In Search of Catholic School Excellence

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 [https://www.demarillac.org/] 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 beginning * Why long-term relationships matter in student success * The importance of neighborhood and nonprofit partnerships * How schools can support the whole child academically, socially, and emotionally * Ways alumni remain connected and continue shaping the school community * Practical 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 [https://www.demarillac.org/]: 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. [https://b440b745.sibforms.com/serve/MUIFAC1iuuDXtW31m-mt_SYn3c1OhXsf9BWreobME3nf-Z6h2PqdS03q1f4AAt25hv21TUXDrys92B3KQq1TmvCGyaSOBTwuL4LT6uP5ukEbAXjW74PdsTEVU7HO5vGgKOVx0AbeElzsbCaLC2vlOIaRPZFbpujNj1jPrRxOTsYad2_9387TiQB8Pi1MQm9wSPn60QcJmwb3O4JX] 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 [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 [https://ilovemytechteam.com/]

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 [https://www.schneiderb.com/] 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 different * How generic messaging hurts enrollment * Why retention may matter more than recruitment * The importance of defining a clear school identity * Simple exercises principals can use immediately with staff and families * How 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 [https://www.schneiderb.com/school-marketing-the-right-way] - Book  Read more of Brendan’s work on Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendanschneider/] To get your School Identity & Marketing Reflection Toolkit, please visit us here [https://b440b745.sibforms.com/serve/MUIFALiR-WTkg3ejWZ1Cb9d-qN9VjrEXlZ1kwCk1dgf90XrJLFRhwpC2FFsHdCXr93ZhXVqj6kZKd575Iq5421d0CkiFexKqiblW15FfMt9W5461B5tjYr-VwfCJJxgJkMO_siYXpVOZr-xhEk_JCjD-rCcwlogFfQZ3xZ4wH8LaXCEfT9UKtSwCq7JwoV7mIxsTxmpK2DZnYMHX].   If you need help implementing your marketing strategy, please schedule a time to talk with us today. https://bit.ly/Build-IT-Better-Together [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 [https://ilovemytechteam.com/]

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 [https://holyangelstechnology.weebly.com/] 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. [https://b440b745.sibforms.com/serve/MUIFAM6aXiHzgUgd2EOnUmna0bP4YOu0YLzUK4P9EaTC5KxgIhYRQ4ZdhMEMAFOJslmuyBQwKpv5ehQeD3aP00DQCc2wIcvv9pOE5uTsU7Jcs18nEeBW9gvyaF8JknB3NySM8RADASfLLXJhsa-WMyDniar8CUCFx-nRvo4bbWxQCBNGwD-qchWcpPc_nj_kUY11JH-sQYrq8ZRW] 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 [https://bit.ly/Build-IT-Better-Together] More about Catherine’s technology class [https://holyangelstechnology.weebly.com/]:  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 [https://www.holyangelscolma.org/] 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 Media [https://www.commonsensemedia.org] * Checkology by The News Literacy Project [https://checkology.org] * The News Literacy Project [https://newslit.org] * Bad News Game [https://www.getbadnews.com] AI & Technology Tools * Canva for Education [https://www.canva.com/education/] * Google Vids [https://workspace.google.com/products/vids/] * Day of AI [https://dayofai.org] * Animated Drawings Project [https://sketch.metademolab.com] * Padlet [https://padlet.com] * SchoolAI [https://schoolai.com] * MagicSchool AI [https://www.magicschool.ai] * GoGuardian [https://www.goguardian.com] 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 [https://ilovemytechteam.com/]

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 [https://b440b745.sibforms.com/serve/MUIFAApv6fDIiIZ3MCjYVtzyffQEjbtM9LZjU8GsSFyl3HWOGuvPdMOh_po_S1SvuOFKdtAgILKYUjxYnj6N24Mx9MHK-9DqLuQDeWWTbftMjJBRAkV-Iek5xo82PwEmTkxYADa7KquHuhDArZyA2RIoFHAdefK8oVIUR7-T_jqrewcmfaIJeANZ6rbdIys8SUvE8CWTU0o1VjVZ]  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 [https://bit.ly/Build-IT-Better-Together] Saint Brigid Academy [https://www.saintbrigidsf.org/], 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 [https://ilovemytechteam.com/]

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 [https://bit.ly/Build-IT-Better-Together] To get a copy of the New Teacher Launch Kit, please visit us here [https://b440b745.sibforms.com/serve/MUIFANsc5NekwOutGVNn8dDstMEKvccOmmLpb7CSYR2wt300F5CkpQv09cPmgITRHktwMOZYhRzHIPd2i4ShTGgnHXxCd_lf08102SFU359dOAbueO8kpEC8NJVhcFa10Xz_4O3pe1m2wUp8PKhT7QBFMgoB8WuroeiLVDmqAGl2UoRVCu_DXCeavZiuj4OFPQ8ey3guVV8DYmrt].   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 [https://ilovemytechteam.com/] 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 [https://ilovemytechteam.com/]