Afleveringen

  • 🎙 Guests: Julie Capirchio & Dr. Shannon McMahon
    📅 Host: John Mihalyo


    Episode Overview

    In this inspiring episode of The Catholic School Leaders Podcast, John Mihalyo welcomes Julie Capirchio, Principal of St. Joseph’s School (RI), and Dr. Shannon McMahon, Director of the EAGLE Program, to share how they are transforming Catholic education through inclusion.


    The EAGLE Program (Educating All Abilities in a God-Centered Learning Environment) is breaking barriers by making Catholic schools more accessible to students with mild to moderate learning differences. Julie and Shannon discuss their journey—from an idea to a fully implemented program—and how faith, perseverance, and the right support system made it possible.


    If you're a Catholic school leader wondering how to serve ALL students while staying true to your mission, this episode is for you!


    Key Topics Covered:

    ✅ What is the EAGLE Program? – A unique inclusion model providing support for students with learning differences.
    ✅ How It All Started – The personal stories and experiences that led to this groundbreaking initiative.
    ✅ Overcoming Barriers – Addressing funding challenges, faculty concerns, and parental buy-in.
    ✅ Building a Sustainable Program – The financial model, donor engagement, and long-term vision.
    ✅ Supporting Teachers – How to equip faculty with the tools and mindset to support inclusion.
    ✅ Impact on Students – How the program is enhancing the entire school community, not just the students enrolled in EAGLE.
    ✅ Advice for School Leaders – What administrators need to know about starting an inclusion program at their own school.


    Join a Catholic School Leaders Mastermind PLC Group!

    Want to connect with like-minded Catholic school leaders to share best practices, get real-time solutions, and grow your school’s mission?

    ✔️ A trusted community of Catholic school leaders
    ✔️ Actionable strategies for enrollment, retention, advancement, and leadership
    ✔️ Live discussions and support from peers

    📢 Spots are limited! Click here to book a free call to learn more!


    Resources & Links:

    🔹 Follow Julie Capirchio & Shannon McMahon on LinkedIn
    🔹 Book a Free Consultation with John Mihalyo


    Final Takeaway

    Catholic schools should be for everyone—and Julie and Shannon prove that where there’s a mission, there’s a way.Their dedication to inclusion is changing lives and setting a precedent for Catholic schools everywhere.


    📩 Let’s Connect!
    Join the conversation on LinkedIn and share your thoughts on inclusion in Catholic schools. If you found this episode helpful, please like, subscribe, and share it with your network!

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

  • Episode Title: The Power of a Coach’s Mindset in Education
    🎙 Guest: Coach Carlos Johnson
    📅 Host: John Mihalyo


    Episode Overview

    In this episode of The Catholic School Leaders Podcast, John Mihalyo sits down with Coach Carlos Johnson, an educator, consultant, and author of Power Engage, to discuss the transformative impact of a coach’s mindset in teaching and leadership.


    Carlos believes that every teacher should be a coach—not just an instructor, but a mentor who builds relationships, fosters trust, and helps students find their "why." With real-life examples, research-backed strategies, and infectious energy, Carlos shares how educators can engage students deeply, inspire lifelong learning, and create school cultures that thrive.


    Whether you're a Catholic school principal, teacher, or administrator, this episode will help you rethink how relationships impact student success—and how you can harness a coach’s mindset to transform your school community.


    Key Topics Covered:

    ✅ The Coach’s Mindset – Why teachers must go beyond instruction and mentor students like a coach.
    ✅ The One Thing Concept – How focusing on one key area can make everything else easier or unnecessary.
    ✅ The Power of Relationships – Why learning is a human experience, and why relationships must come first.
    ✅ Helping Students Find Their "Why" – Strategies to connect lessons to students' lives and goals.
    ✅ Project-Based Learning – How making education hands-on and relevant boosts engagement and retention.
    ✅ Avoiding Burnout – Why teachers and leaders need support, mentorship, and professional connections.


    Join a Catholic School Leaders Mastermind PLC Groups!

    Feeling isolated as a Catholic school leader? Join my Mastermind Group to connect with like-minded Catholic educators, share best practices, and gain strategies to improve leadership, enrollment, and school culture.

    ✔️ A trusted community of Catholic school leaders
    ✔️ Actionable strategies for enrollment, retention, and advancement
    ✔️ Live discussions and support from peers

    📢 Spots are limited! Book a free call to learn more!


    Resources & Links:

    🔹 Connect with Coach Carlos Johnson: carlosjohnson.org
    🔹 Check out Power Engage by Carlos Johnson on Amazon

    Elementary Advancement Solutions Links & Resources:
    🔹 Book a Free Consultation with John Mihalyo
    🔹 Join a Catholic School Leaders Mastermind Group
    🔹 Check out resources and materials at Elementary Advancement Solutions!


    Final Takeaway

    Education isn’t just about delivering content—it’s about building relationships and helping students discover their purpose. By adopting a coach’s mindset, educators can inspire, engage, and truly transform their students' lives.


    📩 Let’s Connect!
    Join the conversation on LinkedIn and share your thoughts on building strong relationships in Catholic schools. If you found this episode helpful, please like, subscribe, and share it with your network!


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

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  • Episode Title: Rethinking Tuition – A Cost-Based, Need-Based Model

    🎙 Guest: Donna Moss
    📅 Host: John Mihalyo


    Episode Overview

    In this episode of The Catholic School Leaders Podcast, John Mihalyo sits down with his former colleague and friend, Donna Moss, to discuss a game-changing approach to tuition: the cost-based, need-based model.


    Many Catholic schools set tuition arbitrarily—raising rates by a small percentage each year without truly analyzing their financial needs. Donna shares her experience of shifting to a data-driven tuition model that ensures sustainability, strengthens school finances, and provides greater transparency for families.


    Whether you’re a principal, business manager, or advancement director, this episode will challenge you to rethink your tuition strategy and take a more intentional approach to financial planning.


    Key Topics Covered:

    ✅ The Problem with Traditional Tuition Models – Why relying on fundraising and soft money creates financial instability.
    ✅ What is a Cost-Based, Need-Based Model? – Understanding the concept and how it works in real schools.
    ✅ The Transition Process – How to phase in cost-based tuition without shocking families.
    ✅ Parent & Parish Communication – Strategies for educating stakeholders and gaining buy-in.
    ✅ Balancing Tuition & Advancement – Why tuition should cover operating costs, and fundraising should fund school improvements.
    ✅ The Impact on Teacher Salaries & Retention – How shifting the tuition model can help attract and retain great teachers.

    Resources & Links:

    🔹 Visit Elementary Advancement Solutions for great resources!
    🔹 Book a Free Consultation with John Mihalyo
    🔹 Connect with Donna Moss on LinkedIn

    Final Takeaway

    Tuition setting should be strategic, not arbitrary. Moving toward a cost-based, need-based model ensures your school’s long-term sustainability while providing transparency for families. It’s a bold move, but one that will leave your school stronger for the future.

    📩 Let’s Connect!
    Join the conversation on LinkedIn and share your thoughts on tuition models in Catholic schools. If you found this episode helpful, please like, subscribe, and share it with your network!

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

  • 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/AILinkedIn: Jethro Jones on LinkedInTwitter/X: @JethroJonesTransformative 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!
    Enjoyed this episode? Share it with fellow Catholic school leaders and leave us a rating and review!

  • 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 – [email protected]
    🔗 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

    Join the Elementary Advancement Solutions Newsletter to get updates, tips, resources, and information about Catholic education.

  • 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 [email protected]


    Connect & Support the Podcast

    📩 Email John: [email protected]
    🔗 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!

    Join Elementary Advancement Solutions newsletter with great tips, information, and resources delivered right to your email.

  • 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:

    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.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.Connect with John Mihalyo:Website: Elementary AdvancementFree Guide: Keys to a Successful Catholic SchoolLinkedIn: Connect with JohnEmail: [email protected]

    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 involvementfuture goals for Catholic Scouting in America
  • In this episode of the Catholic School Leaders podcast, John Mihalyo discusses leadership in Catholic education during the festive season, urging school leaders to also prepare for the return to school in January. From maintaining normalcy to effective communication and self-care, John shares practical tips to ensure a smooth transition back to school after the holidays.

  • In this episode, John Mihalyo and John Mariucci discuss the differences between leadership and management in educational settings. They explore the challenges and strategies for transitioning from managerial roles to leadership positions, emphasizing the importance of vision, strategic thinking, and continuous improvement. The conversation touches on practical tips for new leaders, the significance of building trust and relationships, and the essential qualities of effective leadership.

  • In this episode, John Mihalyo is joined by Dr. Brett Salkeld, an archdiocesan theologian and the founder of Making Every Class Catholic. The discussion revolves around integrating Catholic identity in the classroom, practical ways to achieve this, and the significance of permeating Catholic values across various subjects in education. Brett shares insights from his book, 'Educating for Eternity,' and emphasizes the importance of framing education within a Catholic worldview for both teachers and students.

  • In this episode, host John Mihalyo talks with Tanya Sheckley, an innovative educator and leader. They explore what it means to challenge the status quo in education, the importance of community engagement, and how to facilitate meaningful change in schools. The discussion delves into fostering a culture of learning and innovation, the role of fear in resisting change, and the significance of having a clear vision and communicating it consistently.

  • This episode features the second part of John's interview with Leanne Nicol. Leanne shares her extensive experience in leading school improvements in faith-based schools and offers valuable advice on creating a strong school culture, building trust, and inspiring leadership. This discussion dives into the Paschal mystery of life, death, and resurrection as a metaphor for cultural change in schools, addressing common challenges leaders face and providing practical strategies for navigating transitions.

  • In this episode, John Mihalyo interviews Leanne Nicol about the importance of school culture, leadership, and the role of core values in Catholic education. They discuss how school culture is defined, its critical role in creating a great Catholic school, and the fundamentals of aligning core values with everyday practices. Leanne also shares insights from her experience with the Sydney Catholic Schools and her upcoming book, The Fierce Hearted Leader. Tune in next week for part two.

  • In this episode, John Mihalyo chats with Dr. Karen Dudek-Brannan, the founder of Dr. Karen LLC. They discuss executive functioning, language literacy, and how therapists and educators can design impactful interventions. Dr. Karen shares invaluable insights and practical strategies for Catholic school leaders, teachers, and parents to support student success both in and out of the classroom.

    01:58 Discussing Executive Functioning
    02:30 Importance of Reviews and Sharing
    03:46 Keys to a Successful Catholic School
    05:30 Dr. Karen's Background in Education
    05:42 Executive Functioning Explained
    05:50 Dr. Karen's Interventions and Strategies
    18:38 The Role of Collaborations
    32:40 Strategy Highlights
    34:06 Early Executive Functioning Skills Development
    41:11 Commonly Asked Questions
    43:53 Empowerment Through Collaboration

  • In this episode, John discusses the importance of performing an annual 'physical' or check-up for Catholic schools. He covers key areas including enrollment, fundraising, and budgeting, offering practical advice and strategies to ensure schools are set up for success.

    00:22 The Seasonal Shift
    00:44 Annual Physical for Your School
    08:13 Fundraising & Advancement
    13:05 Budgeting

  • In this episode, John discusses the importance of identifying and promoting the unique qualities of each Catholic school. He challenges listeners to think beyond the expected answers and highlights strategies for honest and accurate representation of their schools' strengths. Additionally, the episode offers a free resource, 'The Keys to a Successful Catholic School', to help schools engage in meaningful conversations about their unique attributes.

    00:36 The Question: What Makes Your School Unique?

    05:33 Beyond the Baseline

    06:27 Being Honest and Accurate

    07:59 Thinking About the Future

    10:03 Keys to a Successful Catholic School

    14:28 Recap