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Doors closed, minds open or the other way around? Our conversation with NASSP’s 2025 National Principal of the Year, Tony Cattani, pulls back the curtain on how a large high school built a culture where teachers learn from teachers every single day. Tony walks us through the exact system that turned isolation into collective efficacy: a strengths inventory across four core areas, 25-minute targeted classroom visits, collegiality cafes that showcase teacher-designed practices, and a simple feedback loop that amplifies wins to supervisors and the entire staff.

We get personal, too. Tony shares the moment he nearly quit, why trying to be the hero almost broke him, and how vulnerability and intentional routines brought joy and effectiveness back to the job. From hiring for strengths to weekly shout-outs, he shows how recognition can be both precise and public—fueling a schoolwide appetite for better classroom management, dynamic lesson design, checks for understanding, and growth mindset. The result? More than 4,000 peer observations, richer cross-department collaboration, and teachers who feel seen for the 39,000 minutes a year when craft usually goes unnoticed.

Beyond instructional culture, Tony digs into future-facing work: AI integration that supports planning and feedback, student and staff leadership academies that cultivate confidence, and robust career pathways—from welding to health services—aligned with the four E’s: enrolled, enlisted, employed, and entrepreneur. He also shares why he launched the Proud Principals Podcast and how connecting leaders across the country accelerates innovation back home.

If you’re a principal or teacher who wants practical, repeatable steps to improve instruction and morale without gimmicks, this is your playbook. Subscribe, share with a colleague, and leave a review telling us which strategy you’ll try first—we’ll shout out our favorite takeaways next week.

Connect with Tony Cattani:

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @tonycattaniproudprincipal

X: @CattaniTony

Proud Principal Podcast:

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A single question from a group of students rerouted a career—and sparked a movement. That’s how Dr. Salome Thomas-EL, widely known as Principal EL, went from TV production to a life in education, using chess to teach math, identity, and grit while building a school culture where kids line up to get in. We talk about the early days in Philadelphia, why engagement must precede information, and how a chessboard became intellectual capital that changed how students saw themselves and how others saw them.

The story stretches from neighborhood classrooms to national championships, but the wins don’t stop at trophies. Former players graduated from Temple Law, UVA, Cornell, Penn State, and HBCUs, carrying with them skills that rarely show up on state tests; critical thinking, self-regulation, empathy, and patience. Along the way, Principal EL lays out his Four C’s: be Crazy about kids, be Curious about their lives, be Consistent as adults, and build a Culture that blends joy with high expectations. He explains why high school reform starts in kindergarten, how strategic losses teach more than streaks, and what it takes to keep talented educators choosing to stay.

We also dive into his new book, Meet Their Needs and They’ll Succeed, a field guide for trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and relentlessly practical leadership. From the hospital metaphor that reframed teacher care to the often overlooked power of after-school programs and community partners, every story points to the same truth: when the right adults show up with belief and structure, kids rise. If you’re an aspiring principal or a veteran leader, you’ll leave with actionable ideas, renewed purpose, and a reminder that service is the heart of leadership.

If this conversation moved you, subscribe, share it with a colleague who needs a spark, and leave a review; what’s one change you’ll make this week?

Connect with Principal EL:

Website: https://www.principalel.com/

X: @Principal_EL

Instagram: @dr.principalel

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Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/PrincipalEL

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The principal’s chair looks different from the inside. We pull back the curtain on the quiet costs of leadership—why accountability requires real boundaries, why the job can feel isolating even in a busy building, and how to replace that isolation with a resilient network that actually gets it. Through candid stories and concrete examples, we map out the habits that keep leaders steady: clear communication, consistent expectations, and the courage to tell your school’s story before others write it for you.

You’ll hear how conversations with standout educators sparked practical changes you can implement right away. From piloting Magic School AI to save teachers time, to leaning into clarity so staff and students know the plan, to building a positive social media presence that reflects the real work happening on campus, we break down what moved the needle. We also talk about podcasts as free professional development and how growing a learning community can lead to surprising opportunities like conference presentations and guest trainings.

If you’re a principal, an assistant principal, or a teacher eyeing the big chair, consider this an honest field guide. We share the missteps, the pivots, and the wins—so you can lead with less guesswork and more confidence. Walk away with strategies to set boundaries without losing heart, build a network that keeps you grounded, and drive a culture where clarity lowers stress and amplifies learning. If this resonates, share it with a colleague who could use a boost, then subscribe and leave a review so more leaders can find it.

Episode 14: Principal Mo

Episode 18: Angela Kelly

Episode 21: Dr. Joe Sanfelippo

Episode 31: Dr. Darrin Peppard

Episode 36: Casey Watt

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What if the strongest leadership move is to listen first, decide second, and never micromanage? That’s the tought line of our conversation with Principal Shannon Seale, who went from high school social studies to leading a pre-K–2 campus, without losing her sense of humor, her humility, or her focus on what matters most.

We explore the origin of Shannon’s calling to teach, how watching weak leadership shaped her convictions, and why avoiding conflict silently breaks cultures. She shares the two lenses that guide every decision, safety and instruction, and the practical systems that keep her promises real: time-blocked walkthroughs, alarms, and a calendar that catches everything from meetings to lunch detentions. We dig into the jump from high school to elementary, the new ways she learned to speak with first-time school parents, and how she balances autonomy with support so teachers feel trusted and students get consistent, high-quality instruction.

Shannon also opens up about building a leadership team that tells her when an idea is bad, treating school like a team sport where every role matters, and using TikTok and Instagram to learn from educators nationwide while humanizing the principalship. We talk narrative control, positive storytelling, and the simple truth that if you don’t tell your school’s story, someone else will. Finally, she looks ahead to deepening her impact in curriculum and instruction, with doctoral study on the horizon, while staying rooted in the campus work she “completely loves, even when it’s hard.”

If this conversation gave you a useful nudge, follow the show, share it with a colleague, and leave a quick review. Tell us: what’s one leadership habit you’ll change this week?

Connect with Shannon Seale and check out her Tik Tok Lives:

email: [email protected]

Tik Tok: @mrs.seales

Instagram: @mrs.seales

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What if the best instructional leadership doesn’t start with a rubric but with people? We sit down with Dr. Donovan Smalls II to unpack how a former PE teacher and college professor became an assistant principal known for calm under pressure, disciplined time management, and a people-first approach that lifts instruction across a building.

We dig into the pivotal COVID moment that rerouted his career and why choosing to be the solution is the first real test of leadership. Donovan shares how he architects his day—blocking morning walkthroughs, staying visible, and using curriculum work when culture isn’t ready for frequent drop-ins so instruction stays a priority despite bus duty, discipline, and the inbox. He offers candid stories about navigating heated parent meetings with poise, setting boundaries with grace, and keeping the focus on all students, not just the loudest requests. The result is a roadmap for aspiring leaders who want to manage their time, build trust with teachers, and protect the learning environment with emotional intelligence.

We also explore his bestselling book, Beyond the Classroom, and why leading people and organizations must come before leading instruction. Donovan explains how the leadership interview differs from the teacher interview, and how to tell a compelling leadership story that lands the job and sets you up to lead from day one. Along the way, we trade practical examples of classroom visibility that teachers and students actually enjoy, plus the power of national networking to expand your toolkit and confidence. If you’re aiming for assistant principal or principal roles or looking to level up where you are—you’ll find concrete tactics and encouraging perspective you can use this week.

Connect with Dr. Donovan Smalls II:

Website: https://www.donovansmalls2.com/

Instagram: @donovansmalls2

TikTok: @donovansmalls2

Threads: @donovansmalls2

X: @DonovanSmalls2

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donovansmalls2/

Beyond the Classroom: Helping Aspiring School Leaders Navigate Interpersonal & Organizational Complexities for Greater Instructional Impact (Amazon)

The Aspiring School Leader Podcast: (Youtube)

The Aspiring School Leader Podcast: (Apple Podcast)

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Ever feel like the weight of the world lands squarely on your school's doorstep? You're not alone. Principal JL takes a rare solo moment to speak candidly about the reality educational leaders face when national events and societal tensions inevitably filter into school hallways.

The truth about public education often gets lost in inflammatory headlines. Drawing from experiences in both small rural schools and larger districts, Principal JL dispels the myth that educators are indoctrinating students: "We are not sitting here indoctrinating students. From the seat I sit at, we do not do that." Instead, he paints a picture of education as a place where diverse individuals come together to learn and grow, where critical thinking is prioritized over ideology.

What happens when society loses the ability to engage in healthy debate? Principal JL laments the deterioration of discourse into shouting matches rather than evidence-based discussions. He challenges leaders to create environments where disagreement doesn't mean disrespect where "you may come to a conclusion where you guys agree to disagree, and that's okay." This approach requires consistency, resilience against criticism, and the courage to make unpopular decisions when necessary. The most powerful takeaway? Educational leaders must seize control of their own narrative. "Don't let other people tell your story," Principal JL urges, calling on fellow educators to highlight the positive impacts happening in their schools daily. By sharing these successes, we can collectively shift the conversation around public education and remind communities of the vital work happening behind school doors. Share this message if it resonates with you, and remember to always stay curious and strive to be 1% better every day.

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Ever wonder what makes a truly exceptional school leader? Bill Curry, recently named Nebraska's 2025 Middle School Principal of the Year, offers a refreshing perspective that might surprise you.

Curry's journey into education began unexpectedly when a high school crush asked for help with algebra. That simple tutoring session revealed his natural teaching ability and set him on a path through classroom teaching, college basketball coaching, and ultimately school leadership. His candid admission that he secured his first principalship partly by agreeing to drive the school bus reveals a leadership philosophy grounded in humility and service—do whatever it takes to make your school successful.

At Boone Central Middle School, Curry and his team have created what they call "The Cardinal Way," a framework that transformed a struggling school culture into one of shared purpose and consistent achievement. Through intentional systems designed to withstand leadership turnover (the school has had five superintendents in six years!), they've created remarkable stability and success for students. Their approach focuses on three core values: building character, creating opportunities, and striving for success.

What's most striking about Curry's leadership is his passionate belief that credit belongs to his teachers. "They don't give coach of the year honors to coaches who coach mediocre teams," he explains. "Teachers have a way of making principals look pretty good." This perspective underscores a crucial truth about educational leadership—supporting excellence in others creates the conditions for everyone to thrive.

For aspiring leaders, Curry offers practical wisdom: identify your personal strengths, build a strong support network, and learn from mentors who've positively influenced you. Rather than trying to be someone you're not, leverage your authentic self to connect with students and staff.

Ready to rethink what makes an award-winning school leader? Listen now to discover how genuine relationships, sustainable systems, and a commitment to celebrating success can transform educational communities.

Connect with Bill Curry:

Email: [email protected]

Click Here: to be a Bus Driver in Nebraska

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What if the most powerful leadership quality isn't perfection, but authentic vulnerability? Jayme Braida, Iowa's Elementary Principal of the Year and National Distinguished Principal, demonstrates how embracing imperfection revolutionized her approach to educational leadership.

Jayme's journey didn't follow a straight path. She "stumbled upon education" after changing majors multiple times in college, yet found herself naturally drawn to leadership roles. Her transformation from struggling classroom manager to award-winning principal hinged on one crucial realization: relationships matter more than rules. After traditional behavior management techniques failed with a challenging class, Jayme discovered that connecting with students personally was the missing ingredient to success.

This philosophy – creating environments where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued – now defines her leadership approach. "A culture can only rise higher than the leader you're becoming," Jayme explains, emphasizing how her own childhood experiences with trauma shaped her commitment to creating safe, welcoming spaces for all students and staff. From dancing on the front lawn with students each morning to openly acknowledging when personal struggles affect her work, Jamie models the vulnerability she hopes to see in her school community.

What makes Jayme's message particularly powerful is her willingness to share her full humanity. When facing divorce, a community member told her, "You can't get divorced. You are leading a school." This unrealistic expectation motivated Jayme to champion authenticity in leadership. Her upcoming book "Seen, Heard, Valued: One Child's Journey from Overlooked to Outstanding" explores how personal challenges prepared her for leadership and shaped her values.

Connect with Jayme Braida by clicking the Links Below!

Jayme Braida's Website:

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When a rural Nebraska principal discovered a behavioral problem with freshmen students, he turned to an unlikely source of inspiration: African bull elephants. Jerry Mack, the 2025 Nebraska State High School Principal of the Year, shares how this wildlife management concept transformed his school's culture by empowering seniors as leaders and mentors.

Growing up poor in small-town Nebraska, Jerry initially entered education simply to coach sports, but discovered a passion for teaching mathematics and eventually leadership. His innovative "bull elephant" approach began with a powerful first-day assembly where he positions seniors as the leaders of the building, then privately coaches them on using their influence responsibly. The results speak volumes – significantly reduced disciplinary issues and a thriving culture where underclassmen eagerly anticipate their future leadership roles.

Beyond student culture, Jerry shares his philosophy on staff culture, viewing it through the lens of family rather than hierarchy. "Families fight," he explains, but those disagreements stay within the building while support extends beyond school walls. This balance of accountability and care has created a tight-knit community at Chadron High School over his 15-year tenure as principal.

The conversation also explores the importance of educational advocacy, with both Jerry and the host sharing their experiences engaging with state legislators to ensure educators' voices are heard in policy decisions. For aspiring administrators, Jerry offers invaluable advice: "The principal is the number one factor that influences culture in a building," emphasizing that consistent messaging and intentional leadership can transform an entire school community.

Connect with Jerry through Chadron High School to learn more about his leadership approaches and how you might adapt them for your educational setting. What leadership strategies could you implement to transform your school's culture?

Connect with Jerry Mack:

email: [email protected]

Chadron X: @ChadronHS

Chadron High School Facebook:

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What does it take to truly connect with students who struggle? For Erin Jones, Assistant Principal at Sunrise Middle School, the answer lies in her own past. "I wasn't your picture-perfect student," she reveals, explaining how her personal challenges help her relate to behaviorally struggling students today.

This fascinating conversation explores Jones' unconventional path from school psychologist to educational leader. Rather than starting as a classroom teacher, she built expertise in student mental health and behavior before realizing she needed "a seat at the table" to create meaningful change. When a principal told her she was "built for middle school," she embraced her calling and never looked back.

Jones shares a powerful story about building trust with a challenging student who ultimately saw her office as a safe space during emotional crises. "He did exactly what his plan was," she reflects proudly, highlighting how creating psychological safety can transform student behavior. This student-centered approach defines her leadership philosophy and demonstrates the profound impact of meeting students where they are.

Currently implementing the Leader in Me program at her school and serving as president of her regional principals' association, Jones balances building-level leadership with broader educational advocacy. Her advice to aspiring administrators resonates with authenticity: "When it's the right opportunity, it will happen... you end up where you're supposed to be."

Whether you're considering educational leadership or simply looking to better understand challenging students, this episode offers valuable insights into creating school environments where everyone can thrive. How might your own struggles become your greatest teaching tools?

Connect with Mrs. Erin Jones:

Email: [email protected]

Sunrise Middle School Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SunriseMiddleSchool/

"Leadership in Me Program" Contact Sam Stecher for more Information: 

Email: [email protected] 

Phone: 308-627-1969

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