SPEAKER_02 0:00

I don't even know if that's it.

unknown 0:02

I don't even think it's a good thing.

SPEAKER_04 0:24

All right, welcome back. Season two, episode two. How are you guys doing this morning?

SPEAKER_03 0:29

We are wonderful. How about you, Dr. G?

SPEAKER_04 0:32

Doing great, doing great. Still enjoying uh retirement.

SPEAKER_01 0:36

Rub it in. Rub it in. We're feeling refreshed, though. We just got back from summer break. Dave's got a nice tan working.

SPEAKER_03 0:43

You know, I'm trying to get the sunglass going here, and it's nice to have a little relaxation. That's right.

SPEAKER_04 0:49

All right. So last week we interviewed a brand new principal.

SPEAKER_03 0:55

Yes, who just completed their first year as a sitting elementary principal.

SPEAKER_01 1:00

This week we're gonna hop into the secondary world and actually have a great conversation with a fantastic secondary assistant principal who just finished her first year as we welcome the great Dr. McClung.

SPEAKER_00 1:12

Thank you. Very, very kind words.

SPEAKER_03 1:15

Well, Alexander, thanks so much for hopping on with us. And and uh You survived.

SPEAKER_00 1:20

I did.

SPEAKER_03 1:21

You made it through. You made it through. So um talk to us a little bit about how you got from starting an education to sitting in the assistant principal chair.

SPEAKER_00 1:32

Sure. I think part of my journey is unique in that I have been very, very blessed and fortunate that I've been able to serve in various capacities within education themselves, from being a classroom teacher where I started off teaching in elective. That was really, really fun.

SPEAKER_02 1:51

What'd you teach?

SPEAKER_00 1:52

So journalism, yearbook, newspaper, photojournalism, broadcast, all of that, which was really, really fun. Um, and getting to just experience developing career from the ground up, right? Um, and so that gained perspective there. I was also assistant coach at the time. And so that balance of how do you manage your teaching responsibilities along with your coaching responsibilities while still your personal life.

SPEAKER_04 2:17

So what sport?

SPEAKER_00 2:18

Tennis. Tennis. Tennis. All right.

SPEAKER_01 2:20

It's interesting to me that you taught a humanities-related feel when you're such a like a I know you as such a data numbers-driven person.

SPEAKER_00 2:28

Yeah, there's a curveball right there. So from there, while I loved and enjoyed that position, my heart was here it is with the data, math. Um, my inspiration a lot in going into education comes from my father, who was an educator for 25 plus years. He was a math science teacher. And so I decided to enter into the core of mathematics. Okay. And, you know, got to teach both uh star-tested content and then also all the way up to your senior levels kinds of math classes. And so seeing that through and what that level of support looks like from a teacher's perspective of, oh, there's curriculum. This is so great. How fantastic. But also a lot more accountability as well when you're teaching a star-tested uh content there and having a team. When I taught as an elective, it was me.

SPEAKER_03 3:17

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 3:18

Right.

SPEAKER_03 3:18

You're a singleton.

SPEAKER_00 3:19

Singleton, which is both a blessing and a curse at the same time. Um, but I loved having a team of people. And at that point, I was also a head tennis coach as well. And so again, balancing those responsibilities was great. Then I had an opportunity to go into higher education. I was, it was, it was an unexpected surprise. And when those doors open, it's rare. And so I thought, well, I'm gonna let's go test it out. Let's let's see what this is about. And so I became a professor and a director uh of their education prep program, which again added to my perspective and appreciation for what we do, um, you know, and understanding the teachers of today and the teachers of tomorrow and how we're preparing them for the classroom, which in this role is so, so important because you're not just supervising them, right? We are growing them to be the teachers that we know they can be and their greatest potentials and maybe even guiding them in directions that they never thought possible.

SPEAKER_01 4:16

We we've talked on here before about people guiding us in the direction of school leadership. Was there someone that kind of guided you to consider taking that route?

SPEAKER_00 4:24

100%. Uh, I had people along the way that would kind of plant those little nuggets of have you considered? Um we think you'd be really good at it because the way that you talk with students or or families and just kind of see the the opportunity that's in front of you is really a whole holistic approach. And at first, I mean, if you would have told me at the start of my education career, yeah, you're gonna be an administrator one day, I would have laughed at you. We all said that it was like and been like, no, there's there's no, I'm not going to the dark side. There's no way. Um, I want to be where the kids are. And then lo and behold, here we are, right? Um, but before becoming an assistant principal, I got to be an instructional coach. And that's where Dave, you took a chance on me. I don't know if you remember that conversation. Um, and I'll forever be grateful for that. And what a blessing that role was as a learning liaison, because that opened my eyes to what really goes on behind the scenes. You don't know what you don't know.

SPEAKER_02 5:22

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 5:23

And truthfully, even coming into my first year as an assistant principal, I did not know quite a few things. I thought I did, but the joke's on me. But again, it just helped me gain experiences, perspective, what really happens behind the scenes that makes everything go on a day-to-day basis. And so all of that, I know that's, I mean, you try to be brief, you can't really be brief with this, right? Um, just again, appreciation, gratitude, and understanding, a perspective, and served me so well in that I feel when I go into a building or a campus, it doesn't matter where I go, I can connect with everybody and anybody. There's not gonna be that barrier for me. And part of that is because I'm gonna take the time to get to know you and what your strengths are, what makes you tick, but also I can relate. I've got you and I'm gonna take care of you.

SPEAKER_03 6:13

So you you kind of mentioned I think it parlays really great into that first question about making that move from the classroom and you know, into liaison into assistant principal. What surprised you the most about moving into maybe that assistant principal role?

SPEAKER_00 6:30

Absolutely. I think, again, given my path to the assistant principal chair, it wasn't as much of a surprise for somebody who maybe is coming straight out of the classroom because I'd seen a little bit behind the scenes, you know, been a part of a CNI team and worked through those things. But definitely just the sheer variety of stuff that you're balancing on a day-to-day basis. You know, like I think of those uh like circus events where they're spinning all of these plates and it's like buckle up, get ready, because they're gonna be there.

SPEAKER_01 7:02

And it starts when you walk in the door.

SPEAKER_00 7:03

Absolutely. Day one.

SPEAKER_01 7:05

And none of it is what you were told to prepare for in all of your like prep classes and everything for this.

SPEAKER_00 7:11

Your coursework will only get you so far. And that's where I think the true learning comes in the moment. You're gonna learn the job while you're on the job.

SPEAKER_04 7:19

And that's why I've stressed before that, you know, don't ever think of it of am I ready or not? Because you will never be fully prepared for any kind of administrative role until you actually serve in the role and learn on the job.

SPEAKER_00 7:33

100%. And I think that could be said for any position in any career field. Like looking back on my first day of teaching, are you kidding me? Or my first year?

SPEAKER_01 7:43

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 7:44

No.

SPEAKER_01 7:45

Yeah. And and you got to come from a background of being a campus instructional coach. When people interview an administrator, whether an AP or principal, they often talk about that person as an instructional leader. But we've talked about how one of the most challenging things is to carry over that instructional leadership because of all the plate spinning. So what was that like? And were you able to keep the emphasis on instruction like you hoped probably that you'd be able to this year?

SPEAKER_00 8:11

Surprisingly, yes. And the reason why I would say that is because while being a learning liaison, I had created systems and practices for myself that I carried into the assistant principal role. I think what I had to learn and develop over time in this first year was really that cadence of when those prime opportunities are. Like we all know that there are those seasons throughout the academic year that you're like, okay, I just need to breathe. Have I had food today? Like, and then there's other days where you're like, oh wow, I have 10 minutes to myself. This is so nice. And so through being that learning liaison, I develop those skill sets of calendar blocking. And it's so crucial to do that. Um, and I would say if I could sum up anything I do or anybody coming into administration and just who I am probably as a person and my philosophy as a leader is intentionality that is so deeply rooted in who I am as a person, whether it's in both my professional and personal life, quite frankly.

SPEAKER_03 9:13

You know what's funny with that is we talked to Mandy Alexander, who we all know here, and kind of a similar role where, you know, served as a coach or a uh liaison assistant principal, and she talked about that, that intentionally blocking that stuff off on her calendar.

SPEAKER_00 9:29

And I mean everything. And I am very much a planner for those that know me. Um, like I have obviously my digital calendar, then I have my physical planner. It's color coded. I use highlighters, like I've got the erasable pens because as we all know, you know, you guys being former administrators your lives and just in your positions now, things change at a moment's notice. Um, but yeah, like planning and and time blocking, going out in hallways, being visible, going doing lunch duty, walking through classrooms. Even I started, I didn't think I would need it to block it, but it's like a quick 30 minutes to just let's look at my emails. What haven't I responded to yet? Yep. And block that out. Or let's say I'm looking into a particular situation that's hit my desk, surprise, surprise. Not rushing into the next thing, but taking a small five minutes to just do a mind dump.

SPEAKER_02 10:28

Yep.

SPEAKER_00 10:28

Right. Because documentation is crucial in this role, more so than I ever thought.

SPEAKER_01 10:35

The HR guy here really appreciates you saying that.

SPEAKER_03 10:38

You know, I was gonna say on another, but but that is what I've appreciated about you this year. Just you're not afraid to make the phone call. Thank you. Hey, Dave, let me walk through this with you. Let's talk through this. So many people that go into leadership think they have to have all the answers.

SPEAKER_00 10:53

You don't.

SPEAKER_03 10:54

And I mean, us sitting right here, none of us have all the answers, but in collaboration and being willing to ask the questions, that's where you grow and get better.

SPEAKER_04 11:04

100%. You may ask a question of your principal, of your supervisor that they may not know the answer to that they'll have to ask someone else. So don't ever feel reticent to ask any question.

SPEAKER_03 11:19

Well, and that's what you you've done, and I have a couple other, you know, uh administrators. I'm so sorry I'm calling. No, man, this is what we're here for. We're here to support and and and uh make sure that we're doing things the right way. So I always appreciate that about you for sure.

SPEAKER_00 11:34

But I think part of that, Dave, is you allow for that. You create an environment and that relationship and connection with us that gives us the confidence to partner with you and make that phone call, that it's not abrasive. I'm not a burden. It's you are genuinely here to help us walk through some of the more difficult situations, even the simple stuff. Yep, right? It's you're there, your team's there. And that's where I think a big lesson for me this year was to lean on the team. As an instructional coach, you're on your own, really. When I was an elective teacher, I was on my own. So it was to lean on your team in various ways and know you're not a burden. You're just being a good team player and you're in the work together. So partner up with it.

SPEAKER_01 12:22

I think there's a cool lesson in that for anyone listening that is in a leadership role is when someone is reaching out to you with the question, you might be busy, you might have a million things going on, but the way you respond to them likely dictates whether or not they're going to come back to you with the next question. And if if you don't create a comfortable situation, they may just make a decision without your guidance that that might not go the way you want it to. Yeah, that's an excellent point.

SPEAKER_04 12:44

Before we uh move too much into your first year and your learnings from your first year, we ask every guest uh to kind of give us their top three leadership traits that they feel every leader should be good at to be successful.

SPEAKER_00 12:59

That's a great question. I think one for me is humility. Humility is a big thing. We we need to humber ourselves. I think of back in graduate school, we did a lot of John Maxwell and all of those leaderships books, you know, the five levels of leadership and all of those things. And and a a common phrase, it's actually on my wall. My office has a vibe, y'all. Um but I've got phrases in my office that help ground me. And one of them is leadership is influence, nothing more, nothing less. And I think there's so much truth to that. And what kind of influence do you want to be to somebody? And part of that is being humble enough to say things like, I don't know the answer, but I'm gonna go find out, or I'm new to this, but I'm gonna do this with you, right? Partnering up. So I think humility is a big one for me. I think another thing in leadership, and this is probably, and maybe it's because it's my first year, is developing tough skin. Right? Like there are times you're gonna be on a phone call or in a conversation, and it just comes out of left field and it's unexpected, and you're going into that conversation genuine, humble, um, with a level of care and support, and it just backfires on you. And so it's develop thick skin. Don't take things so personal. It's gonna be okay. If you're doing the things correctly, it's gonna fall as it should.

SPEAKER_01 14:29

And you work with high school teachers who are often very willing to tell you, you know, what they really think about a situation. Absolutely.

SPEAKER_00 14:36

But I appreciate that. Honest honesty is another value that I would say for me.

SPEAKER_04 14:41

And if you're being an effective leader, you're never going to please everybody.

SPEAKER_00 14:44

Oh, yes. I think, oh gosh, there's a video um from one of the college football coaches of the costs of leadership, right? And you're gonna have to make decisions that number one, you can't defend. And number two, you're gonna have to make decisions that are going to negatively impact people that you genuinely care about because it's greater for the whole. Yep. Um, and so I think another one, I don't know how many I've listed off, I've lost count. Y'all, former math teachers, I can't get extra credit, it's all good. Um, but it it is balancing the accountability with that level of support with the people that you serve. So for me, that servant leadership is so true to my core. Um, and it just keeps me grounded in everything that I do on a daily basis. And and you can still support somebody while holding them to high standards and high expectations. Those to me don't work against each other. It's together.

unknown 15:36

Yep.

SPEAKER_01 15:37

I I remember whether it's first year as a teacher, first year as an AP, first year as a principal in all of those scenarios, having that moment where you want to just curl up in the fetal position. And did you have any time this year where you were like, Well, what am I doing? Why did I, why did I choose this path?

SPEAKER_00 15:52

How much time do we have? No, yes. This is, I think education in general is not for the faint of heart. This is a field that is a business that pulls on the hearts of wonderful and incredible people. And we're working with children who are delicate and fragile. And we have so much responsibility. And what a blessing that is, truly. Like I'm filled with gratitude when I think about it of for all of us to get to the positions that we're in, where did it start?

SPEAKER_02 16:28

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 16:28

A classroom. Right. We need teachers to inspire the next generation of fill in the blank. And without educators, I know I wouldn't be where I am.

SPEAKER_02 16:39

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 16:40

100%. And so I think, yes, there's definitely this is not for the faint of heart. There are days where I would leave frustrated. I would leave in tears, or I would go for a walk. Like a big thing for me as well, one of my practices is self-care. And maybe part of that's because I'm married to a counselor. Um, and and but just also if I've had to learn, because I'm I'm a giver, giver, giver, yes, girl, to the point that it will, it'll take away from me, right? I pour into others at the cost of myself. And so I've had to learn along the way. I've got to fill my cup in order to pour into other people. And so yeah, I've also had days where I'm like, did I just gain three more gray hairs? Like, but it's it's part of it. And I think the awareness of knowing that that's part of it is so helpful. Knowledge is key.

SPEAKER_03 17:30

So that really kind of you're great at parlaying into questions. So we had last last season we had Chansey on here. Yes. And we talked about work-life balance. So you you talked about self-care or walking. How do you balance that? You personally?

SPEAKER_00 17:45

Me, oh, there's a few practices that I have. And some of those are during the day when I'm in the building and on campus, and some of them where I'm at home. Um, if I'm on campus, I will intentionally get out of my office, just change the scenery. Again, my office, if you've been to it, it's got a vibe. Or I have been told it has a vibe. So my office is lit with lamps. I've got fidget toys, stress balls, tissues, snacks, depending on the time of year, mints. Like I try to make my office comfortable in a place where, yes, it's not an if, it's a when. Hard conversations are gonna happen, but I want it to feel safe, where people feel secure, they feel supported, they're comfortable, just as much as it's a home away from home for me.

SPEAKER_03 18:33

Um, probably spend more time there.

SPEAKER_00 18:35

Right? Don't we all?

SPEAKER_03 18:37

Yes.

SPEAKER_00 18:38

In doing that, yes, my office is the place that I'll go. And there'll be times and I'll be like, guys, I'm gonna close my door for five minutes. I just need five minutes. I'll get away from my door so nobody can see me. I've got a little corner where I'm hidden. Um, and I'll just take a few minutes and I I go through these little mantras with myself, or I'll journal. I have a journal on my my shelf. It it has Mr. Feeney on it, the goat.

SPEAKER_01 19:02

Oh, yes, yes, yes. On like, let's go. And I'm journaling there. I will say Topang is the goat. Mr. Feeney is also fantastic. He's a close number two.

SPEAKER_00 19:11

You would say that.

SPEAKER_01 19:11

I love this.

SPEAKER_00 19:12

But um, I journal those things. Um, I go for walks, and there is definitely different struts that my teachers have noticed. They're like, she's going on one of those walks. I'm gonna give her a wave and I'll touch in with her later. I also will walk the exterior of the building. And you know what the best thing to do though is y'all go into classrooms. Yeah, yeah. Go and find the joy. Remind yourself of why you're doing what you're doing. Where did it all start? And there's days your why isn't enough, but still try to find it. Yeah. And so I don't know that my teachers realized how much I would go into their classrooms not to do a walkthrough or do anything evaluative, but just to get a smile on my face and just give me a good reminder of why I'm doing the work that I'm doing and what a joy that is. It really is such a joy to get into those spaces or even going and checking in with my counselor counterpart. She's incredible. Blessed to work with her. Um, and so just having those touch points at home. My husband and I, like we have a lot of strategies and practices for each other. Um, like we we have one of them. I'll just share it, take it, leave it, whatever you want. We do an anxiety dump. So we'll fold a piece of paper in half. And on the left hand side, we will write down all the things that are personally and professionally stressing us out when our fuses are like this. And then on the right hand side, and we'll usually set a timer, and then on the right hand side, we come together and we'll bounce each other, like we'll go back and forth. Like, what's your number one? Okay, so it's this and this. And the other person has to provide the solution because we are very solution-minded people. I will listen to anybody and everybody, but bring a solution to the table.

SPEAKER_01 20:55

So you so you're allowed to give a solution. Because see, I grew up like my wife is very like men are from Mars, women are from Venus, or whatever. And so she said, I'm just supposed to listen and not give a solution. You're allowed to give a solution.

SPEAKER_00 21:07

Absolutely.

SPEAKER_01 21:07

And part of that You hear that, honey?

SPEAKER_00 21:10

I'm so sorry. Um, but part of that is because I've got to get out of my own way at times. I've got blinders on. And so he helps me see things that I could not otherwise see, and vice versa. And we remind each other of our strengths and how resilient we are, and that we're in this together. Uh, and I'm gonna support you through and through, no matter what, during your hardest times, during your greatest times, and we're gonna celebrate the small things and and we're gonna work through those difficult things, but it's we're not alone.

SPEAKER_04 21:39

And I think and I think in in defense of Brandy Crow, yeah, um, this is part of the process that they follow. It may it may not be the same thing that you're doing, so yeah. True.

SPEAKER_00 21:51

Hey, there's also those moments that I'm like, babe, you wanna go for a drive?

SPEAKER_03 21:55

I don't want to hear your solutions right now.

SPEAKER_00 21:58

We have those moments too. Have you ever listened to Brene Brown and how she talks about, you know, relationships aren't a 50-50, you know, it's an accumulation of 100%. And sometimes it's a 50-50. Sometimes you're at an 80%, and sometimes I'm at a 20%. But the goal at the end of the day, when we're both only at like 30%, is not to fight. And so it's giving us permission as well. Like you need some space, go take it. But we put a time limit on it as well. Like when can we come together and collaborate and work together on it? So those are some of the things that we do.

SPEAKER_04 22:31

And bringing it back to the 50-50 to the to Dave's question, work-life balance is never going to be 50-50. No, it can't be.

SPEAKER_00 22:40

Y'all, I struggle with that. Dave, I think you and I might be. And that's something I've had to get better at over time. Um and I'm very, again, blessed with a spouse who is not only super supportive, but he's lived in education.

SPEAKER_03 22:57

Yeah, he understands your work. Right.

SPEAKER_00 23:00

And he gets the ebbs and flows, the ups and downs, those seasons where work's going to take a little bit more time, but then also where there is those downtime seasons where it's yes, there's more space to do some more of these family things and whatnot. And that's where communication is key for us. Of, you know, one of those practices that we have and I do for myself and my role now especially is, you know, on Sunday nights before going into the week, we check in with each other what's up and coming, what's on our calendar. But then also, okay, now I can take a deeper dive onto mine. Now that's not to say that it can't go by the wayside.

SPEAKER_02 23:32

True, for sure.

SPEAKER_00 23:33

But at least I've got a clear path forward. And even at the end of the day throughout the week, I'll do that. I'll take a quick five minutes at the end of the day going into the next day. What are the three things? You know, my three big spoons, or what are the non-negotiables going into tomorrow because I'm up against a deadline? What's something that doesn't have to take priority now, but in the next few weeks it does? Um, and so that was a practice for me that's really served me well with that intentionality of time. So I can serve other people and also serve myself in my practices. That's great.

SPEAKER_04 24:04

Now, Crow mentioned earlier about the unique personality of a high school teacher. How how in your first year did you earn the respect of, say, veteran teachers?

SPEAKER_00 24:17

I'm just myself. I know that sounds very generic, but to me, I don't I don't view the years of service as a barrier. To me, that is an opportunity. Okay, so you've been in this for 25 years or however long that is. What's still keeping you here? Right. Or what's really changed? And I think that's going back to where it all starts, right? If you're going into a new campus or if you're going into a new role, I think it is so very important to take time at the beginning to slow down. It is very, very easy to get bogged down with all of those tasks and these things that you have to get done. But you know what? Just pop, press pause. It's okay. Get to know your people. And so it's building a connection and creating uh that relationship with somebody of, you know, why'd you get into education? Why this content? Or what's your dream vacation? Where's the best place that you've been? Tell me about your family. What do you, you know, life? I want to get to know you because by getting to know you, I can serve you better. You know, you talk about uh the love languages in the workplace. That to me, when I first learned about that or considered that outside of, you know, just you and your spouse, eye-opening. I'm the type of person, for example, please do not praise me in public. Um, I value quality time. I would just love to sit with you and talk like we are here right now. This this means so much to me. Um, versus in a staff meeting giving me a big shout-out. I will crumble. You know, you talk about going into the fetal position, like I'm going into the corner and and probably sneaking out of the window, and everybody's like, where's Dr. McClung? Oh, she calm. Um, whereas I know there's people that love that. I know that there's people that love gifts. And sometimes that is, I'm gonna give you just a gift card to Sonic, or I'll make a run and get you a Sonic drink. Um, there's other people that just love handwritten notes. Uh, and that's a practice that I do and absolutely love. So it doesn't matter if you're a first year or 25th year, and regardless of your permission or your position, if you're a custodial staff, paraprofessional, teacher, administrator, counselor, whatever your role is, director.

SPEAKER_03 26:33

Um retired.

SPEAKER_00 26:37

Just taking the time to get to know people. It's just you cannot replace that. And you can't spend enough time in that at all.

SPEAKER_01 26:46

Something I really appreciate about that answer is I think what's threatening to the 25-year teacher is not the first-year administrator, but the first year administrator who thinks they have every answer. Yeah. And you responded to that, not by how would I impart my administrative wisdom on this 25-year teacher, but but you responded in a way of what can I learn from them?

SPEAKER_02 27:06

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 27:07

What have they picked up or acquired in their 25 years that that is going to help me better serve them, which I think is a really cool response. Also, in in light of your um desire to not be publicly praised, I apologize retroactively for introducing you as a great McClung.

unknown 27:23

You're good.

SPEAKER_00 27:24

You're okay. It's a big title, though. But no, leaning into that as well, I think there is so much that we can learn from the teachers on our campus. You know, when we look at the landscape of education right now, the reality is the teachers that are coming into the classroom, it's not what it was five, 10 years ago.

SPEAKER_02 27:44

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 27:44

Right. We're we're almost to a point where there is so much more that we have to lean into on the instructional leadership component because not all of our teachers are coming in as certified out of the gate. In fact, it's nearing 60%, I believe. And that's okay. That is completely okay. But that just means we have an extra opportunity to serve our teachers greatly in a bigger way and to mold them and shape them into once again, those teachers that we know they can be. We hired them for a reason. We're entrusting them with these students in the room, just as their families are. Wow. Like just think about that for a second. We are with these kids sometimes more than their parents or their guardians. And you can look at that as like, oh man, that's a lot of responsibility. But you can also look at that as like, yeah, what an opportunity. And so I I love that challenge, you know, to rise up and to be that champion for them, I think is just so great. Um, just to serve in that capacity and what a difference that could potentially make, whether we realize it or not, is huge.

SPEAKER_03 28:53

And you may never know about it.

SPEAKER_00 28:54

You don't. You really, really don't.

SPEAKER_03 28:56

Yep.

SPEAKER_00 28:56

You know, I think back to the teacher for me that was very influential in in inspiring me to become an educator aside from my dad. Um, I remember a few years ago, I'm not sure if you'll remember, when uh our former superintendent, Dr. Schnautz, he had challenged us to be the one. And I still have that card and it still hangs up in my office of how I reflected on that. And in that moment, I was like, man, who was the one for me? Took me not long at all to realize who that teacher was. It was an elementary teacher for me. And it inspired me so much that I was like, I've got to tell them thank you. How can I make are they still teaching? It's been a minute, y'all.

SPEAKER_03 29:34

Get on the Facebooks.

SPEAKER_00 29:35

Yes, and ended up reconnecting with them so much so that when I went to visit my family last summer, right before my flight home, we met for coffee and it was like no time had passed.

SPEAKER_03 29:45

That's awesome.

SPEAKER_00 29:46

And you know, when you think of those moments that you never know when you plant that little mustard seed, what will come of that? Whether it's with the students that we serve or the teachers that we serve or whomever we interact with on a daily basis, take it all in.

SPEAKER_03 29:59

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 30:00

Take it all in.

SPEAKER_03 30:01

All right. So let's talk a little bit about that learning curve as a first-year AP. So can you pinpoint a couple of ideas? Number one, is there a moment where you just kind of felt out of depth and went, ooh, man, is this the right position? And two, was there a mistake that you made where maybe you went home that night and went, man, maybe I should have done that a little bit differently?

SPEAKER_00 30:25

Week two. Uh the whole week, all of week two.

SPEAKER_03 30:30

It was the shininess uh wore off of the job.

SPEAKER_00 30:34

The honeymoon phase was over. Um, it was our first full week of school. And uh keep in mind we shifted our systems and practices from first semester from first semester to second semester, which served us really well. So coming in, uh, the way that uh Dr. Fingers had us in our administration team is we had our days. We had your discipline day, your classroom day, your R day, your office day, and so on and so forth. And so we would all share the load, but we'd also have that protected time, which I really, really appreciated. And so here we are. We're not even five days in, and it is my first discipline day. And I'm like, okay, y'all, this is the first full week. We're not gonna be dealing with anything too hard. You know, it's still helping our freshmen find their classrooms, um, you know, and just having those small little conversations in the hallway, fist bumps, good morning. How are you? How can I help? What do you need? No. I managed to get back to my office, and lo and behold, there was a beautiful present of papers. And I it probably was one of those, like how I'm looking right now of like, oh wow, okay, this is one of the situations, man, we're in it. And it was a situation that was, I knew it was gonna take time. It was beyond my depth. I hadn't necessarily done one on my own, uh, this kind of investigation. And it was just like, okay, who can I, who can I lean on? Because again, and this this was that like overall encompassing lesson for me. Lean on your team. You're not alone. You've got an incredible team that you were surrounded by who have been in this role forever. And so I went down the hallway and I just asked. It was one of those, like, okay, I don't know everything, but let me go ask a question. Where do I start? How can I approach this? And that person ended up partnering with me and was like, let's walk through this together. And so shout out to Dr. Cook, um, who on many occasions, and really anybody on that team, Mrs. Smith, Mr. Laney, I mean, I was so blessed with the team that I had that they would always be a listening ear, collaborate, even just like, am I seeing this all the way through? So I definitely felt out of depth. But after that experience, and that took a few days, that wasn't just a one and done. Um, and so that was another like, oh, this is how this goes. Even if we have our days broken up, it's not always gonna go that way, but that's okay. Take a breath.

SPEAKER_03 32:58

The silos don't always happen.

SPEAKER_00 33:00

Correct. Um, I learned so much in that experience, just of listening. How did he ask questions? How did he how did we navigate that together? And there were some questions that I had that maybe he hadn't thought of, and vice versa. And so that just was kind of like a light bulb moment of are there opportunities where we can really partner up on dealing with situations? And if so, I am all for it because each of us bring a different plethora of skill sets and experiences that can really help us holistically look at something. Um, and even when taking care of the kids. So for sure that as far as a mistake, I'm gonna reframe that.

SPEAKER_03 33:41

Just a learning opportunity.

SPEAKER_00 33:44

I really, I really believe in that.

SPEAKER_03 33:46

Yeah, no, I agree.

SPEAKER_00 33:47

It's a growth opportunity. There's no such thing as a mistake in my eyes. We're just here to to grow and improve.

SPEAKER_04 33:53

There's no learning without mistakes.

SPEAKER_00 33:55

Exactly. And you know what's the greatest teacher? Life.

SPEAKER_04 34:00

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 34:01

Um, and it was so at semester, we went down a team member. And so that really made us lean into each other even more closely. And so we had switched into a system where we defaulted to not just our days, but a modified alpha, which could not have been more perfectly timed for us and our team. Um, I got to get even closer with my counselor counterpart. We really got to dig into some of the work and supporting our kids. It didn't matter what grade level, but how's their attendance? How is their grades? How's their mental health? Like what, how can we support and grow this kid to be ready for what's beyond K through 12? Um, but it was one of those moments at that time of year where we were, man, we were tapped. And y'all know there, there's seasons, right? I want to say it was April, where it was like testing season, graduations up and coming, you know, you're up against just deadlines. And rather than taking a second to pause like I normally do, I went away from my systems and practices for a moment because I had four things in an hour land on my desk. And I was like, I got this. Because in one way, I was like, okay, I'm a semester in, I'm feeling a lot better about this. I was like, I'm made for this. Let's go. And so what I should have done though was practice paused, looked at what was in front of me and prioritized with those and seen like, okay, this is outside of my alpha. Is this person available? And if so, fantastic. Let's partner up with it. I'm not just gonna hand it off and say, figure it out and leave you high and dry. I'm gonna partner up with you on it and be a good team player. I think that's really, really important to do to take care of your colleagues. Um, and so yeah, that was a mistake for me. I approached that completely incorrectly. And so it was a learning curve for me where it was that moment of, hey, what happened here? Why didn't you do what you normally do? So it was kind of like a friendly reminder of lean into your team, trust the people that you work with, know that you can all do this together and at the end of the day get it done. And also recognizing some of the things, they're not gonna take a few days. If you could just dedicate 30 to 45 minutes of uninterrupted time, which is really hard some days, you'll get it done. And so I would say that those were definitely some moments for me throughout the year that just served as a reminder of lean into your systems and your practices because that's your ride or die.

SPEAKER_03 36:23

This job has a um way of humbling you.

SPEAKER_00 36:26

Very much, very much. Again, you don't know what you don't know.

SPEAKER_01 36:30

And and to that end, yeah, about a year ago, you received word that you were gonna get this assistant principal position. And there are people right now who may be listening that have just found out they're gonna be an AP in the upcoming year. What advice would you give to that person that you wish you had heard back then? And what, if anything, do you think you're gonna do differently in year two?

SPEAKER_00 36:49

For sure. I think celebrate. You have arrived. Um, I know there's always that, am I ready for it? Um, kind of imposter syndrome, so to speak, that you will feel.

SPEAKER_02 37:02

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 37:02

It is going to be there, but there is a reason why you were hired for that position. Somebody sees the potential in you that you may not be able to see. And so recognize that. Take a time to pause and and self-reflect and yeah, just be you. I would say to take the time at the beginning of the year to invest in your people, right? We're in a business of people, human beings that have emotions, that have feelings, and so slow down to establish those relationships and those connections with people. And no, it doesn't stop there. Keep small deposits of positivity throughout the year, calendar it out, right? It is you will never know the impact that a smile will make to somebody. Um, and and I know that from experience of walking down the hallways and seeing teachers or students that lended me a smile or a high five, and what a difference that made for me in that moment. And so serving in that way, I think the other thing going into any new role for me that has always served me well, and I would share as advice is listen, observe, yep, watch. What are the systems that are already in place that you can embrace, right? Um, absorb that. And that's not to say that you might not have some ideas to make it better. Sure, share it. But for me, this whole first year was just a really big observation and just soaking it all in that going into year two, a lot of that for me is going to be refining my practices. Yeah. So I've done this cycle one time through. I have a greater understanding of the ebbs and flows from the seat of an assistant principal of what this looks like, what this feels like, where those high stress moments are, and kind of where those lower moments are of, you know, a slower pace. Um, that yeah, take the time to observe, see what's going on. That doesn't mean don't solicit some feedback. Feedback's a gift, 100%. But I think also it's a two-way street. Be going back to being humble and genuine, be open to feedback from other people, I think is another added element. I would not be in the position that I'm in and feel the way that I feel going into year two without the people that I was surrounded by, whether it was my principal or the other administrators. Man, they were my people and they will never understand or know how grateful I am for them. Because again, I would not be here without their trust, uh, without their partnership. And it's just wow, I'm so blessed, filled with gratitude.

SPEAKER_04 39:41

What you mentioned about feedback goes back to what you were saying about making sure you have thick skin because feedback is meant for growth. It's not meant as a criticism.

SPEAKER_00 39:50

Yes. I think that's so true. And that kind of brings me uh just reminding, like when people hear the term growth plan, right? When you're when you're holding teachers accountable, it's not bad. Right. Like it's because I see so much potential in you, just like I would hope somebody would see in me, and take the time to have that critical conversation with me of how can I improve my skills? The same as in turn with teachers. And and I get it, when we hear the term growth plan, we're like, oh no.

SPEAKER_03 40:19

You're trying to get rid of me. Right.

SPEAKER_00 40:20

It's not true. It's growth, it's non-evaluative, it's just more structured. That really is is in my opinion, what that comes down to is there is a structure in place, a timeline that we're gonna go through X, Y, and Z. But again, I'm not gonna give you the plan and leave you high and dry. I'm gonna walk this walk with you. I'm going to partner with you to ensure that that growth is occurring in the way that we both envision it to happen. I want your feedback too, because this is all about you. I'm not always gonna have the answers or my response isn't always gonna be right. I want to have a colla collaborative conversation. And sometimes that means you know what, I'm wrong.

SPEAKER_03 40:59

Well, and that's why we discussed in in our uh feedback segment is developing that together.

SPEAKER_00 41:05

Yes.

SPEAKER_03 41:06

I mean it's a it's a growth plan to work together on.

SPEAKER_00 41:11

100%.

SPEAKER_01 41:12

Is is there anything that we haven't asked you about that that has been eye-opening for you as a first-year AP?

SPEAKER_00 41:19

I think one of the things that may come as a surprise to people is that instructional leadership term. Because there's so many ways that you can define that. It is not a one-layered approach. It's not one element. It's yes, classroom walkthroughs. It's oh my goodness, there's there's so many different components of you're supporting or potentially being the facilitator of PLCs and department teams. Um, you're looking at data and assessment and student growth, which, man, that is my love language. Um I love numbers, as Michael, you know. Um, I think it's also having those coaching conversations. Like, yes, there is an evaluative component to being an administrator where, yeah, we're we're gonna do the whole appraisal and those kinds of things, but that shouldn't not like that. Wow, this is why I wasn't an English teacher. Shouldn't we not?

SPEAKER_01 42:12

Um we like a good double negative sometimes.

SPEAKER_00 42:15

But I think sometimes a mistake that can be made is we only do the bare minimum, let's say, of walkthroughs, like, well, technically I only have to do four. Do more, do as many as you possibly can. And not all walkthroughs have to be documented.

SPEAKER_02 42:32

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 42:33

Not all planned PLCs have to go in this cookie-cutter way. And while it happens for one PLC in one team, it may look differently in another. So having that flexibility, but again, prioritizing that. We can get bogged out with again all those plates that we're spinning, discipline. It will be there.

SPEAKER_02 42:50

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 42:50

There's always going to be something in the queue or that you will find when you're out in the hallways. Because I will tell you, one way to combat discipline is be visible, be present. Just your presence matters and it will deter that kind of behavior from occurring. Don't wait for it to hit your desk, go to where it is. Um, and that then allows you to prioritize those instructional leadership moments and calendaring it of when you're going to have those moments happen. Even, you know, I know for GCI ST, we use the get better faster protocol. Love, love that protocol, that coaching protocol. Um, and how that even aligns with T tests, it beautifully correlates. Um, and so taking those moments of maybe I don't have the capacity to do it, but I know somebody that does, our instructional coaches, I'm gonna partner with them because, for example, this year, I didn't oversee the math department. I oversaw contents that I've never taught. Now, good teaching is good teaching, 100%. But I knew that I could lean into our content coaches and our director or directors to get the support that the teachers needed because it's not all gonna fall on me. And that's okay. But what a beautiful thing that is that we have the leadership. We have the capacity to support our teachers in ways that, man, I wish I would have had. And so I love that. Being able to tap into other people and let them be the superhero.

SPEAKER_03 44:10

Well, you mentioned discipline can be lowered by, you know, fist bumping seat in the hallway.

SPEAKER_00 44:15

Yeah.

SPEAKER_03 44:15

Discipline can also be lowered by strong instructional practices in the classroom.

SPEAKER_00 44:19

100% agree.

SPEAKER_03 44:21

You don't have monkey business going on in the classroom.

SPEAKER_00 44:24

Y'all routines and procedures.

SPEAKER_01 44:26

For sure. I've heard I've heard Dr. Tamar Morris say that many times. And what many many people believe is a classroom management issue is actually an engagement issue. If you've got engaging instruction, it can take care of it. So if you're working on that instruction leadership with them, you see that decline as well.

SPEAKER_00 44:41

And you know what kids thrive off of? Structure.

SPEAKER_03 44:46

Structure. Yeah, 100%.

SPEAKER_01 44:47

And adults. And adults. Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 44:49

I think too, a component with that, go back in the classroom and teach. I love the opportunities when the teacher would entrust me in teaching their classes when it wasn't math. I mean, there, I would look, I was like, are you sure you want me doing a US history lesson? Like, really? And I and again, that took work on my part to, okay, I know your lesson plan because I've seen it, but what are the standards? What are the ticks I'm doing? What are the activities? I'm probably going to visit with that teacher to be like, okay, what for sure has to happen today? What do the kids need to know? And what do they need to show by the end of the lesson? So you can kick off right back when you get back in the classroom the next day or a few days down the road. Um, and those were moments that I really appreciated because yes, we have teachers that are also coaches. We have teachers that, like, guys, we all get sick. Hello. Or maybe our kids get sick. We're gonna, we're not gonna be in the room all the time, but how can we keep it going? And can I be a part of that solution? Or can our campus instructional coaches be a part of that solution? The answer is yes. I think it's providing those opportunities. And again, if you have that relationship and connection with the teacher where they feel encouraged to ask, they're going to ask. But if you create a barrier, that's also going to happen. So make sure that you're opening yourself up to that, where they're not afraid to ask for your help and assistance. And it was fun, y'all. It was really, really fun. Like even the night before I was sitting with my husband, he used to be before he got into counseling, he was an English teacher. Um, and he was like a shade away from history. And I was like, okay, review this lesson with me. And I felt like it was my first year of teaching again, where it's like I'm reviewing the lesson beforehand. Um, and just what fun that was. It was it was great. Loved it.

SPEAKER_04 46:30

Well, Alexandra, you have imparted a lot of wisdom today to our first year APs. We want to thank you for joining us. And we'd love it if you would stay for our on tap segment.

SPEAKER_00 46:42

Let's do it.

SPEAKER_04 46:43

There is no drinking involved.

SPEAKER_01 46:45

Well, that's it's optional, I guess.

SPEAKER_03 46:55

All right, Alexander, we appreciate you staying here with our on tap segment. And today, we've all spent a little time away from the workplace here the last few weeks. And and so you start uh having observations about the world. And last season we talked about observations or pet peeves that we have at the workplace. Y'all know my big pet peeve of leaving time on the microwave drives me crazy.

SPEAKER_04 47:22

Yep, and mine was uh people who asked that question right before lunch.

SPEAKER_01 47:27

That last question, that's right. Yeah, had the reply all emails that we all enjoy so much.

SPEAKER_03 47:32

Yes. So let's talk a little bit about pet peeves of ours outside of the workplace. So, Dr. G, would you like to start us off?

SPEAKER_01 47:42

Oh man, I think my mine might be a little bit He's always outside the workplace, he's retired now, so he's he's just daily life.

SPEAKER_04 47:51

This may gross some people out, though. Uh that sounds fun already. All right. So my pet peeve is the inadequately designed or inadequately placed urinal splash guards.

SPEAKER_01 48:09

Oh, okay. Okay, all right.

SPEAKER_04 48:10

Especially during the summer.

SPEAKER_01 48:12

Are you getting splashed on or was it?

SPEAKER_04 48:14

Summer season, you're wearing shorts. Yeah, you're out with friends, having you know, a few drinks, and naturally, sometimes you have to go to the restroom, right? And you pull up to the urinal and you get splashed because the splash guard is either off-center or it's inadequately designed.

SPEAKER_03 48:36

I can go with that, and the sink that's in there that's maybe got something that sprays funny.

SPEAKER_00 48:41

I just want to say I'm learning a lot today.

SPEAKER_03 48:44

You can ask your husband, he'll understand.

SPEAKER_01 48:46

I was gonna say, Dr. G, that's very relatable to 50% of the audience right now.

SPEAKER_04 48:50

That's right. So that's mine. I'm sorry if it goes.

SPEAKER_01 48:53

Are you doing your math right now? Well, no, the the audience, the audience, our worldwide listening audience.

SPEAKER_03 49:01

Fair enough.

SPEAKER_01 49:01

Yeah, 25% or 75% of our of our current crowd, 50% of the listening audience. Crow, what do you got? All right. My I got another communication one. I don't know if it's just the English background or what, but it drives me nuts when there's a group text, and there can be a group text, there's a time and a purpose, but when two people on a 15-person group text start having their own conversation that no one else has to be a part of, just text the other person directly. We don't all need to stay involved in this situation. Is he talking about using on the soccer game the other night? Not at all, not at all. I felt an active part of that. Okay. There may be a family text thread that that re-emerges from time to time in my life that, you know, that uh has a lot of liking and responding and liking and responding and liking and responding and and sharing. And it doesn't matter if you don't comment on this thing for three years, you're still going to be left on this text thread.

SPEAKER_00 49:56

So true. And if you don't have the right phone, you can't remove your turn it green.

SPEAKER_03 50:01

You turn it green. Dr. McClung, what do you have?

SPEAKER_00 50:06

Okay, so mine immediately came to mind. So in the summertime, just like you do throughout the year, we go grocery shopping, right? Well, do any of y'all pick up groceries or have them delivered?

SPEAKER_03 50:17

Half and a half.

SPEAKER_00 50:18

Okay. I honestly, one of my ways to take care of myself is sometimes going to the grocery store solo. Um, one of my pet peeves is the people that leave the grocery carts throughout the parking lots. Yeah. Just take the 60 seconds and put it where the carts go. Everything has a place. And that's probably something that's even in my house that probably drives my husband a little bit crazy of everything has a place, just put it back. And it doesn't take much. And you know what? You're helping those people that have to gather up all those carts. So serve other people. That's a pet peeve of mine. I can't stand that.

SPEAKER_03 50:57

I can support that one. Yeah. Yeah. Why? That's why I always park next to the cart return.

SPEAKER_01 51:02

Oh, yeah.

SPEAKER_00 51:03

Yes.

SPEAKER_01 51:03

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 51:04

Yeah. Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 51:04

Plus, that's one side that you're unlikely to be door-dinged on because you got the return.

SPEAKER_00 51:10

That is a really good point.

SPEAKER_03 51:11

All right. Dave, share with us. All right. So I'm going to do one home and one outside. So with the kiddos living there and everybody, and little known fact, I am the laundry guy in our house. I sort the laundry, I wash it, I dry it, I fold it. I don't put it away, because everybody has their thing. It drives me crazy when certain individuals in our house leave clothes in the washer or the dryer.

SPEAKER_01 51:39

Yeah.

SPEAKER_03 51:40

And you go there, especially if it's in the dryer. And you go, you're ready, you got the you got the load ready for the washer, it's done, and you go over there. So my solution now is just I just put it in a laundry basket and leave it in the room. Don't fold it. No.

SPEAKER_02 51:56

That's a little passive, but I like it. It's good.

SPEAKER_03 51:58

It's like I I am a very much just put it in the washer, put it in the dryer. When the dryer goes off, grab it, fold it, put it away.

SPEAKER_01 52:05

That's very responsible of you. So I I am I do a lot of laundry at our house, but I put it in the washer and then I'll put it in the dryer. I don't really like to fold it, so then like I'll put it on top of the dryer or leave it in the dryer. Or if I empty the washer, I might put it back in the in the dry washer just to store it temporarily. And then you run it like 10 minutes to fluff everything and you bring a new t-shirt out of there. Don't use an iron, just put it back in the dryer, then it gets straight, and then you can put it on.

SPEAKER_00 52:31

Do you ever leave things in the washer though? Anyone guilty of that? Or you've forgotten about it?

SPEAKER_01 52:37

Then you got a double wash. I have triple and quadruple wash before. Out of laziness to not move it over.

SPEAKER_00 52:45

Oh man, that's happened to me a few times. Guilty as charged.

SPEAKER_01 52:48

All right, Dr. G, what do you have there?

SPEAKER_04 52:50

All right. Uh I'm gonna have to go with a cycling pet peeve. Okay. Um and I understand that um there's motors out there that get angry when cyclists are out on the road and slowing motorists down.

SPEAKER_01 53:07

Yes, there are. Some of them may be present right now.

SPEAKER_04 53:10

Some people may feel that bicycles don't belong on the road. I happen to think they do, but that's not my pet peeve. My pet peeve is I normally ride the Cotton Belt Trail, which is a dedicated trail that runs parallel to the railroad track. Right, right. But inevitably you do have to cross streets. I always um stop at the red lights and wait for the I push the button and wait for the signal that I can cross. Some people will block the crosswalk as I am trying to get across. Yeah. And that they don't mind the gap. They don't mind the gap. Correct. Because that peeves me to no end. I will give them the principal look or the teacher look as I'm going around them in front of them. Yeah. You ever kick their car and speed off? No, but sometimes I have shouted.

SPEAKER_00 54:07

But that look, that is classroom management and its finest. Isn't that wonderful? We don't have to say a word. That is the power of a teacher.

SPEAKER_04 54:14

And I know that they will remember next time.

SPEAKER_03 54:16

Yeah, just give yourself some space.

SPEAKER_01 54:18

You're following the rules. So correct. Yes.

SPEAKER_02 54:20

I like it. I like it.

SPEAKER_01 54:21

Crow? All right. My next one is also transportation related. And I don't know why it bothers me, because it's really not impacting me in any way. But when someone leaves their blinker on after they have turned and they're just driving and they're in front of me on the highway for 10 miles with their blinker on, I don't hear it. It's not really bothering me in any tangible way, but it drives me nuts. I don't you you got to hear that in your own car. But you have to be cautious. Yeah.

SPEAKER_03 54:46

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 54:46

Yeah. I mean, that's now I don't know. Are you getting over at some point in the next 15 miles? Are you are you just, you know, confused? Yes.

SPEAKER_04 54:54

Eddie Eddie Murphy had a comedy bit about that way back in the 80s. Yeah, that's a good time. My toddler used. And he he would picture that every time.

SPEAKER_01 55:05

I wouldn't listen to Eddie Murphy. He was a little offensive.

SPEAKER_00 55:09

Were you not allowed to listen to that, Michael?

SPEAKER_01 55:11

My mom wouldn't let me.

SPEAKER_04 55:13

Eddie Murphy would picture the blinker going off and on, and he would say, I'm stupid. I'm stupid. I'm stupid. So next time, try to calm yourself with that.

SPEAKER_01 55:23

That'll at least make it more fun. There you go.

SPEAKER_04 55:25

All right, last one, Dr.

SPEAKER_03 55:26

McLauna.

SPEAKER_00 55:27

Okay, so this one is harder to think about. You know these e-bikes?

SPEAKER_03 55:33

Oh they're everywhere now.

SPEAKER_00 55:37

Yes. Or the little motorcycle, I don't know what you call them, but they're so loud. And it's summertime, right? So what's happening? Kids, they're outside, shocker. Um, because they've got these e-bikes or these little mini motorcycles, whatever it is. My pet peeve with that is like number one big safety concern. Sure.

SPEAKER_04 55:58

Yes.

SPEAKER_00 55:59

Which, ooh, because not all of them are wearing helmets, or sometimes there's more than one of them on it. And you're like, that is so not safe. Do your parents know about it? And if they approve it, where are they? Because we need to have a talk. Um, but then I'm like, no, it's none of my business. So just stay in your lane. It's gonna be all right. Um, but it's also the loudness. It is such a disruption, and it's not even always in the middle of the day, right? When it's like, oh, okay, well, everybody's awake. Well, most people, unless you're working the night shift, but it'll be like at 11 o'clock at night. I'm sorry, but that is when I'm winding down.

SPEAKER_03 56:37

You got the sons of anarchy right riding down here.

SPEAKER_00 56:40

And I'm like, what are you doing at 11 o'clock at night, just riding around like a maniac? Um, and you know, again, like safety concern. I I almost saw a kid this summer. A door was flung open of a car that was on the side of the road. They parked on the side, and I was just like, oh, you were like three inches from getting hit. And in my mind, I saw that kid just flipping and flipping and getting hurt. So that's one of them. Y'all, safety first, road safety, please.

SPEAKER_03 57:09

So I'm gonna stick on the transportation theme. And and and I'm gonna go a couple here. One, people who drive slow in the left lane. Oh, when you're going down the going down the interstate and there is no one in the right lane, and they're going to left. But I'm gonna tack on to the motorcycle drivers who split traffic. Yes. Oh, yeah.

SPEAKER_00 57:32

Also so dangerous.

SPEAKER_03 57:34

Yes, yes, that you know, you're backed up and they're just flying down. We had that on our summer trip this summer. We're we're stopped, and that person just right down the middle, and and oh, that drives me crazy.

SPEAKER_04 57:45

Do you know that in California it's actually legal? What? Really? Yes. Hmm. I was complaining about that when I was visiting my son, and he said, Well, they can do that here.

SPEAKER_03 57:54

I did not know that. You don't see them sometimes. Yeah, I don't know.

SPEAKER_00 57:59

Or like you think about changing lanes, and it's boom, there's a collision.

SPEAKER_04 58:03

Yeah, and I'm I'm talking about specifically at at stoplights, not necessarily, you know, when way down the highway. Right. Yeah.

SPEAKER_03 58:10

I can understand that.

SPEAKER_01 58:12

Yeah. I heard in Texas it's legal to block the crosswalk if a bike rider is showing.

SPEAKER_03 58:19

All right. Well, Dr. McClung, we appreciate you sticking with us. And and uh listeners, we'd love to hear your pet peeves um from the world, your observations.

SPEAKER_01 58:29

Or if you were a first year AP this year and there's some takeaways you'd like to share, we'd love to hear those too.

SPEAKER_03 58:34

Please share those with us on any of the social medias. We have Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

SPEAKER_01 58:41

Or you can email us at info at edleadershipontap.com. That is info at edleadershipontap.com.

SPEAKER_04 58:48

Or you can send us fan mail through the app that you listen to the podcast on. Uh we'd love to hear a voicemail or a text. Uh, we might even mention your name on this next episode. So, until next time.

SPEAKER_01 59:02

Keep leading.