iLEAD Lead Teacher/Head Basketball Coach Email Phone: 608-847-4410 ext. 5323 My name is Gil Saylor. I am the Lead Teacher at iLEAD Charter School. I am originally from Necedah and come from a family where education, service, and community dedication were prioritized. My parents instilled these values and the belief that I am responsible for doing what is right for kids. These are guiding principles that still shape my work every day.
After graduating from UW Oshkosh in 1996, I was hired at Mauston High School, where I taught social studies and English to 9th-12th grade students. I was part of the team that created the Freshman Academy and began Link Crew at MHS. I was awarded the Kohl Fellowship in 2020, in large part due to the awesome people I work with. I have been blessed to work with such skilled and dedicated peers. It has been amazing to be surrounded by so many people who are willing to do whatever is necessary to help students.
These opportunities and growth prepared me to work with another team to propose, plan, and launch iLEAD Charter School in 2010. ILEAD is a student-centered, project-based charter school. We began with 40 students who chose this smaller environment to passionately pursue their interests. It's a throwback to the old one-room schoolhouse in many ways, and I absolutely love it. We get to guide, coach, teach, and mentor this group of students over the course of several years. In 2017 the state awarded us a 5 year grant to expand iLEAD and serve even more students. Our staff of dedicated professionals has grown, and we now work with over 100 students each year. I have been so fortunate to work in Mauston, where children come first. I am surrounded by amazing colleagues who inspire me to be better every day.
While teaching and coaching are my life passions, my family is my life. My wife Karla (MHS Spanish/English teacher) and I have four amazing kids that we are very proud of. Our family loves sports, outdoor activities, and we spend most weekends and parts of summer following our kids as they pursue their own passions.
Class Schedule: iLEAD students build individual schedules based on their future plans, needs, and opportunities. 7th-10th grade students will have a teacher-led advisory period from 7:55-10:00. The rest of our day is filled with student-led independent work. This part of the schedule varies daily.
Office Hours: I am most available for calls and meetings from 8:00-10:00 but can make arrangements for other parts of the day.