Meet Gina Sudyka, District Partnerships, Texas

Purva Dandona
Innovating Instruction
4 min readJan 12, 2021

--

Based in San Antonio, TX

What was your experience prior to Goalbook?

Prior to Goalbook, I was a middle school science teacher for over five years at a district in South Texas. As the campus coordinator for the gifted & talented program, I planned and executed our annual Gifted and Talented Showcase. I was also part of the district curriculum development team and really enjoyed this work. That role led me to later explore and transition to a curriculum sales role.

What gravitated you towards Goalbook’s mission?

Goalbook’s two-fold mission is what brought me here—it is near and dear to me. As a former teacher and curriculum writer, empowering educators and providing them with the tools they need to do their job effectively and efficiently while impacting all students is really what it’s all about.

What is your role, and what are your favorite parts of it?

I lead the development of new district partnerships across Texas and the eastern half of the country. Our Partnerships team is a non-traditional sales team that focuses on relationships. The opportunity to connect, learn, and problem solve with district leaders is one of my favorite parts of the job. Moreover, to hear the Goalbook success stories of our district partners, including teachers’ experiences with using our tools, is probably the most rewarding of it all!

Outside of the role, what are one or two things you love here?

I LOVE the people I work with! Everyone is so passionate about education and brings such a unique perspective to the work.

To hear the Goalbook success stories of our district partners, including teachers’ experiences with using our tools, is probably the most rewarding of it all!

How do you work and communicate with your manager?

My manager and I work closely and strategize on all things, such as growing our presence within district networks, building relationships in the field, collaborating on projects, and optimizing processes for our team’s work. We communicate daily and have a weekly 1:1 meeting time to chat on Google Meet.

What have you learned in your role so far?

I’ve learned that, at Goalbook, every voice matters! Being part of the Goalbook family means being part of a team that truly collaborates and values the team experience. We learn from each other, adapt, and push forward.

What are some areas you’d like to continue growing professionally?

I’d like to continue practicing radical candor and sharpening my management skills, especially project management.

Being part of the Goalbook family means being part of a team that truly collaborates and values the team experience. We learn from each other, adapt, and push forward.

What personal goals have you set outside of work?

A personal goal of mine is to carve out time for myself — to move my body & stay active, read, and just relax. I am a mom of three very active girls who keep me on my toes daily! I am trying to be more mindful and set the best example for my littles.

Gina with her daughters

What are some of your favorite spots in San Antonio?

A couple of my favorite spots in San Antonio are definitely Broadway St. and the Pearl in San Antonio. Great lawn area, food spots, and weekend markets! Outside of San Antonio, my family and I love going down to the “Hill Country Mile” or Main Street of Boerne. You can walk with the ducks by the river, do some shopping, and enjoy local food & drinks.

What’s your favorite memory during your time at Goalbook?

My favorite memory at Goalbook is an early one — three months into my role. I was attending my first regional conference showcasing Goalbook Toolkit to special education directors. One director in particular curiously passed by and stopped to take a peek at our work. After skimming through the page on the screen, she pulled up a chair and fell back singing praises! It was my first experience hearing firsthand from a leader in the field how our program could equip teachers, ultimately impacting students. She is now a four-year partner!

Which team activity has been your favorite?

Goalbook celebration weeks are simply the best! It’s awesome bringing the team together and spending quality time — whether it’s building gingerbread houses, singing karaoke, making terrariums, or bowling — it’s always a FUN time!

Explore Goalbook’s open jobs on our Careers Page.

Follow us on LinkedIn to stay up to date on job opportunities.

Read more stories about the Culture at Goalbook here.

--

--