From Lancers to Leaders: Building School Culture with Longwood Alumni
In the first episode of Longwood GradCast: Beyond the Degree, we invite you to join us as we sit down with two remarkable double alums, Ginny Gills BS’89, MEd’05 (a Reading, Literacy, & Learning alum) and Pamela Stepko BS’07, MS’16 (an Educational Leadership alum). Our host, Dr. Sarah Tanner-Anderson, speaks with these two dedicated educators whose experiences at Longwood helped them to become influential leaders in the field of education.
We kick things off by delving into their personal journeys, tracing their paths from being Longwood students, both undergrad and graduate, to the educational leaders they are today. As Lancers turned leaders, their stories provide a glimpse of the possibilities that await future educators and Longwood students.
Ginny, principal of Cumberland Elementary School in Cumberland County, Virginia, shares how her Longwood experience has left an indelible mark on the school culture she has cultivated within her institution. Discover the significance of hiring Longwood alumni and how it contributes to the remarkable success of a school.
Pamela, a recipient of the prestigious national Virginia Milken Educator of the year Award in 2022, takes us through her teaching journey, highlighting the role Longwood played in her path to excellence. Together, we explore the power of collaboration between Longwood alumni and how it fosters a supportive and successful educational environment.
The conversation broadens to address the current challenges in education, emphasizing why Longwood alumni are uniquely equipped to tackle them head-on. Ginny and Pamela offer invaluable advice for aspiring educators considering Longwood or those venturing into the world of education.
If you would like to build your professional network, Ginny and Pamela would love to connect with you and support your educational aspirations! They invite you to find them on Twitter: @GinnyGills @Pstepko #ccesdukes
Subscribe to our channel and don’t miss out as we sit down with other successful Lancer’s and hear their stories. Follow us on social media to keep updated with Longwood CGPS.
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Creators and Guests
Host
Sarah Tanner-Anderson
Dr. Sarah Tanner-Anderson serves as Assistant Dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies, as well as Associate Professor and Program Director of Educational Leadership. A former principal, assistant principal, middle- and high-school English teacher, department and grade-level chair, high-school coach, and club sponsor, Dr. Tanner-Anderson has spent nearly two decades serving and supporting public education in the Commonwealth. A proud Longwood Lancer, Dr. Tanner-Anderson obtained her Bachelor of Arts in English ('02) and Master of Arts in English, Education, and Writing ('07) from Longwood University. She earned her Post Master's Administrative Certification ('11) and Doctor of Education in Educational Administration and Policy Studies ('14) from The George Washington University. Her research interests include women's educational leadership, social justice in education, and literacy leadership.
Guest
Ginny Gills
Principal, Cumberland County Elementary School (BS’89, MEd’05) Reading, Literacy, & Learning M.Ed: Virginia Silveira Gills “Ginny” is the principal of Cumberland County Elementary School in Cumberland, Va. A proud Longwood University Alumna, Ginny serves on the Virginia Association of Elementary School Principals Board of Directors. She serves on the Southside Virginia Community College Board and on the VDOE Principal Advisory Board. Ginny is a UVA SCOPE 13 "graduate", a 2019 VASCD Impact Award Recipient, the 2022 Longwood University Graduate Alumni of the Year, and was a guest in the VASCD podcast series "Deeper Insights Episode 6 - Deeper Voice." She was also named 2022 VAASL Administrator of the Year and Women Education Leaders of Virginia’s 2023 Rising Star. Ginny Gills resides in Cartersville, Virginia, with her husband.
Producer
Jamie Eacho
Jamie Eacho holds the title of Director of Marketing and Recruitment in the College of Graduate and Professional Studies (CGPS) at Longwood University. Starting out five years ago as the Marketing Specialist for CGPS, Jamie has grown her love for Longwood and her desire to help prospective students find the graduate program of their dreams. While her marketing journey started as the Marketing Manager for Campus Recreation at Roanoke College, and took her to Washington D.C. marketing for the Washington Nationals, and then out to the Eastern Shore of Maryland, marketing for a hospital, she has always held a special place in her heart for working with and for students. As an alumna of Roanoke College, having obtained her Bachelor’s of Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing in 2017, her passion for small Virginia schools and the value that they can add to students’ lives runs deep.
Guest
Pamela Stepko
Math Interventionist, Cumberland County Elementary School (BS '07, MEd '16) Educational Leadership M.S: Pamela Stepko is a Math Interventionist at Cumberland County Elementary School in Cumberland, Va. She has served in public education for 16 years as a Teacher, Assistant Principal, and VTSS School Coach. In 2016, she was the recipient of the VASCD Impact Award and the Cumberland Elementary School Teacher of the Year. In 2020, she completed the “Statewide Communities of Practice for Excellence Program” as a member of the Scope 14 cohort through The University of Virginia. Most recently, in 2022 she was the recipient of the Milken Educator Award. Pamela serves on the School Leadership Team, 5 C's Innovation Committee, VALIN 5.0 Team and division Federal Advisory Committee.
