Claim OwnershipProud Principals Podcast with Tony Cattani
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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!
42 Episodes
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Rebecca Belkota is the 2025 New York Middle School Principal of the Year
Rebecca Belkota is the secondary principal of Perry Junior Senior High School in Perry, NY. She has cultivated a school culture rooted in strong relationships, with a focus on mental health and social-emotional learning. She introduced a structured process for data review and established an MTSS team that collaborates weekly to analyze both quantitative data and qualitative feedback from instructional staff to ensure comprehensive support for students and their families. Under her guidance, instructional teams work collaboratively to develop standards-based curriculum, aligning instruction and assessment. She consistently champions innovative teaching and curriculum to create engaging, student-centered learning. Her leadership has resulted in notable improvements in student achievement and a significant increase in graduation rates, reflecting her deep commitment to academic excellence and the holistic success of every student.
After 29 years in public education, including 18 years as a school leader, Todd left his dream job. As a high school principal, in the neighborhood where he lived, and the high school for all five of his children, Todd stepped away in 2025.
Todd Bloomer is currently the Director of School Leadership with the Archdiocese of San Antonio. In this new role, Todd coaches and empowers principals.
Todd shares his experiences of how he managed "You are always the principal" in the community, social media, family, and friends.
Website:
https://www.toddmbloomer.com/about-1
Book
https://www.toddmbloomer.com/theblueprint
You can follow Todd on every social platform:
@toddbloomer - Linkedin
@todd_bloomer_author (Instagram and Tik Tok)
@bloomer_sa (X)
email: bloomertodd09@gmail.com
Jerry Mack is the 2025 Nebraska Secondary Principal of the Year.
Jerry Mack has served as the principal of Chadron High School in Chadron, NE, for 14 years. Under his leadership, the rural school has often been recognized as one of the top schools in the state according to U.S. News & World Report and Niche.com. He has emphasized restorative practices, supported the integration of technology in instruction, and co-hosted a school leaders podcast. He has spoken at numerous conferences to promote communication and school safety, and he has advocated for including universal mental health student screenings in annual health screenings for all students. He is dedicated to creating a positive, supportive environment for both students and staff. His leadership is defined by his commitment to excellence and deep pride in serving his school community.
Email - jerry.mack@chadronschools.net
X- @jerry_mack @ChadronHS
Instagram - @mackjerrye and @chadronhs
Erica Schnee is the 2025 Montana Secondary Principal of the Year.
Erica Schnee has been the principal of Gallatin High School in Bozeman, MT, since it opened in 2020. Previously, she was the assistant principal and a government and economics teacher. An inspirational and dedicated leader who has prioritized community, culture, and student well-being, she has overseen exponential growth in the community’s multilingual student population. Under her leadership, the school has implemented initiatives resulting in a welcoming environment, high student engagement, and academic success for all students. As an administrator, her open-door policy and mentorship have had a significant impact on staff development, leading to a cohesive team.
Episode
Erica shares the following:
- How she opened a new school
- Utilizing consensus process
- Collaborative Leadership Style
- Creating School Culture
- "Strong Foundations - Expanding to new Horizons"
- X -@GallatinRaptors and @MsSchneeGHS
Instagram - @gallatinraptors
Christian Ledesma is the 2025 Minnesota Principal of the Year
Christian Ledesma is the principal of Roosevelt High School in Minneapolis, where he leads with a strong focus on safety, equity, and academic excellence. Returning after the pandemic, he addressed students’ physical and emotional well-being through safety campaigns, increased supervision, and student-led cultural celebrations. Under his leadership, Roosevelt strengthened its partnership with the International Baccalaureate program, emphasizing collaborative planning, professional development, and character education. Ledesma’s leadership has created a culture of care and academic rigor, preparing students to thrive as globally-minded, reflective, and principled members of their communities.
In this episode Christian shares:
- how he grew enrollment 300+ students in 4 years.
- Community events
- Junior Teddy Program
- Academic achievements
Backwards planning of student dreams - asking every student their goal after HS, and creating a plan aligned with their goal.
- Walking people through hard stuff
Instagram - @Principal_Ledesma Schoo and @FollowTheTeddy
Kelly Messmer - South Dakota's 2025 Secondary Principal of the Year
Kelly Messmer is a dedicated principal in rural South Dakota who is determined to provide his ranching-country students with opportunities that reach far beyond the traditional classroom. Recognizing the challenges of limited access in a rural community, he has brought career education directly to his school through a mobile experience with skilled instructors each semester. Students now have hands-on learning in welding, electrical work, and carpentry—that expose them to skills that not only prepare them for a possible career opportunity but also lifelong applicable knowledge. His vision ensures that, despite geographic barriers, his students have endless opportunities to succeed and thrive
Kelly Messmer is the principal of Harding County High School in Buffalo, SD. Along with his principal duties, he also serves as the district’s activities director. Previously, he was the district’s technology and testing coordinator. He has been teacher and administrator at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. He strives to ensure every student is treated with respect and given every opportunity to succeed academically and socially. He credits his supportive superintendent, amazing staff, hardworking students, school board, and community for working together to help create a safe and successful learning environment.
X- @messmerHC
kelly.messmer@k12.sd.us
State Principal of the Year Series - Nevada
Ryan Cordia - 2025 Nevada Principal of the Year
Northeast Career & Technical Academy
Ryan Cordia is in his second year as the inaugural principal of Northeast Career and Technical Academy in North Las Vegas, NV. The school is the first in state to implement in-person, self-paced, mastery blended learning, which breaks away from the traditional Carnegie Unit model. As principal, he created a framework for the school where every student receives career coaching and emotional intelligence training each semester. The purpose of this training is to shorten the timeline for students from freshman orientation to revenue generation. Previously, he was named Nevada’s CTE Administrator of the Year and 360Schools’ Principal of the Year.
Instagram - @northeastcta
https://newsroom.ccsd.net/ccsd-administrator-named-2025-state-principal-of-the-year/
(702) 799-7500 (ext. 4101)
Mark Andresen is the 2025 North Dakota Secondary School Principal of the Year.
Mark is the principal of Mandan High School in Mandan, ND. Previously, he was a science teacher and girls’ basketball coach. In his 21 years as principal of Mandan, he has worked diligently to improve test scores, graduation rates, and dual credit opportunities, as well as to support and implement numerous programs that benefit all students. Most recently, he played a key role in the team that designed, built, and opened Mandan’s new high school. He has also championed equity, creating programs that support Native American students, English learners, and those with special needs. His efforts have led to remarkable increases in graduation rates and a truly inclusive school environment. Perhaps most impressive is his ability to empower both staff and students, building a culture of collaboration and leadership, from teacher teams guiding major changes to students taking on leadership roles in their community. He is the state coordinator for the North Dakota Association of Secondary School Principals.
Terita Walker - 2025 Colorado State Principal of the Year and NASSP National Principal of the Year Finalist.
Terita Walker has served as the principal of East High School in Denver, CO, for four years. She has transformed the school into a model of inclusivity, academic excellence, and student empowerment. Through intentional leadership and a deep commitment to equity, she has fostered a culture where students and staff thrive. Recognizing that a strong school culture is built on trust and relationships, she prioritizes direct engagement with students, staff, parents, and the community. She hosts monthly coffee chats for parents and staff, engages regularly with the school’s more than 90 affinity groups, and co-hosts events with the East Angel Foundation. She credits the school’s success to the incredible students, dedicated leadership team, committed staff, supportive parents, engaged alumni, district partners, and the greater East community.
Instagram - @eastangels_madamprincipal
Email - twalker@dpsk12.net
Spencer Long is the 2025 Tennessee Secondary Principal of the Year.
Spencer Long is the executive principal of Halls High School in Halls Crossroads, TN Knox County. A proud alumnus of Halls, he began his career at Halls as a science teacher and assistant football and baseball coach. He moved into administration with roles as an athletic director and assistant principal. Under his leadership, Halls successfully completed its first year of reorganization as an 865 Academies High School, part of an innovative initiative to better prepare students for college and career pathways. In recognition of his leadership and service to the community, he was named the Halls Business and Professional Association’s Man of the Year in 2023. He currently serves as vice president of the Knox County Schools Association of Secondary School Principals. His leadership philosophy is rooted in servant leadership. He maintains an open-door policy and prioritizes active listening, visibility, and frequent communication with students, staff, families, and the broader community. He believes a principal should be consistently present in classrooms, hallways, the lunchroom, and at extracurricular events to foster strong relationships and a supportive school culture.
Feel free to contact for more information:
X- @HHS_MrLong, @HallsHighTN
Instagram - @spen_long, @hallshightn
Email - spencer.long@knoxschools.org
Pierre Orbe - New York Secondary Principal of the Year - 2025
DeWitt Clinton High School New York City
Pierre Orbe is the principal of DeWitt Clinton High School in Bronx, NY. Previously, he was a science teacher and an assistant principal. He leads one of the nation’s most historic schools—alma mater to icons like Stan Lee, Ralph Lauren, and James Baldwin. Under his leadership, DeWitt Clinton’s graduation rate has increased from under 46% to more than 97%, with significant equity gains for Black and Hispanic students, English language learners, and students with IEPs. Listening to student and family voices, he has introduced purpose-driven innovations such as a nursing pathway and EMT certifications, a computer science sequence with industry credentials, and college credit-bearing courses. After-school vocational programs in plumbing, electrical, cosmetology, barbering, tattoo design, and culinary arts have provided students with real-world skills and job prospects. He credits this success to a committed staff, empowered students, and a community ready to reclaim its legacy.
porbe@schools.nyc.gov
Location: 100 West Mosholu Parkway South, Bronx NY 10468
Phone: (718) 543-1000
Proud principal Laura Tobias of State College Area High School, Pennsylvania is an amazing school leader. Laura has created a special place in the shadows of Happy Valley. Her daily positive messages, academic interventions, and learning centers are just the tip of this inspiring conversation.
If you are looking to model your school after a dynamic school leader, look no farther or just listen to this episode.
Pennsylvania Principal of the Year 2025
Contact Mrs. Tobias:
E-mail lst13@scasd.org
Office number 814-272-4074
State College Area High
650 Westerly Parkway
State College, PA 16801
X- @LauraTobias18
Dr. Jonathon Guthrie, Proud Principal of Bentonville West High School, Arkansas shares how he and his team opened Bentonville West, which just completed it's 9th year.
As part of the State POY Series - Jonathon Guthrie is the Arkansas Principal of the year - 2025.
He led his team to set the culture, hiring the staff, ordering every desk, chair and trash can!
Bentonville West High School has seen academic growth and success earlier than some expected with the intention of "Winning them Over".
Dr. Jonathon Guthrie
Bentonville West High School
1351 Gamble Road
Centerton, AR. 72719
479-286-9800
jguthrie@bentonvillek12.org
Miguel Salazar is the principal of Sundown Middle School in Sundown, TX. Previously he was a math teacher, coach, assistant principal, and high school principal. He is dedicated to fostering positive school cultures, promoting equity, and ensuring student success. His leadership philosophy is rooted in the belief that a thriving educational community is built upon shared accountability, high standards, and continuous improvement. He champions proactive strategies to cultivate a positive school culture, focusing on building genuine relationships, addressing mental health needs, and celebrating student achievements. He is committed to equipping students with the academic, social, and emotional skills they need to succeed, and credits his staff for their willingness to carry out this vision.
2025 NASSP Finalist for National Middle School Principal of the Year
State Principal of the Year Series - Michigan's Adam Lancto
Adam Lancto is the principal of Grandville High School in Grandville, MI and the 2025 Michigan Secondary Principal of the Year.
Previously, he served as assistant principal. A visible leader who consistently attends student and community events, he championed students by creating programs such as the Student Voice Committee to help students feel a sense of belonging, and courses that align to the world of work, including auto maintenance and repair, aeronautics, and EMT training, so students can explore college and career opportunities. Under his leadership, he has built a robust MTSS system with a dedicated academic intervention period, a schoolwide PBIS system, and a guaranteed and viable curriculum. These efforts have reduced failure rates and chronic absenteeism, and increased student performance.
X- @AdamLancto81
Instagram -@grandvillehighschool
Kansas' 2025 Principal of the year, Kelly Whittaker has served as the principal of Ottawa High School in Ottawa, KS, since 2018. Previously, she served as an assistant principal of Shawnee Heights High School and Goshen High School in Indiana. She taught special education at the elementary and middle school levels before transitioning to a career as an administrator. Under her leadership, Ottawa’s graduation rate has consistently increased from 80.5% to an average of 95%. She has also implemented a robust advisory program that includes student-led conferences, giving students a voice through the Jostens Renaissance Program, and strengthening the school culture and climate. She credits this success to a phenomenal staff, outstanding students, and community support.
Contact Kelly for more information:
X- @kelwhitt217
Website - https://www.usd290.org/o/ohs/page/administration
Jason Di Giulio, EdD, is the principal of Hazen Union School in Hardwick, VT. He is known for his transformational leadership, particularly in advancing the community schools model in rural Vermont. Under his guidance, Hazen Union has expanded access to mental health services, family engagement programs, and strategic partnerships with local organizations and higher education institutions. Di Giulio’s background as a commissioned Army officer, college and high school educator, and scholar in both poetry and education uniquely informs his inclusive and innovative approach to school leadership. His commitment to equity, collaboration, and whole-child support has positioned Hazen Union as a responsive, student-centered educational institution.
https://hazen.ossu.org/en-US/principals-page-851d29d4
Damon C. Lewis, EdD , is the principal of Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy in Norwalk, CT. Previously, he was the assistant principal. Under his leadership, Ponus Ridge, a 6–8 middle school, reduced chronic absenteeism from 31% to 8% in one year. His school has increased the number of minority students in the gifted and talented program, and the number of female students in accelerated math. He has championed an equity-driven and “Every Day Counts” culture where PSAT scores for grade 8 students outpaced national, state, and district metrics. He is the facilitator for the Black Male Administrator cohort in the district and mentors younger principals. He has expanded course offerings to include coding, computer science, robotics, music technology, immersive media; more than 20 after-school clubs; a Hispanic parent group; an in-school food pantry for families; and a care closet.
Dr. Lewis is a NASSP Finalist for the National Middle School Principal of the Year.
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.
cchristensen@shr3panthers.com
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
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