Proud Principals Podcast with Tony Cattani

2025 Wyoming Principal of the Year, Chase Christensen shares how he led a state initiative to provide an apprenticeship for aspiring administrators and created work based opportunities for his seniors. Chase serves as the state coordinator for the Wyoming Association of Secondary School Principals, championing public education and leadership development. Recently, he initiated a statewide apprenticeship program through the association, designed to offer mentorship and potential financial support for aspiring school leaders. Deeply committed to filling the leadership pipeline and advancing equitable school funding, he attributes the district’s success to the unwavering dedication of its teachers, staff, students, and families. He also recognizes the collaborative spirit of Wyoming’s principals in guiding and mentoring the next generation of educational leaders. Sheridan County School District #3 - Clearmont, Wyoming. [email protected]

Efa Huckaby, the 2025 California Principal of the Year from Liberty High School in Brentwood, CA shares the details of his how he and his school community defined and implemented the expectations of what it means to be a Liberty High School Warrior. This includes their Welcome Week activities. Instagram - @efahuckaby @Libertyhighofficial

Texas Principal of the Year, Dr. Winston McCowan Jr. of Chisholm Trail High School, Fort Worth, Texas shares how his student "Ranger Voice" committee enhanced their school community. This campus wide student led committee consists of students from all athletic teams, clubs, and organizations to represent student voice. Contact Dr. McCowan Jr. for more information Email - [email protected] X/Twitter - @McCowanWinston Instagram - drwinjr98

Alabama's 2025 Principal of the Year, Dr. Matt Epps of Career Technical School in Columbiana, Alabama shares his strategies of personalizing a students' educational journey through student voice and leadership. The personal inventory assessment was intentional to gain insight to the students' perception of their skill sets and the school's role in helping them better achieve their goals. The results have been incredibly insightful for student and staff growth., and this was in 1 year of Dr. Epps' tenure at C-Tech. Can't wait to see year 2 and beyond! See some the survey tools utilized during this process. Contact Dr. Epps for more information: Instagram - Drmathewcoachepps X/Twitter - @drMatCoachEpps Student Self Assessment Student Culture Survey NASSP’s 2025 State Principals of the Year

In this inspiring episode of the Proud Principals Podcast, we sit down with Principal Jen Cimaglia, from Hardyston Elementary, Franklin, NJ who saw a critical learning gap in her school and took bold, informed action to close it. Jen shares the story behind her decision to implement the Wilson Reading System — a structured literacy program designed to support students with language-based learning difficulties. Listen as she walks us through the “why” and “how” behind this game-changing initiative, the impact it's had on student achievement and confidence. The results have been transformative, changing the trajectory of students' academic lives and bringing a renewed sense of purpose and success to educators. This episode is a must-hear for any educational leader searching for practical, proven ways to support struggling readers. Jen Cimaglia’s thoughtful leadership and dedication to doing what’s best for kids shine through every step of the process. If you're interested in learning more about how the Wilson Reading System could benefit your school community, don’t hesitate to reach out to Jen directly — she’s eager to support fellow educators looking to make a difference. Contact Jen Cimaglia at @Hardyston_principal on Instagram

Proud Principal Josh Tovar exudes energy and pride for his students and staff of Memorial Pathway Academy in Garland, Texas. He celebrates their success every day in every way. This positive approach creates a culture of ALL stakeholders being seen and celebrated for their daily work. We all want to promote student and staff success. Listen to how Josh Tovar does it like no other we have heard on Proud Principals Podcast. You are encouraged to contact Josh to learn more. X - @JTSPOTLIGHTS or @MPA_GOJAGUARS YouTube - @JTSPOTLIGHTS Instagram - JTSPOTLIGHTS

Kevin Carroll is the Proud Principal of Waldwick High School in New Jersey. Kevin shares an amazing community service opportunity for his students and staff. The Martin Luther King Jr. Week of Service is as a powerful reminder of the impact of service and the importance of giving back to the Waldwick community. He believes that participating in the MLK Week of Service fosters growth in his students while contributing to the betterment of our community. Last year, over 320 students and 30+ staff members participated in various service activities. It was a strong start, and this year, he is excited to expand the opportunities and aim for even more student involvement. The Waldwick HS Social Studies Department leads this initiative. Their goal is for every member of the WHS community to engage in some form of service during the MLK Week of Service. Interested in implementing community service into your school, contact Kevin Carroll at Waldwick High School [email protected] X- @Kevin_Carroll_

Rich Czyz of Yardville Elementary School in New Jersey shares his proudest student recognition program. If you want to develop better people through meaningful recognition. Come up with an annual theme with specific monthly traits your school wants to encourage within their student behaviors. Need a Positive Culture Builder, then listen to Rich's share. Rich Czyz is the author of the following books: The Four O’Clock Faculty - A Rogue Guide to Revolutionizing Professional Development The Secret Sauce - Essential Ingredients for Exceptional Teaching Rogue Leader - Make the Rules, Inspire Others, and Take control of of your own Professional Development Destiny Upcoming Book in the Spring 2025 - Autopilot: Practical Productivity for School Leaders

Proud Principal Derek Cantrell of Alleghany HS in Virginia, led the consolidation of two history-rich high schools into a single institution. This journey required building a shared identity, strengthening relationships, and creating excitement for a unified vision of success. Through this process, he learned that a positive school culture doesn’t just happen—it’s built intentionally with clear strategies, consistent communication, and collaboration at every level. Listen and Learn about Culture - Better Together!

Andy Farley, Proud Principal of Brookfield East HS, Wisconsin and NASSP 2024 Principal of the Year shares how his school created and supports their core values of Academic and Human Excellence. Brookfield East is the Number 1 ranked public school in Wisconsin for the past 4 years and one of eight Blue Ribbon schools in the state. Andy's active approach and well-developed process is refreshing and inspiring to all educational leaders. Help your students and staff change the world, do not miss this opportunity to grow as a leader.

This is the second episode of Jay Billy's interview. Jay shares another proud effort of altering his elementary school's schedule to build in teacher prep periods, student recess, and better instructional time segments to maximize learning. If you want to make your school better, Jay will discuss his informed decisions, calculated risks, and not waiting for someone else to make it happen. Jay's leadership is genuine and refreshing. Don't miss this episode.

Proud Principals Podcast features the proud principal of Bear Tavern Elementary School, Jay Billy. Jay shares his proudest effort of making bold and informed decisions to departmentalize his 3rd grade level staff to maximize their instructional strengths and student outcome. "People don't tear down houses they help build". Don't miss this episode.

Listen to Scott Wisniewski of Pompton Lakes HS in Pompton Lakes, NJ share the benefits of a Mental Health First Aid program in his school community. Scott is passionate about providing opportunities for his staff and students to gain knowledge and a skill set to help one another. He shares his blueprint for training staff and students. Don't miss out on this opportunity to get one step closer to bringing a Mental Health First Aid program to your school.

Neel Desai, proud principal of Grandview Elementary School, Piscataway, NJ shares how his summer home visits to his rising Kindergartners has impacted his school community for the better. Want to improve your relationship with your community, ease the transition for your students, and have your first interaction with your students and families be a positive one, listen and learn. For more info - contact Neel Desai at Grandview Elem. by email - [email protected] X-@NeelDesaiBA

Proud Principal Joe Martin and Tracy Matozzo, Director of Curriculum and Instruction of Rancocas Valley Regional High School in Mt. Holly, NJ share their proudest effort of implementing a Freshman Seminar course to address a variety of needs to assist their students transition to high school. This initiative is positively impacting their school culture. If you are a high school educational leader, this is a must listen. Feel free to contact Joe Martin for more information. Phone: 609-267-0837 ext. 3223 Email ([email protected]) »

Proud Principal, Chris Turnbull of Timberlane Middle School in Pennington, New Jersey shares his proudest principal effort of how his school community created an outside learning environment at Bear Tavern Elementary School, Titusville, NJ. Chris Turnbull is the 2022 New Jersey Visionary Principal of the Year and 2022 NAESP National Distinguished Principal. Proud Principal - Timberlane Middle School, Pennington, NJ. 609-737-4000, EXT. 4112 [email protected] X- @cturnbull15

Michelle Papa, Proud Principal of Richard Butler Middle School, Butler, NJ shares how her school became one of 13 middle schools to be a New Jersey School to Watch and how it impacted their Butler school community. Contact Michelle Papa to explore this possibility for your school. Phone: 973-492-2079 x7201 Email: [email protected]

Proud Principal of New Hope -Solebury Lower Elementary School, New Hope, PA, Dr. Jennifer Bloom shares her brain based learning strategies for her Little Lions (K-2). She shares how this work has helped her students regulate their emotions while learning about their brain. This includes amygdala reset stations throughout the school with a heart rate monitor, puzzles, stickers, music, and so much more. It has had a powerful impact. Contact Dr. Jennifer Bloom for more information.

Lisa Sabo, Principal of Palmyra Middle/High School in Palmyra, NJ is proud of how she empowered her staff to enhance the culture of their school community. Lisa identified areas of consistent concern in her school and had every staff select the area in which they were interested in contributing to improve. The topics ranged from policy, scheduling, student climate, staff morale, to school beautification. The staff's voice was heard as they led the work and the positive results!

Ryan Gorman, Principal of Cinnaminson High School in New Jersey, takes pride in their Affinity Group, a vital initiative that unites students from diverse backgrounds. This group fosters mutual learning and strengthens a school culture rooted in respect and understanding. Ryan Gorman Contact Info

Dr. Travis Bloom of Charles Boehm Middle School in Pennsbury, Pennsylvania is proud of his efforts of amplifying student voice through student podcasting. If you are interested in enhancing your school brand through student podcasting, this is the episode for you. Dr. Travis Bloom Phone: 215-428-4220, extension 30801

Kim Hefner of Hollywood Elementary School in Brookfield, Illinois is proud of their Husky News Club. 80% of their 3rd-5th graders participate in creating and publishing the online document utilizing Google Drawings. Check out the examples of the Newspaper. Husky News Club Kim Hefner - [email protected]

Matt Campbell, the principal of Shawnee High School of the Lenape Regional High School District in New Jersey is proud of his various initiatives such as the Principal Advisory and the Climate Culture Committee. Matt has empowered students to take an active role in shaping their school experience. Matt Campbell - [email protected]

Welcome to the Proud Principals Podcast, where we share the incredible work of school leaders making a difference every day. This podcast is your go-to source for recognizing, acknowledging, and sharing the best practices of educational leaders. Join us as we celebrate true, proven efforts that transform schools and inspire success. Let’s learn from each other and take pride in the amazing accomplishments happening in our schools. Lead with Pride!