In Search of Catholic School Excellence

Thomas Boles

In Search of Catholic School Excellence Exploring the programs, people, and practices making a difference in Catholic education. Join host Thomas Boles as we hear from principals, teachers, and innovators shaping the future of Catholic schools. Whether you're a leader looking for ideas or an advocate for Catholic education, this show is your guide to what’s working—and why it matters. Be sure to check out the show notes, as each episode comes with a companion guide to help you implement the ideas discussed during the episodes.

  1. 1d ago

    Let's Talk Books - Voices of Reason: Lessons from Liberty's Leaders. A Conversation with author Robert Begley

    Let's Talk Books - Voices of Reason: Lessons from Liberty's Leaders. A Conversation with author Robert Begley Great leaders aren't just good communicators—they're people whose words reflect their character. In this episode, Thomas sits down with communication coach and author Robert Begley to discuss Voices of Reason: Lessons from Liberty's Leaders. Drawing from some of history's most influential speeches, Robert shares practical lessons that can help educators, school leaders, and students become more confident, ethical, and persuasive communicators. Together they explore: Why communication begins with character, not charismaHow great speakers combine credibility, logic, and emotionPractical ways to overcome the fear of speaking in front of othersWhy schools should intentionally teach students how to think, speak, and listen wellHow effective communication builds trust, strengthens leadership, and helps people speak with courage when it matters most Whether you're leading a faculty meeting, teaching a classroom, or helping students find their voice, this conversation offers timeless principles for communicating with clarity, confidence, and purpose. Robert Begley - Most speakers talk. Few connect. Even fewer move people to act. At Speaking With Purpose LLC, I help executives, entrepreneurs, and rising leaders transform their communication so they both inform and influence. Whether you’re in a boardroom, on a stage, or pitching investors, your message needs to land with clarity, stick emotionally, and inspire change.   I’ve coached NYPD officers aiming for promotion, immigrants telling their freedom story, and CEOs selling big ideas to tough rooms. In each case, we didn’t just “polish” a talk—we built a message that commands the room and cements leadership as part of their identity. If you’re an expert who’s tired of being overlooked because your message doesn’t come across as confidently as your ideas deserve. Let’s change that. Ready to lead with your voice? Let’s speak with purpose. https://www.speakingwithpurpose.llc/ https://rbegley.substack.com/ If you want to see how the lessons of this book can influence your school, please schedule a time to talk with us today. https://bit.ly/Build-IT-Better-Together The In Search of Catholic School Excellence Podcast is brought to you by I Love My Tech Team.  When technology doesn’t work, Catholic school leaders lose time, trust, and momentum. We partner with schools to restore reliable systems, empower teachers, and create the foundation for innovative learning centered on students. Lead Your School Into What’s Possible with I Love My Tech Team. Restoring What’s Broken. Advancing What’s Possible. Find out more at https://ilovemytechteam.com

    Let's Talk Books - Voices of Reason: Lessons from Liberty's Leaders. A Conversation with author Robert Begley

  2. Jul 22

    Let's Talk Books - Controlled Chaos - A Conversation with author Eric Hall

    Let's Talk Books - Controlled Chaos A Conversation with author Eric Hall What if the most memorable lessons in school weren't found in a worksheet, but in an experience students never forgot? In this episode, Thomas sits down with retired teacher and author Eric Hall to discuss his book, Controlled Chaos, a collection of stories and lessons from 27 years in the classroom. Eric shares how creativity, humor, and meaningful relationships transformed everyday lessons into unforgettable learning experiences—and why engagement is one of the most powerful teaching tools we have. Together they explore: How to create classrooms where students want to come to schoolBuilding strong classroom communities through trust and connectionPractical ways to make ordinary lessons extraordinaryHow small changes can create lasting memories and deeper learning Whether you're a classroom teacher, principal, or instructional leader, this conversation will inspire you to look at your school through your students' eyes and discover new ways to make learning meaningful, memorable, and full of joy. Eric Hall is an award-winning educator, writer, and storyteller who has spent more than 27 years inspiring students in the classroom. A fifth-grade teacher in Cheboygan, Michigan, Hall is a three-time Teacher of the Year recipient, a winner of the American Red Cross Everyday Hero Award, was named one of the Top Educators of America, and has received a special teaching tribute from the Governor of Michigan. Known for his humor, creativity, and heart, Eric has built a career helping students see learning as both meaningful and fun.Beyond the classroom, Hall is a contributing writer for Edutopia, We Are Teachers, TEACH Magazine, and The Educator's Room. His reflections on teaching blend practical insight with laugh-out-loud storytelling, reaching educators and parents alike. His unique approach to education has even been featured on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, where his classroom adventures reached a national audience. If you want to see how the lessons of this book can influence your school, please schedule a time to talk with us today. https://bit.ly/Build-IT-Better-Together The In Search of Catholic School Excellence Podcast is brought to you by I Love My Tech Team.  When technology doesn’t work, Catholic school leaders lose time, trust, and momentum. We partner with schools to restore reliable systems, empower teachers, and create the foundation for innovative learning centered on students. Lead Your School Into What’s Possible with I Love My Tech Team. Restoring What’s Broken. Advancing What’s Possible. Find out more at https://ilovemytechteam.com

    Let's Talk Books - Controlled Chaos - A Conversation with author Eric Hall

  3. Jul 16

    Let's Talk Books - The Dip by Seth Godin Conversation with Pete McPherson of PeteMcpherson.com

    Let's Talk Books - The Dip by Seth Godin  Conversation with Pete McPherson of PeteMcpherson.com What separates successful schools from those that struggle to gain momentum? Sometimes, it's knowing what to keep pursuing—and what to let go. In this episode, Thomas is joined by entrepreneur Pete McPherson to discuss The Dip by Seth Godin and explore how its lessons apply to Catholic school leadership. Together, they unpack the difference between the temporary challenges that lead to growth and the dead-end initiatives that consume valuable time and resources. The conversation explores: How to recognize when perseverance is the right choice—and when it's time to quitWhy defining what your school does best is essential to long-term successThe danger of trying to be everything to everyoneHow leaders can continually reassess priorities and focus on what matters mostPractical ways to build a school culture that is intentional, distinctive, and always improving Whether you're evaluating a new initiative, refining your school's mission, or deciding where to invest your team's energy, this episode offers practical insights to help you focus on the work that truly moves your school forward. Pete McPherson is an entrepreneur, app builder, podcaster, and content creator who helps people build meaningful businesses and creative projects. A former CPA, Pete left corporate accounting to pursue entrepreneurship and has since launched multiple apps, websites, and podcasts, including the award-winning Do You Even Blog. Today, he focuses on building useful tools, experimenting with new ideas, and helping others think differently about work, creativity, and business. If you want to see how the lessons of this book can influence your school, please schedule a time to talk with us today. https://bit.ly/Build-IT-Better-Together The In Search of Catholic School Excellence Podcast is brought to you by I Love My Tech Team.  When technology doesn’t work, Catholic school leaders lose time, trust, and momentum. We partner with schools to restore reliable systems, empower teachers, and create the foundation for innovative learning centered on students. Lead Your School Into What’s Possible with I Love My Tech Team. Restoring What’s Broken. Advancing What’s Possible. Find out more at https://ilovemytechteam.com

    Let's Talk Books - The Dip by Seth Godin Conversation with Pete McPherson of PeteMcpherson.com

  4. Jul 9

    Let's Talk Books - Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck - A Conversation with Erika Bryant of Piece of Cake Marketing

    Let's Talk Books - Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck Conversation with Erika Bryant of Piece of Cake Marketing This is our summer series where we talk about a book that all teachers should know and use to shape their strategies for the coming year. Read, Re-read, Recharge and Recommit to your students.  This episode explores the ideas in the book Mindset and how adopting a growth mindset can transform the way educators, leaders, parents, and business owners approach challenges, learning, and success. Thomas is joined by Erika Bryant for a conversation about recognizing fixed mindset thinking, celebrating progress instead of outcomes, and creating environments where people feel safe to learn and grow.  They discuss practical strategies such as praising effort, embracing small experiments, replacing labels with curiosity, and viewing setbacks as opportunities to improve rather than signs of failure. The episode concludes with practical advice for school leaders on fostering a culture where students, teachers, and staff continually grow by focusing on the learning process rather than perfection.  Piece of Cake Marketing is your guide to marketing and business advisory services that turn great ideas into actionable steps. We help you find (and keep) your customers so you can get back to focusing on the parts of the business you love.  I’VE ALWAYS LOVED LEARNING AND HAVE A NATURAL KNACK FOR PROBLEM SOLVING. That means I’ve spent the majority of my life consuming every strategic marketing resource out there, building a collection of tools and strategies I can leverage at any time. I’ve tried, failed, and succeeded countless times in the last 20 years – so I know exactly which resource to pull out to help you get unstuck… no matter the business challenge you’re facing. I’ve spent the last five years specifically helping B2B service providers and other marketing experts reassess their businesses, create new revenue streams, and adjust their messaging and strategy to gain bigger market share – and now I want to help you too. Here are a couple of links discussed by Erika.  Choose again method by Gabby Bernstein 10 Forms of Twisted ThinkingIf you want to see how the lessons of this book can influence your school, please schedule a time to talk with us today. https://bit.ly/Build-IT-Better-Together The In Search of Catholic School Excellence Podcast is brought to you by I Love My Tech Team.  When technology doesn’t work, Catholic school leaders lose time, trust, and momentum. We partner with schools to restore reliable systems, empower teachers, and create the foundation for innovative learning centered on students. Lead Your School Into What’s Possible with I Love My Tech Team. Restoring What’s Broken. Advancing What’s Possible. Find out more at https://ilovemytechteam.com

    Let's Talk Books - Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck - A Conversation with Erika Bryant of Piece of Cake Marketing

  5. May 29

    18 - Walking With Families – with Theresa Flynn Houghton Building Community Through Long-Term Support

    18 - Walking With Families – with Theresa Flynn Houghton  Building Community Through Long-Term Support In this episode, Thomas sits down with De Marillac Academy President Theresa Flynn Houghton to explore how one school in San Francisco’s Tenderloin neighborhood has built a deeply relational model of Catholic education centered on accompaniment, trust, and long-term support. De Marillac Academy’s unique approach includes a tuition-free middle school experience, extensive family partnerships, graduate support programs, and a commitment to helping students thrive well beyond graduation. But this conversation is about more than a specialized model — it is about what happens when schools intentionally create communities where students and families feel truly known. Theresa shares: How De Marillac builds strong family partnerships from the very beginningWhy long-term relationships matter in student successThe importance of neighborhood and nonprofit partnershipsHow schools can support the whole child academically, socially, and emotionallyWays alumni remain connected and continue shaping the school communityPractical lessons any principal can apply to strengthen belonging and trust Whether your school serves 40 students or 400, this episode offers a powerful reminder that education is not just about programs or academics — it is about walking with families, building authentic community, and helping students discover their purpose and dignity along the way. About De Marillac Academy: Inspired by the inherent and unique gifts of our students and graduates, De Marillac Academy, located in the Tenderloin neighborhood of San Francisco, ignites academic, spiritual, and social emotional growth through a Lasallian Vincentian Catholic educational experience. In partnership with families and community, through an all-scholarship 4th-8th grade Academy and Graduate Support Program, we accompany our students through middle school, high school and into early adulthood, as they develop a strong sense of self, purpose, and service to others. To get your Walking With Families Reflection Guide please visit us here. If you want to build better support for your current and past families, please schedule a time to talk with us today. https://bit.ly/Build-IT-Better-Together The In Search of Catholic School Excellence Podcast is brought to you by I Love My Tech Team.  When technology doesn’t work, Catholic school leaders lose time, trust, and momentum. We partner with schools to restore reliable systems, empower teachers, and create the foundation for innovative learning centered on students. Lead Your School Into What’s Possible with I Love My Tech Team. Restoring What’s Broken. Advancing What’s Possible. Find out more at https://ilovemytechteam.com

    18 - Walking With Families – with Theresa Flynn Houghton Building Community Through Long-Term Support

  6. May 27

    School Marketing the Right Way – with Brendan Schneider Why Identity Matters More Than Buzzwords

    School Marketing the Right Way – with Brendan Schneider  Why Identity Matters More Than Buzzwords In this episode, Thomas sits down with marketing strategist and former school administrator Brendan Schneider of SnyderB Consulting to discuss one of the biggest challenges facing Catholic schools today: how to clearly communicate what makes a school worth choosing. From websites that try to say too much to schools that struggle to define their identity, Brendan shares practical insights on how principals can rethink enrollment, retention, and school marketing in a rapidly changing educational landscape. The conversation explores: Why schools must identify what truly makes them differentHow generic messaging hurts enrollmentWhy retention may matter more than recruitmentThe importance of defining a clear school identitySimple exercises principals can use immediately with staff and familiesHow AI and strategic conversations can support school leadership Whether your school is thriving, struggling with enrollment, or simply trying to clarify its mission, this episode offers practical and encouraging ideas for building a school culture and message that families genuinely connect with. About Schneider B Media: You Were Hired to Build Relationships with Families. Not to Become a Google Ads Expert. I spent 28 years working inside schools in admissions, marketing, and enrollment. I know what it is like to be told to "increase inquiries" while also managing tours, writing newsletters, driving the van, and cleaning up after a sick kid at lunch. That is why I built the Fractional Digital Marketer program. You get a full digital marketing team without hiring anyone. We handle the strategy, execution, and optimization. You focus on what you do best: connecting with families. School Marketing the Right Way - Book  Read more of Brendan’s work on Linkedin To get your School Identity & Marketing Reflection Toolkit, please visit us here.   If you need help implementing your marketing strategy, please schedule a time to talk with us today. https://bit.ly/Build-IT-Better-Together The In Search of Catholic School Excellence Podcast is brought to you by I Love My Tech Team.  When technology doesn’t work, Catholic school leaders lose time, trust, and momentum. We partner with schools to restore reliable systems, empower teachers, and create the foundation for innovative learning centered on students. Lead Your School Into What’s Possible with I Love My Tech Team. Restoring What’s Broken. Advancing What’s Possible. Find out more at https://ilovemytechteam.com

    School Marketing the Right Way – with Brendan Schneider Why Identity Matters More Than Buzzwords

  7. May 22

    Teaching Tech with Purpose – Digital Citizenship, AI, and Creativity in the Classroom with Catherine Fuerte

    16 - Teaching Tech with Purpose – Digital Citizenship, AI, and Creativity in the Classroom with Catherine Fuerte In this episode of In Search of Catholic School Excellence, we sit down with Catherine Fuerte of Holy Angels School to explore how schools can teach technology with purpose in the age of AI. From digital citizenship and media literacy to ethical AI use and creative STEM projects, Catherine shares practical strategies for helping students become thoughtful, responsible digital learners. The conversation dives into real classroom examples including AI-powered superhero projects, fake news detection activities, prompt engineering lessons, and discussions about technology’s impact on values like hard work and honesty. Rather than fearing AI, Catherine challenges educators to model responsible use, encourage critical thinking, and help students use technology as a tool for learning rather than a shortcut around it. Whether you’re a classroom teacher, technology coordinator, or school leader, this episode offers practical ideas for building a school culture where creativity, integrity, and digital responsibility go hand in hand. To get your Digital Citizenship & AI Classroom Starter Kit please visit us here. If you need help developing a plan to try AI with your students or for yourself, please schedule a time to talk with us today. https://bit.ly/Build-IT-Better-Together More about Catherine’s technology class:  We strive to seamlessly integrate technology into every aspect of curriculum, teaching, communicating and professional growth. We are responsible 21st century learners, authors and problem solvers, able to seek and use information and communicate effectively and to pursue real-world learning and work using technology. Holy Angels School based the profile of its students on a comprehensive understanding of curriculum, which includes the spiritual, intellectual, social, psychological, and physical experiences of all students. This statement represents what we consider the important characteristics of an ideal student. Be like Jesus. Be the best you can be. Be responsible citizens.   Resources Mentioned in the Episode Digital Citizenship & Media Literacy Resources Common Sense MediaCheckology by The News Literacy ProjectThe News Literacy ProjectBad News Game AI & Technology Tools Canva for EducationGoogle VidsDay of AIAnimated Drawings ProjectPadletSchoolAIMagicSchool AIGoGuardianThe In Search of Catholic School Excellence Podcast is brought to you by I Love My Tech Team.  When technology doesn’t work, Catholic school leaders lose time, trust, and momentum. We partner with schools to restore reliable systems, empower teachers, and create the foundation for innovative learning centered on students. Lead Your School Into What’s Possible with I Love My Tech Team. Restoring What’s Broken. Advancing What’s Possible. Find out more at https://ilovemytechteam.com

    Teaching Tech with Purpose – Digital Citizenship, AI, and Creativity in the Classroom with Catherine Fuerte

  8. May 20

    Meeting Students Where They Are w/ Megan Rabbitt - Creating Schools Where Every Learner Can Thrive

    Meeting Students Where They Are w/ Megan Rabbitt of St. Brigid Academy - Creating Schools Where Every Learner Can Thrive In this episode, we sit down with Megan Rabbitt of St. Bridget Academy in San Francisco to explore what it truly means to meet students where they are. St. Bridget Academy was created with a bold mission: to support students with learning differences in a Catholic school environment designed intentionally around their needs. Megan shares the story behind the school’s transition, the challenges of launching a completely new model, and the systems they have built to help students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. From flexible “Walk to Read” and “Walk to Math” groupings to strong SEL supports, creative scheduling, makerspaces, and individualized instruction, this conversation dives deep into how schools can rethink traditional structures in order to better serve students. But this episode is not just about one specialized school. It is a conversation about a mindset shift for all Catholic schools: How can we become more responsive to student needs?What happens when schools prioritize flexibility over rigidity?How can principals begin making small changes that lead to meaningful support for learners? Whether your school has a formal support program or is simply looking for ways to better serve struggling students, this episode offers practical ideas, leadership insights, and encouragement for building schools where every learner feels known, supported, and capable of success. To get your Meeting Students Where They Are - Reflection Guide please visit us here  If you need help developing a plan to better serve your students, please schedule a time to talk with us today. https://bit.ly/Build-IT-Better-Together Saint Brigid Academy, launching in the 2024-25 school year, embodies a Christ-centered, community-based approach to education. As a Micro Catholic School, we prioritize individualized learning within a cohesive, multiage classroom setting. Our commitment to innovation includes project-based learning, specialized teacher training, and a focus on inclusion. The In Search of Catholic School Excellence Podcast is brought to you by I Love My Tech Team.  When technology doesn’t work, Catholic school leaders lose time, trust, and momentum. We partner with schools to restore reliable systems, empower teachers, and create the foundation for innovative learning centered on students. Lead Your School Into What’s Possible with I Love My Tech Team. Restoring What’s Broken. Advancing What’s Possible. Find out more at https://ilovemytechteam.com

    Meeting Students Where They Are w/ Megan Rabbitt - Creating Schools Where Every Learner Can Thrive
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In Search of Catholic School Excellence Exploring the programs, people, and practices making a difference in Catholic education. Join host Thomas Boles as we hear from principals, teachers, and innovators shaping the future of Catholic schools. Whether you're a leader looking for ideas or an advocate for Catholic education, this show is your guide to what’s working—and why it matters. Be sure to check out the show notes, as each episode comes with a companion guide to help you implement the ideas discussed during the episodes.

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