In Search of Catholic School Excellence

Thomas Boles
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Education
  • Updated Weekly

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

    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

    28 min
  2. School Marketing the Right Way – with Brendan Schneider Why Identity Matters More Than Buzzwords

    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

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

    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

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

    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

    28 min
  5. Onboarding New Teachers – Setting the Foundation for Long-Term Success

    Mar 25

    Onboarding New Teachers – Setting the Foundation for Long-Term Success

    A strong onboarding experience doesn’t just help a new teacher survive the first weeks—it sets the tone for classroom success and increases the odds they’ll stay with your school long-term. In this episode, we break onboarding into three essentials: a point person (mentor) who provides relational support, clear operations and expectations (schedule, procedures, safety, materials, communication norms), and practical curriculum/tech readiness (SIS, gradebook, devices, classroom tools).  We also explore what a “dream scenario” looks like—small gestures, consistency, and meaningful ways for new teachers to contribute without being buried in extra duties. The takeaway: make support visible, make information easy to find, and make community connection intentional. If you need help with your onboarding new teacher process, please schedule a time to talk with us today. https://bit.ly/Build-IT-Better-Together To get a copy of the New Teacher Launch Kit, please visit us here.   Becky Wong has been a teacher, admin, tech coordinator and innovator in Catholic Schools for over 25 years.  She not only assists schools as part of the Tech Team but has been instrumental in guiding the Archdiocese of San Francisco as it navigates the edtech decisions and ever-changing landscape of classroom technology.  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

    39 min
  6. Sports and Spirituality with Anne Stricherz

    Mar 18

    Sports and Spirituality with Anne Stricherz

    Anne Stricherz (St. Ignatius High School, San Francisco) shares how sports can become a living classroom for faith—a place where students practice prayer, discipline, community, and purpose in real time. From the “spirit of play” to the line between ritual and superstition, Anne offers simple ways to help students find God not only in chapel, but also on the court, in the end zone, and in the highs and lows of competition. This conversation equips educators and coaches to connect theology to students’ lived experience so faith feels less like a unit to memorize and more like a life to live. For the Faith in Every Arena – Quick-Start Guide, please visit us here.   If you need help making connections to your curriculum, please schedule a time to talk with us today. https://bit.ly/Build-IT-Better-Together Anne Stricherz has been speaking the language of sports and spirituality her entire life. In 2009, Anne created a blog and theology course entitled Sports & Spirituality. An avid sports fan, Anne believes we can learn more about the spiritual life through the analogy of sports. The class and her writing is fortified by Anne’s experience in having coached girls' high school rowing, cross-country and golf. Today she works with coaches to help them create their own program for the spiritual development of their athletes. She is the author of "Pray and Practice with Purpose: A Playbook for the Spiritual Development of Athletes"—a book to serve as a complimentary resource.  Anne has spoken about Sports and Spirituality at parishes, local and national conferences. She is now working with other athletic departments—in particular at secondary schools nationwide—to help them "faith train" their athletes. St. Ignatius College Preparatory is a community of lifelong learners that supports students as they develop into thriving adults. With a commitment to intellectual excellence, leadership, service, and justice, our students strive to respond courageously to the opportunities and challenges of our time. Through a rigorous and integrated program of academic, spiritual, and co-curricular activities, St. Ignatius educates all aspects of our students according to the Jesuit philosophy of cura personalis, care for the whole person. 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

    49 min
  7. What Makes Your School Different – Embracing Identity to Stand Out With Purpose

    Mar 11

    What Makes Your School Different – Embracing Identity to Stand Out With Purpose

    Too many schools are trying to sell vanilla… when what they really are is a butterscotch sundae. In this episode, we explore what it truly means to identify and embrace your school’s core identity — not as a yearly theme, not as a marketing slogan, but as something essential to who you are and what you chase every day. Drawing from mission statements, founding charisms, faculty strengths, signature programs, and measurable outcomes, we unpack how schools can: Stop competing on everything Start leaning into their “big thing” Build culture around it Improve it by 1% at a time And clearly articulate it in one powerful elevator pitch You don’t have to be everything to everyone. You just have to know who you are — and be excellent at it. If you need help with identifying what makes you different or refining the programs that make you great, please schedule a time to talk with us today. https://bit.ly/Build-IT-Better-Together To get a copy of the The Core Identity Clarity Workbook, please visit us here.   Becky Wong has been a teacher, admin, tech coordinator and innovator in Catholic Schools for over 25 years.  She not only assists schools as part of the Tech Team but has been instrumental in guiding the Archdiocese of San Francisco as it navigates the edtech decisions and ever-changing landscape of classroom technology.  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

    44 min
  8. Keeping the Class with John Payne

    Feb 11

    Keeping the Class with John Payne

    In this episode John Payne shares the steps, the challenges and successes of working with Catholic Virtual to fill a staffing need. He lays out some simple steps to get parent buy-in and the strategies that made the partnership successful.  For the Creative Staffing Playbook, please visit us here.   If you need help planning for your unique staffing situation, please schedule a time to talk with us today. https://bit.ly/Build-IT-Better-Together Our mission at Saint Veronica Catholic School is to provide a Catholic education that fosters spiritual, intellectual, social, and physical growth. We aim to develop the whole person and prepare our students to become responsible citizens of the world. Our school is committed to academic excellence and provides a challenging curriculum that prepares our students for success in high school and beyond. We believe that every student is unique and has the potential to make a positive impact in the world. In partnership with each family and the St. Veronica Parish community, and as ministers who participate in the mission of Jesus Christ, St. Veronica Catholic School strives to keep Christ’s image present in the world while providing a quality education which instills Christian stewardship and academic excellence. 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

    22 min
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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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