Proud Principals Podcast with Tony Cattani

#64 - POY Series - Chelsea Gallagher - Washington POY - Culture by Design

Chelsea Gallagher is the 2025 Washington Principal of the Year Chelsea has served as the principal of Mt. Spokane High School for five years. She began her career with eight years of teaching high school English, followed by one year as Dean of Students and six years as an Assistant Principal. Gallagher knew in third grade that education was her calling, despite a brief childhood dream of becoming a professional ghost buster. Her commitment to servant leadership has: increased graduation rates, enhanced academic success for marginalized groups (particularly multilingual students), improved student belonging, and maintenance of a collaborative culture. She focuses on utilizing professional learning communities to ensure high levels of learning for every student. Gallagher shares her award as the 2025 Washington Principal of the year with her dedicated staff, students, and entire school community for their commitment to serving one another as they work together to create a school where everyone wants to be even when they don’t have to be there.   Email - chelsea.gallagher@mead354.org [chelsea.gallagher@mead354.org] Instagram - mt.spokane.wildcats

#63 - David Zatta (New Jersey) - Preschool Pathways

David Zatta is the principal South Plainfield Preschool in New Jersey.  He makes sure his Tiny Tigers identity as part of everything they do. Through their words, visuals, celebrations, and family involvement, they help thier youngest students and their families feel like they belong. He is proud of their hands-on, theme-based curriculum and the strong connections we have built with parents through real-world connection events. They invite families to join their school-wide events, share their skills, and help shape their themes. This shows children that their families are important partners in learning. He focuses on equity by making sure all students have real-world, first-hand experiences and by removing barriers to help everyone access the curriculum. These efforts have built trust, increased engagement, and created a lively school community where learning goes beyond the classroom. Davis was also honored to be recognized for instructional leadership in a Tools of the Mind article and as a presenter at the Tools of the Mind–TEACH national conference. David Zatta shares their process of creating meaningful preschool pathway opportunities for his Tiny Tigers school community. He discusses the following on this episode:  Tiny Tiger Pizza Palace Veterinary Medical  Utility services While these themed experiences create opportunities for his students to explore these roles in their community, it also exposes them to scenarios which create competence in interacting in these environments.   Contact for more information: Email - dzatta@spboe.org Instagram - @dazatta

#62 - Kim Aman (South Dakota Elem. POY) - Standards Based Grading K-5

Kim Aman is South Dakota's 2026 Elementary School Principal of the Year. Kim is the proud principal of Simmons Elementary School. Simmons Elementary School has improved support systems for students, especially those with behavioral and social-emotional needs, while creating a positive, inclusive environment based on a “Kids First” philosophy. Kim has been in education for about 34 years. She started out as a preschool teacher then finished her degree and have taught mostly lower elementary with 25 years in kindergarten. Kim is going on her fourteenth year as an elementary school principal. Grading From the Inside Out - Author - Tom Schimmer   Instagram - @kimluvmy4 @KimAman_abe threads - kimluvmy4 Email: Kim.F.Aman@k12.sd.us [Kim.F.Aman@k12.sd.us]

#61 - Gisela Ciancia (New Jersey) - Wash and Learn - Creating a Cultural Hub

Gisela Ciancia is New Jersey's 2025-2026 Visionary Elementary School Leader of the Year. She is the proud principal of Roosevelt Elementary school in New Brunswick, New Jersey.  Ciancia is highly regarded for her culture-building and hands-on approach to education. Some of her most notable achievements and initiatives include:  * Visionary Leadership: She earned the prestigious NJPSA Visionary award for her dedication to supporting faculty, engaging parents, and connecting with the local community. * Wash and Learn: She pioneered highly creative community programs like "Wash and Learn," which brings reading and enrichment opportunities directly to students and families in local laundromats after school. * Rock the Block: She also extends school influence and family engagement through community-wide events like "Rock the Block".  Gisela' s advice to school leaders:  1. Listen to community voices. 2. Meet Families where they are.  If you want to learn from a dynamic school leader who brings learning and partnerships with her community, this is the episode for you. Her journey and efforts are making a difference in her school community.    NJPSA Gisela Ciancia Visionary Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nn1IbGkpli0 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nn1IbGkpli0]   Contact Gisela for more information or to donate books to the Roosevelt Elementary Wash and Learn.  Instagram @PrincipalCiancia @nbpschools

#60 - Joe Ballard (Poteau, Oklahoma) - Creating a Legacy

Joe Ballard is the 2024 NASSP Oklahoma High School Principal of the Year Joe is the principal of Poteau High School in Poteau, OK. He is known for his unwavering dedication to educational excellence and inclusivity. A proud member of the Cherokee Nation, he has been a trailblazer in promoting cultural heritage. He implemented a groundbreaking policy that allows Native American students to wear Native regalia during graduation ceremonies. This policy, endorsed by the Choctaw Nation, reflects his commitment to honoring the diverse backgrounds of his students. Contact Joe Ballard X-@jballard710 [X-@jballard710] Instagram - @jballard710