Catholic School Leaders Podcast: Show Notes

Episode Title: Unlocking Literacy and Math Strategies with Linda Ryan (Part 2)

Host: John Mihalyo

Guest: Linda Rhyne, Literacy Consultant and Founder of Linda Rhyne Consulting

Episode Summary:

In this follow-up conversation with literacy expert Linda Rhyne, we continue our deep dive into effective literacy strategies for Catholic schools. If you haven’t listened to Part 1, check out Episode 47, where we laid the foundation for literacy success. In this episode, we expand the discussion to include math strategies, data-driven decision-making, and practical classroom applications that support comprehension across subjects.

Linda shares invaluable insights into how educators can leverage literacy skills to enhance student performance, not just in reading but in math and beyond. She also provides actionable strategies to ensure that data is being used effectively to inform instruction and support student growth. Whether you're a teacher, administrator, or parent, this episode is packed with practical takeaways you can implement immediately.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Data-Informed Decision Making – How to analyze mid-year benchmark data effectively and ensure it truly informs instructional practices.

✅ The Power of Comprehension – Why reading comprehension is a process, not a product, and how to shift instructional focus accordingly.

✅ Math & Literacy Connection – The impact of literacy skills on math performance, particularly in understanding word problems.

✅ Breaking Down Text for Deeper Understanding – How to help students navigate complex texts sentence by sentence.

✅ Engaging Students in Reading – The importance of using high-interest texts to foster motivation and deeper engagement.

✅ Using Informal Data for Instructional Adjustments – Why formative assessments and student discussions can provide more insight than standardized test scores alone.

✅ Encouragement for Educators – Practical strategies to help teachers and administrators work smarter, not harder, as they approach the home stretch of the school year.

Resources Mentioned:

• Nancy Hennessy’s "The Reading Comprehension Blueprint" – A resource for structuring reading comprehension instruction.
• Scarborough’s Rope Model – Understanding the components of skilled reading.
• Linda Ryan Consulting Website – Visit for additional resources, workshops, and professional development.

Connect with Our Guest:

📌 Website: https://www.lindarhyneconsulting.com
📌 Social Media & YouTube: Find recorded workshops and free resources on literacy instruction.

Sponsor:

🚀 This episode is brought to you by Elementary Advancement Solutions, dedicated to supporting Catholic school leaders in enrollment, advancement, and strategic leadership. Visit ElementaryAdvancement.com to learn more and access valuable resources.

Stay Connected:

📩 Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with John Mihalyo on LinkedIn.
📢 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this podcast with fellow Catholic school leaders.

Episode Summary

In this episode of The Catholic School Leaders Podcast, I sit down with Jethro Jones—an award-winning educator, consultant, and host of the Transformative Principal Podcast. Jethro has been a leader in school innovation for over a decade, and today, he joins me to discuss a hot topic in education: artificial intelligence (AI).

We explore how AI is transforming the way schools operate, the practical benefits it offers to Catholic school leaders, and the fears surrounding its use. Jethro shares real-world applications of AI in schools, how educators can leverage it effectively, and why Catholic school leaders should embrace AI to prepare students for the future.

Key Topics in This Episode:
✅ Jethro’s journey in education and why he started the Transformative Principal Podcast
✅ The real definition of AI and what it can (and can't) do
✅ The role of AI in Catholic schools and its potential benefits
✅ How AI can help streamline administrative tasks and lesson planning
✅ The ethical concerns and fears surrounding AI in education
✅ Practical ways Catholic school leaders can start implementing AI today

Guest Bio

Jethro Jones is a former principal turned education consultant, keynote speaker, and the host of the Transformative Principal Podcast. He has worked with schools across the world to help educators innovate and improve learning. Jethro is an expert in AI, school leadership, and fostering a culture of connection in education.

🔗 Connect with Jethro Jones

• Website & AI Resources: Jethro.site/AI
• LinkedIn: Jethro Jones on LinkedIn
• Twitter/X: @JethroJones
• Transformative Principal Podcast: Listen Here

Episode Links & Resources

📌 AI Social Story for Teaching Students – Check it out here
📌 Book a Free Consultation with John Mihalyo – If you’re a Catholic school leader looking to develop an advancement plan for your school, let's talk! Schedule a call here.

✅ Follow on LinkedIn: John Mihalyo’s LinkedIn
✅ For more resources, visit Elementary Advancement Solutions

Follow & Subscribe

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Episode Title: Prioritizing Professional Growth as a Catholic School Leader

🎙 Guest: Anne Marie Maw
📅 Host: John Mihalyo

Episode Overview

In this episode of The Catholic School Leaders Podcast, John Mihalyo welcomes back Anne Marie Maw to discuss one of the most critical aspects of Catholic school leadership—professional growth.

Anne Marie shares her passion for continuous learning and how prioritizing professional development not only benefits school leaders personally but also strengthens their schools and communities. Together, John and Anne Marie explore practical strategies to integrate growth into an already packed schedule, combat burnout, and foster a culture of lifelong learning among staff and students.

Key Topics Covered:

✅ The Importance of Professional Growth – Why every Catholic school leader should make personal development a priority.
✅ Making Time for Learning – Practical strategies to fit professional growth into a busy schedule, even with thousands of responsibilities.
✅ Avoiding Micromanagement – The fine line between being detail-oriented and overly involved in daily operations.
✅ The Power of Networking – Leveraging mastermind groups, professional communities, and global connections to gain fresh perspectives.
✅ Balancing Leadership and Personal Well-Being – How setting boundaries and scheduling "office time" can help leaders avoid burnout.
✅ Free and Low-Cost PD Resources – Recommendations like LinkedIn, podcasts, and apps like Blinkist for continued learning.

Resources & Links:

🔹 Visit Elementary Advancement Solutions for resources, tips, and information for Catholic school leaders
🔹 Connect with John Mihalyo on LinkedIn
🔹 Connect with Anne-Marie Maw on LinkedIn
🔹 Check out Blinkist for Book Summaries: Blinkest Website
🔹 Book a Free Consultation with John Mihalyo

Mastermind Group Information
Want to learn more about the mastermind groups Anne-Marie and I discussed on this episode? Click here for more information.

Final Takeaway

Investing in your own professional growth isn't just an option—it's a necessity for effective leadership. Whether through structured PD, networking, or carving out intentional learning time, prioritizing growth helps you lead with confidence and avoid burnout.

📩 Let’s Connect!
Join the conversation on LinkedIn and share your thoughts on professional development for Catholic school leaders. If you found this episode helpful, please like, subscribe, and share it with your network!

🙏 Thanks for listening! God bless, and stay inspired!