Redefining Professional Growth Through Collaboration and Trust

Graduation Years: 1998, 2002
Degrees: B.A. Health and Exercise Science; M.A. Educational Leadership
Current Title: Principal, Lenape High School

Cultivating a Culture of Growth

For nearly two decades as principal of Lenape High School, Tony Cattani has built something extraordinary: a school culture where teachers learn from one another, students thrive, and professional growth is deeply personal.

Cattani’s approach centers on personalized professional development—a model that turns every classroom into an opportunity for collaboration. Through peer observations, collegiality cafés, and solving circles, Lenape’s educators continuously refine their craft while supporting one another.

“The education profession can be isolating if we allow it to be,” Cattani says. “At Lenape, we’ve created a community of learners, striving to be more like our best.”

Peer Observations and Beyond

At the heart of Lenape’s innovation is its peer observation program, which empowers teachers to identify their strengths—such as classroom management, growth mindset, or lesson design—and invite colleagues to observe and learn from them.

In just seven years, Lenape staff have completed over 4,000 peer observations—all voluntarily, with teachers using their prep time to observe peers. “There are more than 700 opportunities each day for our staff to see vivid examples of effective instruction,” Cattani explains.

This grassroots model has transformed professional learning from a top-down mandate into a shared mission. Teachers now choose how they grow, fueling a sense of ownership and pride in their work.

Collegiality Cafés and Solving Circles

Cattani and his team have extended the spirit of collaboration through Collegiality Cafés, where teachers lead sessions for peers, and Solving Circles, which have replaced traditional faculty meetings.

In Solving Circles, staff gather in small groups to tackle prompts related to instruction and school culture, inputting ideas into shared forms that shape administrative decisions. “These conversations lead growth among our staff,” Cattani says. “They’ve made us stronger as a team and as a school.”

A Principal with Pride

Beyond Lenape, Cattani shares best practices with leaders nationwide through The Proud Principals Podcast, a platform that celebrates innovative school leadership.

Named the 2025 NASSP National High School Principal of the Year, Cattani remains humble yet proud of what his community has achieved. “Personalizing professional development,” he says, “means making our good teachers great—by making them more like our best.”