Behind the Magic: What the GYTO Magic Squad Can Teach Us About Leadership and Community

If you have ever attended a Get Your Teach On conference, you have felt it.

The energy.
The organization.
The joy.
The sense that someone truly thought through every detail.

What you may not see is what happens backstage.

On this episode of The Flip Side, I sat down with our Magic Squad Co-Chairs, Katey, Kiki, and Kara, live from Vegas, to pull back the curtain on what really makes GYTO work.

And what they shared was not just about event planning. It was about leadership. Belonging. Service. And building something that feels like family.

If you lead a team, volunteer, or simply want to build stronger community in your school, this conversation is full of wisdom.

Build a Family, Not Just a Team

The Magic Squad is not just a group of volunteers who show up and complete tasks. It is a community.

That is not accidental.

Katey, Kiki, and Kara were clear about this. The foundation of everything they do is connection.

The Magic Squad stays connected year-round. They celebrate each other. They check in during hard seasons. They create traditions that bond them beyond the event itself.

There is no exclusive tryout process. If you are passionate about supporting educators and students, there is a place for you.

That sense of belonging changes everything.

When people feel like they are part of something bigger than themselves, they show up differently. They serve differently. They lead differently.

If you are building a team, ask yourself this question. Are you building a workforce, or are you building a family?

Create shared rituals. Celebrate birthdays and milestones. Make space for vulnerability. That is what builds loyalty and trust.

Fill Their Cups First

One phrase that kept coming up in our conversation was simple but powerful.

Fill their cups first.

Volunteer burnout is real. Especially in education, where many are already pouring into students all day long.

The Magic Squad leaders are intentional about appreciation. Volunteers are thanked publicly and privately. They are matched to roles that fit their strengths. They are encouraged to take breaks. They are supported when interactions feel difficult.

They also teach resilience. Not every comment will be positive. Not every moment will go smoothly. Volunteers learn not to internalize negativity that often has nothing to do with them.

If you lead volunteers or staff, check in regularly. Ask how they are really doing. Write the note. Give the shout-out. Offer the snack. Small gestures build strong cultures.

When people feel cared for, they care more deeply for others.

Organization Creates Freedom

From the outside, GYTO looks seamless. That does not happen by accident.

Behind every smooth moment are spreadsheets, planning calls, team leads, and countless hours of preparation.

The Magic Squad is structured. There are clear roles. Clear expectations. Clear communication systems.

Digital tools help keep everyone aligned. Team leads are empowered to make decisions. Processes are documented so onboarding feels smooth instead of overwhelming.

Here is what stood out to me.

Organization is not about control. It creates freedom.

When expectations are clear, volunteers can focus on serving instead of guessing.