Catholic School Leaders Podcast: Show Notes

Episode Title: Expanding Catholic Education for All with Martha Murray
Host: John Mihalyo
Guest: Martha Murray, National Director of the Tom & Terri Murphy Foundation

Episode Summary:
In this inspiring episode, John is joined by Martha Murray, a passionate Catholic educator and advocate for inclusive education. Martha shares the powerful and personal story of her son Philip, whose journey through Catholic education sparked the creation of inclusive programs at both the high school and college levels. From the Options Program at Bishop Hendricken High School to the groundbreaking VUnited Scholars program at Villanova University, Martha walks us through how these models came to life—and how your school can begin a similar journey.

Whether you're leading a preschool, elementary, high school, or college, this episode is a must-listen for any Catholic school leader who believes in creating a faith-filled, inclusive community where every student belongs.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• How Martha’s personal story led to a national movement for inclusion in Catholic schools
• Why inclusion isn’t charity—it’s justice
• What sustainable, inclusive programs look like in Catholic elementary, high school, and college settings
• How peer mentorship transforms school culture
• Advice for school leaders who want to begin inclusion work but don’t know where to start
• The role of community, donor support, and strong leadership in launching new programs
• Why Catholic schools must reflect the fullness of the Church by welcoming all learners

Key Quote:

Connect with Martha Murray:
Want to learn more about inclusion in Catholic schools or talk with Martha directly? Visit https://tmurphyfoundation.org/.

Listen + Subscribe
Know another school leader who needs to hear this conversation? Share this episode and help strengthen Catholic education across the country. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review!

Let’s Connect:
Want to talk more about how to grow your school’s mission, enrollment, or advancement?
Visit www.elementaryadvancement.com or check the show notes below to set up a free conversation with John.

Episode Title: How to Get the Most Out of the NCEA Conference

Host: John Mihalyo

Episode Summary:

Are you heading to the NCEA Conference in Orlando this year? Whether it’s your first time or you’ve been to several, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you get the most out of the experience.

In this solo episode, John shares what he learned during his first NCEA Conference last year in Pittsburgh—from how to navigate the jam-packed session schedule to why the Whova app might just become your best friend.

John also discusses the power of stepping outside your comfort zone, how to turn online connections into in-person conversations, and how this conference is about more than professional development—it's about being part of the mission of Catholic education.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Plan Ahead for Sessions – Review the breakout offerings before you arrive and consider dividing them up among your team.
✅ Use the Whova App – This free tool will help you navigate the event, connect with others, and keep track of your schedule.
✅ Attend Daily Mass and Keynotes – Some of the most powerful and inspiring moments of the conference happen here.
✅ Step Outside Your Circle – Don’t just stick with people from your school—meet new people, expand your network, and grow.
✅ Take Advantage of Meetups – Check Whova for informal gatherings based on roles, regions, or interests.
✅ Connect with Vendors – The vendor hall is a great opportunity to discover new tools and resources—and pick up some great swag.
✅ Reconnect with Old Friends – Be open to unexpected reunions and intentional connections with people from past roles.
✅ This Is More Than PD – The NCEA Conference is a celebration of the Catholic school mission—come ready to be inspired and renewed.

Resources Mentioned:

📲 Whova App – Available for iOS and Android
📅 NCEA 2025 Site and Resources
🧰 Free Tools for Catholic Schools from Elementary Advancement Solutions
🗓️ Book a Strategy Call – Schedule a time with John

Sponsor:

🚀 This episode is brought to you by Elementary Advancement Solutions, your partner in enrollment, advancement, and strategic leadership for Catholic schools. Check out our tools, resources, and coaching opportunities online.

Guest: Will Parker
Host: John Mihalyo, Elementary Advancement Solutions

In this episode, John is joined by author and leadership coach Will Parker, whose book Messaging Matters was featured in John’s list of 11 School Leadership Books Every Principal Should Read.

The focus of this episode is on one of the most important—and often overlooked—aspects of school leadership: communication. Whether it's with students, faculty, parents, or the greater community, communication can either build momentum in your school—or hold it back.

Will and John explore practical, powerful ways that school leaders can embed strong communication practices into their daily leadership habits. You’ll hear how messaging isn’t just about what you say—it’s also how you show up, what you prioritize, and how you consistently celebrate your mission.

This is a conversation full of actionable strategies, real-life examples, and plenty of inspiration. If you’ve ever heard feedback that your school “needs better communication,” this episode is for you.

💡 Topics Covered:

• Why communication is often the missing link in effective school leadership
• How to build intentional communication into your calendar
• Moving from “maintenance” to “mission” in your messaging
• The importance of being your school’s chief storyteller
• How your daily actions (not just words) communicate your values
• Practical ways to engage students, parents, and faculty through messaging
• Celebrating the 95% of students doing the right thing—without ignoring the 5% who aren’t
• Why schools must lead the narrative—or risk someone else telling the wrong one

📌 Key Takeaways:

• If communication is a priority, it should be on your calendar
• The most effective messaging is embedded into your existing routines
• Students, parents, and teachers all want to feel seen, heard, and valued
• Telling the right stories about your school builds trust and momentum
• The more visible and present you are, the more your actions speak for you
• Celebrate your mission often—because people will talk about what you give them to talk about

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

• Check out Will's books at this link!
• Get a copy of Will's his new book "Whose Permission are You Waiting For?"
• Schedule a free consultation with John to talk about your school's advancement, enrollment, or leadership goals

📲 Stay Connected:

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this podcast with other Catholic school leaders in your network.

Want to talk about what’s happening in your school?
Let’s connect. Visit elementaryadvancement.com and schedule a time with John.

🎙 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: 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/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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