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.

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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, 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.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.

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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, 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.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.

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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 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.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.

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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 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.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.

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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.

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.