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

🎙 The Catholic School Leaders Podcast is dedicated to providing Catholic school leaders with practical insights, strategies, and inspiration to help grow their schools. Don’t miss an episode!

📢 Spread the Word!
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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!

Episode Summary:
Have you ever had someone walk into your office with an exciting new idea for a school event, and you felt the pressure to act on it immediately? Before you rush into planning, press pause.

In this episode, we discuss the common pitfalls of rushed event planning and how Catholic school leaders can create well-planned, mission-aligned, and impactful events. Whether it’s a fundraiser, community gathering, or student-centered activity, taking the time to plan with intentionality and patience can make all the difference.

Key Takeaways from Today’s Episode:

✅ Press Pause Before Acting – Rushing into an event without a plan often leads to logistical issues, overspending, and frustration. Take time to assess feasibility before diving in.

✅ Define Your Event’s Purpose – Ask: Why are we doing this? Every event should align with your school’s mission, values, and goals (fundraising, community-building, student engagement, etc.).

✅ Work Backwards from Success – What does a successful event look like? Define the end goal and create a realistic timeline to ensure all key details are addressed.

✅ Budgeting Matters – Outline costs early and avoid last-minute financial surprises. Quality over speed ensures better results and responsible financial management.

✅ Know Your Target Audience – Who is this event for? Tailor your marketing, messaging, and outreach to engage the right people and maximize attendance.

✅ Create a Planning Checklist – Cover logistics like venue selection, catering, marketing, entertainment, volunteer coordination, and cleanup. Every piece matters!

✅ Collaborate with Your Team – Regular check-ins with your leadership team ensure alignment, problem-solving, and a stronger, more engaged community.

✅ Post-Event Reflection is Key – Conduct a post-event audit to evaluate what worked, what didn’t, and what can be improved for future events.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

📌 Episode with Jason Curtis – Why defining your event’s purpose is critical
📌 Event Planning Post-Audit Guide – A step-by-step process for evaluating past events
📌 Elementary Advancement Framework – Learn more about community engagement strategies at ElementaryAdvancement.com

📌 Elementary Enrollment Framework – Learn more about our enrollment pillars for growth

Let’s Connect!

Planning an event at your school? Feeling stuck on fundraising or engagement efforts? Let’s chat! I’d love to help your school develop a tailored event strategy that fits your mission and goals.

📩 Email me to schedule a conversation – john@elementaryadvancement.com
🔗 Subscribe & Share – Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this podcast with fellow Catholic school leaders!

Thank you for tuning in to The Catholic School Leaders Podcast. Keep leading with faith, vision, and purpose!

#CatholicEducation #EventPlanning #SchoolLeadership #Advancement #FaithInAction

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Episode Summary:

In this episode of The Catholic School Leaders Podcast, we dive into one of the most critical factors in a school’s success: branding and communication. In today’s competitive educational environment, Catholic schools must develop a strong, clear, and compelling brand to attract families, engage alumni, and secure donor support.

John shares actionable strategies for Catholic school leaders to refresh their brand, create high-quality marketing materials, and develop a budget-friendly marketing plan to ensure their school’s mission is communicated effectively.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Your Brand is More Than a Logo – It’s the story people tell about your school when you’re not around.
✅ Marketing Materials Matter – Ensure brochures, flyers, and newsletters reflect your mission today, not five years ago.
✅ Budget-Friendly Marketing – Effective branding doesn’t have to break the bank; great strategies exist for under $1,000.
✅ Your Website is Your Digital Front Door – If it’s outdated or hard to navigate, it could be turning prospective families away.
✅ Leverage Parent Ambassadors & Alumni – Word-of-mouth and community engagement are powerful enrollment tools.

💡 Key Quote: “Branding is what people say about you when you’re not around.” – Kirby Hasseman. Listen to the episode, "Delivering Marketing Joy" with Kirby Hasseman.

Resources & Next Steps:

📌 Visit: elementaryadvancement.com for resources like The Pillars for Successful Advancement and Enrollment Growth
📖 Download: Keys to a Successful Catholic School for actionable insights
📅 Schedule a Call: Want to learn more about creating an effective marketing strategy for under $1,000? Let’s chat! Email john@elementaryadvancement.com

Connect & Support the Podcast

📩 Email John: john@elementaryadvancement.com
🔗 Follow John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnmihalyo/

🎙 Like, Subscribe & Share!

If this episode was helpful, please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. Share it with other Catholic school leaders to strengthen Catholic education together!

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Description: In this episode of The Catholic School Leaders Podcast, host John Mihalyo chats with Barb Flowers, a Life and Leadership Coach, about actionable time management strategies for Catholic school leaders. From auditing your schedule to setting boundaries and avoiding unnecessary meetings, discover how to free up hours in your week and focus on what truly matters. 🌟 Tune in for insights that can transform how you lead and manage your time effectively.

Show Notes:

1. What You’ll Learn:
   • Practical tips to reclaim hours in your week.
   • The power of delegation and setting boundaries.
   • How to avoid common time-wasters like unnecessary meetings.
2. Resources Mentioned:
   • Barb Flowers Coaching Website: Find Barb's courses, action plans, and her free checklist to help you disconnect from school and set healthy boundaries.
3. Connect with John Mihalyo:
   • Website: Elementary Advancement
   • Free Guide: Keys to a Successful Catholic School
   • LinkedIn: Connect with John
   • Email: john@elementaryadvancement.com

Key Takeaway: Implementing these time management strategies will not only save you hours each week but also help you lead with greater clarity and focus. Tune in now! 🎙️

In this episode of the Catholic School Leaders Podcast, John Mihalyo delves into the essentials of creating a strong literacy program with Linda Rhyne, owner of Linda Rhyne Consulting and founding president of the Reading League of North Carolina. Together, they explore actionable strategies for integrating faith and academic growth, explicit and systematic instruction, and the effective use of technology in literacy education. The episode also highlights Linda's experience and passion for literacy, along with practical advice for educators and school leaders to improve their literacy programs, even with limited resources.

In this episode, host John Mihalyho explores the intersection of faith and scouting with guests Fr. Gerard Gentleman, National Chaplain for the National Catholic Committee on Scouting, and John Anthony, Chair of the National Catholic Committee on Scouting. They discuss how the principles of Catholic education align with scouting, the history and mission of Catholic Scouting, leadership development in scouts, and unique activities and experiences within the organization.

Key topics include:

• the impact of scouting on faith formation
• the importance of community involvement
• future goals for Catholic Scouting in America