GAEL UnscriptED Podcast

Attorney Cory Kirby pulls back the curtain on the most pressing legal challenges facing Georgia's schools today in this engaging and informative conversation. With 25 years of experience representing school districts, Kirby shares why the upcoming Fall Legal Issues Conference (October 29-31 in Athens) is essential for district leadership teams. The landscape of school law […]

The landscape of school safety has transformed dramatically in recent years, with technology now playing a pivotal role in protecting our most vulnerable populations. In this powerful episode of GAEL UnscriptED, host Ben Wiggins sits down with Mary Ford and Jay Floyd from CENTEGIX to explore how their innovative CrisisAlert™ system is revolutionizing emergency response […]

What does it take to build a world-class human resources department that truly supports educators and school leaders? In this illuminating conversation, Monica Batiste draws from her remarkable 32-year journey through education to reveal the inner workings of HR leadership at Georgia's largest school district. Monica's path from classroom teacher to principal to Associate Superintendent […]

Dr. Jolie Hardin takes us deep into the hidden rhythms of the school year that every educational leader should understand but few ever discuss. Drawing from her 11 years as a principal and extensive work in district leadership, Dr. Hardin unveils the six emotional phases teachers experience throughout the academic year – and why misalignment […]

What does it really take to lead a school district? Two accomplished Georgia superintendents pull back the curtain on their leadership journeys in this illuminating conversation. Dr. Robbie Hooker (Clark County Schools) and Philip Brown (Jackson County Schools) trace their paths from classroom teachers to district leaders, sharing candid stories about the pivotal moments that […]

Ever wondered what it really takes to pursue a doctoral degree while leading a school or district? Three dynamic educational leaders from across Georgia pull back the curtain on their journeys through UGA Mary Frances Early College of Education's Educational Leadership doctoral program in this candid conversation filled with practical wisdom and heartfelt encouragement. Dr. […]

The social media revolution happening at Valdosta City Schools has everyone talking—even education leaders 200 miles away. What started as a creative approach to combat the "summer slide" has transformed into a community movement that's doubled their social media following and changed public perception of the district. Communications Director Jennifer Steedley and specialist Candacey Griffin […]

Kevin Gaines didn't just return to his alma mater – he transformed it. As principal of Hart County High School for the past 13 years, Gaines has cultivated a remarkable legacy of leadership that balances consistency, innovation, and a deeply personal approach to education. When Gaines stepped into his role in October 2012, he faced […]

GAEL Unscripted debuts with an inside look at the Summer GAEL Conference, where over 1,400 education leaders gathered to strengthen Georgia's schools through professional learning, networking, and family engagement opportunities. Ben Wiggins is joined by Dusty Smith, GAEL COO, and Ivy Young, GAEL Member & Sponsor Engagement Coordinator, to reflect on the summer conference and […]