Mastering Social Media for Schools

Rebecca and T.J. bring AI expertise and crisis communication experience together to help schools prepare for a new reality: deepfakes, manipulated media, and misinformation can turn into a real crisis incredibly quickly.Don’t wait for a deepfake to test your crisis plan. Learn what schools should prepare now - from… Read more

Dr. Jill Johnson shares the heart behind her new book, Students Tell the Story, and why she believes student-led social media can strengthen school culture, community trust, and student leadership.Student storytelling isn’t just a way to get more content created. Jill explains how giving students real responsibility… Read more

Melissa Bevier shares the remarkable progress her district has made since attending the Social Media for Schools Retreat, including nearly tripling its social media following and creating content that reached tens of thousands of views.Sometimes the biggest improvements don’t require a complicated strategy. Melissa… Read more

Sharon Patrick is a one-person communications department serving 28 schools and 18,000+ students - and she’s making social media work! She shares the practical systems, shortcuts, and mindset that help her keep telling great stories without trying to do everything perfectly.More posts don’t automatically mean better… Read more

Robert Chapman believes your school’s Instagram should be a “trophy case.” Discover how this simple mindset helps Clinton Public Schools consistently celebrate students, staff, and the everyday moments that make their district special.You don’t need to chase the algorithm to grow your Instagram. Robert shares how… Read more

Fresh out of college and loving her role at Pinkerton Academy, Genna Dellisola shares how students have become an important part of the school’s communications team - creating content while gaining hands-on experience they can take straight into college and future careers.What if your student social media team was… Read more

You really can create a bunch of great video content without spending hours at your school! I’m sharing exactly how I turned less than one hour at Academic Night into 10 different Reels.One event can give you weeks of content if you know what to look for. I’ll walk you through how I found students, staff, projects,… Read more

Mike Cyze has spent 14 years in school communications, and he knows firsthand what this role demands. He shares a perspective on the work that will have many school communicators nodding along and thinking, Yep… he gets it.There’s a part of this job that most people never see. Mike opens up about one of those moments… Read more

Alex Richmond and Marc Copani from Fulton City School District share how their Fulton School Champions program has grown into a beloved tradition that celebrates staff, builds pride, and brings the community along for the ride.If staff morale and retention are on your mind, this episode will show you how intentional… Read more

Greg Viebranz shares lessons from 35 years in school communications and explains how his 360° approach can help districts strengthen trust, transparency, and community support.Discover how a simple “temperature check” survey can reveal what families really think about your communication - and help you make smarter… Read more

Today is a very special interview with Allison Martinson, our graphic designer here at #SocialSchool4EDU. You’ll get to know Allison beyond the incredible designs she creates and hear why giving back has become such an important part of her life and our shared mission.Giving back doesn’t have to mean doing something… Read more

Frank Devereaux shares how school communicators can move beyond viewing AI as a threat or shortcut and start using it as a thought partner to strengthen ideas, streamline workflows, and create clearer messages.Discover how custom AI agents trained on your district’s style guides, mission, and trusted resources can… Read more

Deron Stender has spent 24 years leading school districts, and one lesson stands above the rest: communication builds trust. Hear how early setbacks helped shape his belief that communication isn't just part of leadership - it's one of the most important leadership skills a superintendent can develop.Are you telling… Read more

Growing membership doesn’t happen by accident. Christa explains how PenSPRA built relationships with superintendents, tracked new communications roles, and reached out when districts posted jobs.For one-person school PR shops, connection is everything. You’ll hear how PenSPRA creates a built-in network through… Read more

Today’s solo episode shares a timely reminder that AI can absolutely support school communication - but it should never replace the real, authentic stories that build trust with families.You’ll hear why student photos, names, and likenesses need extra caution when AI tools are involved, even when families have already… Read more

Piper Adamson shares how her first year in school PR has transformed her perspective on storytelling, student engagement, and why working in schools is unlike any other communications role.Discover how simple, authentic content - from a spontaneous “67 Day” Reel to hallway microphone interviews - can generate… Read more

Meredith Oman shares how one simple invitation turned into a life-changing growth group for Andrea. What started as a short book study became a weekly source of encouragement, accountability, friendship, and personal growth.Andrea opens up about why this group has made her a better leader, mom, wife, friend, and… Read more

Cala Elliott shares how she stepped into school communications without a traditional PR degree - and how she continues to push through imposter syndrome by focusing on the value of the stories she gets to tell.You’ll hear why being physically present in school buildings can completely change the stories you discover.… Read more

Jake Sturgis from Captivate Media joins Andrea to unpack the growing concern around AI, deepfakes, and student photos - and why school communicators need thoughtful guardrails, not fear-based decisions.You’ll hear why a blanket “no more student photos” policy can create unintended consequences for trust, transparency,… Read more

Samantha Fleming brings nearly 20 years of independent school experience to this conversation, and her practical advice will help school communicators find more balance, purpose, and joy in the day-to-day work.You’ll hear why Samantha believes social media should not be about selling your school. Instead, it should… Read more

Andrea gets refreshingly honest about the five lies she still has to fight in her own school social media work. From “I’m not good enough” to “I have to do everything,” you’ll hear real stories, real mistakes, and the mindset shifts that can help you move forward anyway.You’ll learn why waiting until you feel “ready”… Read more

Meet Emily DeBaker. She has a unique role as chief of staff at Racine Unified, where she supports district leaders, advises the superintendent, and brings a communication lens to big decisions before they reach staff, families, or the community.You’ll hear why getting involved in a professional development association… Read more

Meet Jeanise Dimitri. She has spent 18 years at Middle Bucks Institute of Technology, and today she’s sharing how a student influencer initiative became one of the most exciting and impactful projects of her career.You’ll hear how Jeanise went from struggling to gather content from staff to receiving more than 70… Read more

Andrea Joseph shares why some of the best school photos happen when you slow down, stay quiet, and let the moment come to you. Her idea of “curated spontaneity” is something every school storyteller will want to try.You’ll hear simple but powerful photography tips to help you capture more authentic images at school,… Read more

Jennifer Bode breaks down the exact fundraising formulas her small school uses to consistently run a high-impact gala.There’s a simple way to structure your auction (hint: fewer items = better results) that can instantly improve your fundraiser.Stop wasting time on ineffective promotion - learn which social media… Read more

In this deeply personal episode, Andrea is joined by her husband, Bill Gribble, to share both sides of her journey through anxiety and depression - and his perspective is such an important reminder that loved ones need support and guidance, too.Andrea opens up about what anxiety and depression really felt like behind… Read more

Dan O’Brien shares how NESPRA supports school communicators through professional development, networking, and practical training for today’s school PR challenges.Learn how Worcester Public Schools responded to an OCR accessibility complaint and used the experience to strengthen communication practices across the… Read more

Today’s guest brings such a practical perspective for women in school leadership, especially when it comes to speaking up about your strengths, advocating for your work, and building confidence in a way that feels authentic.If burnout has been creeping in, this episode will really hit home. Rebecca unpacks how unclear… Read more

Elissa Dickey shares how she grew Aberdeen Public Schools’ presence from just 36 followers to nearly 2,000 by telling positive stories, building trust across the district, and staying consistent. Her journey is such a good reminder that growth does not happen overnight, but it does happen when you keep showing up.This… Read more

Kari Klebba reveals the moment Milton realized their usual enrollment reminders weren’t landing - and the unexpected shift that changed their results.You’ll hear the simple “event-style” concept they used to make 4K/kindergarten enrollment feel exciting and why it sparked attention well beyond the classroom.Kari… Read more

Andrea breaks down what’s changing (without panic) - why WCAG 2.1 AA is becoming the standard for all school digital content (including social media), plus the key compliance timelines (April 2026/April 2027).Alt text becomes a daily habit, not an optional extra. You’ll learn what “good” alt text sounds like, what to… Read more

Sara Meredith shares how Peoria Unified rebuilt teacher recruitment around research - not guesses - so messaging matched what educators actually value.You’ll hear why “pay” wasn’t the main reason staff were leaving and how that insight reshaped their campaign to spotlight coaching, benefits, and growth.Get practical… Read more

Author, speaker, and retired school leader Dr. Joe Sanfelippo joins the podcast to dive into his newest book, Lead from Who You Are. It all starts with values - because who you are drives how you lead.You’ll learn Joe’s three leadership rhythms (personal, people, process) and how they help you stay steady - even when… Read more

Adelle Wellens walks us through how she survived 13 crises in just 9 days - and she handled them all as a solo communications department! You’ll learn some of the tools she had in place to help.You’ll hear how strong community relationships made all the difference during high-stress situations.Adelle shares simple… Read more

It’s here - the 2026 Social Media Survey results! Listen in as Andrea breaks down what 497 respondents revealed about who’s running school social media, what platforms they’re managing, and what’s shifting year-over-year.Facebook still dominates, Instagram remains strong, and X/Twitter continues to slide - learn the… Read more

Today you’ll meet Iuri Melo, a licensed clinical social worker and co-founder of SchoolPulse, who's helping schools support student mental health in a whole new way. Learn how simple texts are changing the game for student wellness and opening doors to real-time help. Think your school is doing “enough”? Iuri breaks… Read more

Jeannette Hartwig is a one-person comms team - but that didn’t stop her from leading a customer service refresh across her district. You’ll love the simple, eye-opening tactic she used to uncover real customer service gaps. She created a go-to resource for staff that’s still making a difference - find out what’s in… Read more

Mental health is a top-of-mind topic for schools across the country. Today you’ll meet Tasha Schuh. She shares her powerful journey of resilience and how it fuels her mission to support others through speaking, coaching, and now, a brand-new resilience course.Learn how Tasha uses social media for good - creating… Read more

Andrea Gribble walks through seven smart, practical strategies designed to ease the stress of managing school social media. Whether you're brand new to the role or a seasoned storyteller, these tips will help you feel more in control and less overwhelmed. You'll learn how narrowing your focus to your most effective… Read more

Kayla and Kelly share how they launched a districtwide Social Media Champions program within their growing school system in Iowa, including why they started it and how they secured buy-in from leadership to offer a stipend for these employees. You’ll hear how they structured expectations, offered ongoing support, and… Read more

Coty Kuschinsky shares how empowering every staff member to be a storyteller has created major pride, connection, and culture at Saginaw ISD. “Collective authorship” isn’t just a fancy term - Coty breaks down exactly how it works and how you can make it happen, even if you're a one-person shop. Forget perfect photos… Read more

Michelle Shue shares how she and her team pulled off an award-winning kindergarten campaign without a marketing background. From “What even is a campaign?” to NSPRA Gold Medallion winner, hear how ChatGPT helped Michelle figure it all out. You’ll get access to real, ready-to-use resources - from social media posts to… Read more

Aliya, my oldest daughter, flips the script and interviews me in this special 300th episode. From how it all started to the biggest surprises along the way, we’re pulling back the curtain like never before. You’ll hear about those early years - no paycheck, selling my house, and wondering if I could really do this.… Read more

Adam Marcum shares the story behind a feel-good hallway video that captured hearts - and global attention - by simply asking students to “tell me something good.” Want to boost your production value on a budget? Adam reveals the exact setup he used to make this video happen. You’re not going to believe his microphone… Read more

Jatana Jackson, Senior Communications Coordinator at Brevard Public Schools, brings a fresh perspective to school PR, drawing on 12 years as a social media influencer to truly connect with her audience. Engagement isn’t just a buzzword! Jatana shares how likes, shares, and comments guide what gets posted - and why… Read more

Kelly Meredith shares how she transformed a loosely defined comms role into a vibrant, story-driven strategy that highlights the heart of her school. Hear how she built trust with even the most reserved faculty to consistently gather strong content. Discover how social media is impacting prospective families,… Read more

Krystal Hurr shares how York County School Division is tapping into student drone expertise to tell school stories from a student’s perspective.Senior Samantha Beatley explains how her internship turned into a paid opportunity to lead a video project aimed at welcoming new students, especially those from military… Read more

Javier Ibarra shares how Denver Public Schools transitioned from reactive posts to strategic storytelling, resulting in viral reels and even a feature on Good Morning America.Learn what gear this Emmy-winning team uses to create professional content. It costs less than $1,000 and is powered by iPhones. There is a link… Read more

Lauren Snell opens up about a full-scale social media attack on Cherry Creek School District - and how she led her team through it with transparency and calm. You'll walk away with a comprehensive crisis checklist, covering everything from assigning team roles to managing media and coordinating with law enforcement.… Read more

Zac Rantz breaks down why accessibility is top of mind for schools and how upcoming regulations are pushing needed change.He simplifies the five key areas—images, colors, links, PDFs, and videos—with easy-to-follow, practical tips.Discover how accessibility isn’t just compliance—it’s about making school communications… Read more

What happens when a strategic communications expert from higher ed takes on K-12 social media? Chanda Gilmore drops fresh, practical advice your school can start using right away.Before you post, are you really listening? Discover why tuning in to your community first could be the biggest game-changer for your… Read more

Shain Bergan shares the incredible story of how Kansas City Public Schools rewrote their narrative. From declining enrollment and 60-year-old buildings to renewed community pride and growing numbers, all through the power of consistent, strategic storytelling.Get the inside scoop on how a $474 million bond passed with… Read more

Andrea shares her firsthand experience navigating Facebook page suspensions and restrictions for schools - and why this issue is hitting closer to home than ever before. Find out which seemingly harmless words (like “raffle” or “donation”) may now trigger Facebook’s AI to flag or shut down your page. Learn how Andrea… Read more

Michelle Karpinski from Portage Public Schools in Michigan shares how embracing a communications audit unlocked major growth for her district. Learn how improvements were made with both internal and external communication and how they tracked their progress. Discover how a data-driven audit led to a full rebrand,… Read more

Jason Lewis shares how a parent’s social media praise turned into a powerful story of school choice—and proof that our storytelling work truly makes a difference. Learn how Jason’s student-led Instagram takeovers not only boost engagement but also help build leadership skills and résumé-worthy experiences for… Read more

Today, you’ll meet Tyler Moberg, a former teacher turned trainer in the powerful world of AI! He shares six leading AI platforms and when to use each for maximum school communication impact.Still think AI is here to take your job? Hear the powerful mindset shift that could change everything.Spot the “AI giveaway” in… Read more

Sara Schneider from CSCOE spills the secrets behind her "Marketing Minute" video series—and how it’s inspiring 151 Catholic schools to show up online with confidence. You’ll love the exact tools Sara uses to make school videos pop—think mic, light, and magic for under $100! Worried about being on camera? Sara shares… Read more

Tricia didn’t plan to lead social media—she just raised her hand. Now she’s making a huge impact! Her story proves that passion and heart can take you far, even when you’re figuring things out as you go. No formal training? No problem. Hear how Tricia self-taught her way to success—with lots of sticky notes. If you’ve… Read more

My friend Brian Bridges is back—and this time, he’s sharing a solution that will seriously save your sanity when it comes to registrations. Camp Simple is the answer we’ve all been waiting for! Whether it's a cheer clinic, science camp, or t-shirt sale, this platform takes care of it all—forms, payments, waivers—so… Read more

Hear how Jordan Ziemer and Kaitlin Paonessa made bold career pivots into school PR — and discover what finally made their work feel truly meaningful. Their paths are different, but their purpose is shared. Feeling overwhelmed or unsure in your role? You’re not alone. This honest convo dives into burnout, impostor… Read more

Scott Gordon, a 25-year veteran in education, shares how diving into social media transformed his role—and reignited his passion for leadership. Learn how Scott, with zero prior social media experience, became a consistent and confident storyteller for his school. Discover the impact of splitting athletic and school… Read more

From educator and parent to PR pro - Sandy Sutty shares how her personal connection to the school fuels her storytelling. Showing up for students is Sandy’s not-so-secret weapon to building authentic, engaging social content. Want to grow your followers fast? Sandy breaks down her 14K+ follower jump with a simple,… Read more

After hearing Andrea invite guests on a past episode, Meghan Weaver reached out - and now she’s on the show sharing incredible strategies from her school’s social media success! Meghan walks through her low-budget but high-impact method for capturing student voice using a standing mic and iPhone—plus how it boosts… Read more

Find out how one Nebraska high school made the leap to go completely cell phone free—and why students, staff, and even parents got on board.Curious how they pulled it off mid-year? Hear the intentional language, rollout strategy, and surprising twist that made it work. Mitchell Roush, M.A., shares all the details!You… Read more

Kimberly Garcia of the San Antonio ISD Foundation shares her strategic approach to managing social media on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.Discover how the "Circle of Storytelling" (inspired by The Lion King) enables Kimberly to reuse powerful content across multiple platforms.Learn how AI tools like ChatGPT are… Read more

Lisa Losasso Jackson and Veronica V. Sopher bring over 40 years of combined expertise in school marketing—and they answer all my burning questions about lead magnets! You’ll get a clear, simple breakdown of how to create effective lead magnets and landing pages—without feeling overwhelmed. Real-life examples and… Read more

Melissa Hartley reveals how a 15-year TA program has transformed her one-person comms team.Discover the simple yet powerful way students are capturing and shaping content daily.Hear how Melissa’s role evolved from pitching stories to the local newspapers to daily social storytelling.Thinking of bringing students into… Read more

Andrea Gribble spills the details on where to find her (and the purple crew!) at NSPRA—plus one must-see booth activity you’ll regret missing!Want to avoid session FOMO? Hear Andrea’s top tip for planning your schedule—and the one tool she swears by.From packing hacks to power snacks, get the inside scoop on how to… Read more

Jenny and Lauren share how combining communications with community education helps build trust, engagement, and referendum support in River Falls, WI.Hear why the new social media retreat stood out—from hands-on learning to meaningful networking with peers who “get it.”Discover the team’s big “aha” around AI tools—and… Read more

In this jam-packed episode, Andrea sits down with Laurie Ehrlich and Miriam Stein, co-founders of ThriveHive, to talk about the real-world challenges—and solutions—schools face with enrollment, marketing, and social media strategy. From building healthy teams to crafting intentional messaging, this episode is full of… Read more

Max Smith, Digital Marketing Manager at Region 10 ESC, shares how he’s using social media to amplify school stories and connect with the community.Ready to level up your social media game? Hear how Max launched the Get Social Summit and why it’s a must-attend for school communicators.Max’s go-to advice: Stop ignoring… Read more

Superintendent Dr. Jason Hewitt and communications pro Erin Goad open up about how Shepherd ISD rebuilt community trust using social media. Think you can't afford a communications director? Hear how Erin’s unique path from librarian to storyteller is helping transform culture in their small Texas district of 1900… Read more

Hear how AndreAnna Tate took a big idea—student influencers—and turned it into a game-changing program at Irving ISD. Want to reach families and community members without children in your schools? AndreAnna’s strategy using Nextdoor might be your next big move. From planning events to writing scripts, learn how these… Read more

4 Key Takeaways: Foundations of Higher Performance Learn about Mark’s life-changing “Higher Performance Generation” system—built on mindset, relationships, and self-mastery—and how it helps students and educators elevate performance and well-being. The Story That Sparked It All Hear the powerful, emotional story of a… Read more

4 Key Takeaways for Listeners: Batch It & Relax – Plan ahead with repeatable features like Throwback Thursdays, Question of the Week, and staff shoutouts to keep your feed active without burning out. Engage Through Challenges – Try summer reading challenges or school spirit days to spark interaction and user-generated… Read more

What happens when you empower school staff with the tools and confidence to tell their own stories? 💥 You get a district-wide transformation. In this episode, you'll hear how Marshalltown’s Social Media Ambassador program, led by Abby Koch and supported by Andrea Gribble, turned friendly competition into meaningful… Read more

Today’s episode is unique and we are thrilled to welcome Dr. Amanda Materre, whose unexpected career path shows how embracing new tools can open new doors – even for those who start out in the classroom.How can AI help school communicators get a week of time back each month? Dr. Materre reveals her top tools and… Read more

Your school’s brand is more than a logo—it’s how your community connects with your story. In this episode, Andrea chats with Kelly May from CEL Marketing PR & Design to break down a 10-item checklist to ensure your brand is ready for social media. From templates to accessibility, you’ll walk away with practical tips… Read more

In this episode, you’ll hear from Lisa Streckert at St. Croix Lutheran Academy in Minnesota and learn her best tips for successful school storytelling on social media. Consistency Builds Engagement: Posting daily and encouraging simple interactions from parents and teachers can lead to strong, consistent engagement,… Read more

Extra, extra—scroll all about it! Former journalist turned school communicator Daniel Langhorne shares how his newsroom background helps him uncover and celebrate the best stories at Sage Hill School in Newport Beach, California.Timeliness and authenticity matter! Learn why Daniel and his team treat school PR like a… Read more

Managing social media for your school shouldn’t feel overwhelming—good news, there’s a better way! In this episode, we dive into expert insights and a powerful tool that can help you streamline your process and save time. Tune in to learn: The Evolution of Social Media Management – How a journalist-turned-expert helps… Read more

Building Trust and Credibility in School Communications - School PR is more than marketing; it’s about strategic storytelling and transparency to build trust. Sandra shares how her district rebuilt trust after a failed bond project, leading to a 71% approval on the next vote.Overcoming Impostor Syndrome in School PR -… Read more

In this episode, we're diving into free and effective marketing strategies for schools! Whether you're looking to boost enrollment, engage your community, or simply spread more positive stories, this episode is packed with practical ideas. Plus, stick around until the end for a special giveaway opportunity! 19 Free… Read more

In this episode of Mastering Social Media for Schools, Andrea sits down with Erin Montgomery, the mastermind behind Promote419 in Ohio. Erin, a former full-time school counselor turned social media consultant, shares real, practical advice on how to cover school events in a way that engages and moves your audience.… Read more

This episode is a must-listen for school leaders looking to elevate their communication and build community pride! 🚀🎙️ 5 Key Takeaways for Listeners: Tell Your School’s Story Consistently – If you don’t share it, someone else will. A structured communication plan ensures positive stories reach your community.Lead by… Read more

In this episode, you'll get a data-driven look at how schools are using social media based on survey responses from over 550 school communication professionals. We'll cover: Top platforms: Are Facebook and Instagram still on top? What about Twitter/X?Biggest challenges: Lack of time and collecting content remain the… Read more

Meet Sparsh Shah, a 21-year-old musical prodigy, inspirational speaker, and Guinness World Records holder. Known to many as Purhythm, Sparsh is a singer, rapper, songwriter, music producer, and philanthropist. Despite being born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, a rare and incurable disorder that makes his bones extremely… Read more

In today’s competitive landscape—where declining birth rates and the rise of school choice and open enrollment are shifting the education system—it’s crucial for schools to rethink their marketing strategies. But how can you do it the right way? Tune in to hear expert Brendan Schneider, author of a new book designed… Read more

How are teens using social media today, and what challenges are they facing? In this week’s episode, we sit down with Dr. Justin Patchin, Professor of Criminal Justice at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and Co-Director of the Cyberbullying Research Center, to explore these pressing questions and more. Here’s… Read more

Key Listener Takeaways: Crisis Communication Plan vs. Toolkit - Discover the difference between your crisis communication plan (the strategy and steps) and your crisis communication toolkit (the practical resources and tools you’ll need on hand).Real-Life Application: Employee Arrest Scenario - Hear how the toolkit… Read more

Staff shortages are impacting schools everywhere, and bus driver recruitment is a top challenge. In this episode, we dive into how Peoria Unified School District tackled its bus driver shortage with creative strategies, unique research, and a focus on storytelling. Sara Meredith shares: The Power of Research: Discover… Read more

Today, we’re welcoming a guest from Canada to the podcast! Cindy Nickerson, a veteran school communicator with over a decade of experience, shares her journey of building capacity in school communication as a one-person shop in a school division with 10,000+ students. Here’s what you’ll learn: How Cindy’s… Read more

For those looking for a better system to manage your “do not photo” list for social media, this episode is for you! Today, you’ll meet Colin Anson, the CEO and Co-Founder of Pixevety.Discover the origin story behind this innovative technology solution and how it’s serving schools worldwide.This robust system is… Read more

Feeling overwhelmed by social media? This episode highlights how simplicity and consistency can drive big results. Here's what you'll learn: Meet Laurette Woodward, Communications Coordinator for a school division near Calgary, serving over 11,000 students across 30 schools.Discover how social media is managed at each… Read more

Discover the inspiring story of Ollie the Owl and how it became a symbol of connection and storytelling for schools.Learn how Ollie has transformed social media engagement, making communication more meaningful and impactful.Gain practical tips for overcoming social media challenges, like content collection, through… Read more

Can you define the culture and climate in your school? In today’s episode, you’ll find out how - and it all ties back to what your organization respects and values.Discover practical ways to use social media to showcase your school’s culture and climate to your community.Authentic storytelling is a key theme in this… Read more

Feeling overwhelmed by the constant shifts in social media, rapid AI advancements, and the lingering chaos of the past election year? In this episode, Andrea Gribble delivers a pep talk and actionable insights to help you keep your storytelling authentic and impactful.Top Podcast Highlights: Discover the 6 must-listen… Read more

Managing Social Media with a Small Team: Hear how Ben Boothe keeps social media thriving for a school district of 6,000 students, even without a dedicated communications team. He shares his approach to juggling responsibilities and still getting the job done.Easy Content Collection Tips: Ben reveals how making it… Read more

Does the fear of receiving an OCR complaint in your district keep you up at night? This fear became a reality for today’s podcast guests in 2017, but they are proof that you can survive! They’ll share the first important steps they took when receiving their letter.You can take some simple, practical steps to enhance… Read more

Meet Lynette White, an influential social media advocate empowering schools in California and beyond with over 15 years of educational experience and author of a must-read new book.Discover Lynette's journey into the art of school storytelling and how her academic background equipped her to become a leader in… Read more

Do you feel alone or on an island when it comes to managing social media for your school? So did today’s guest. Hear how Lanita has transformed her storytelling efforts for her small Christian school of 600 students in Fort Worth, Texas.Discover the simple change she made that improved her efficiency and reduced… Read more

You are going to learn SO MUCH by listening to this episode! Ren is a storyteller at heart and she’ll break down their district’s approach to social media with over 25,000 students and 3,800 employees.Twitter is dead; long live LinkedIn! Find out some impressive stats on how Springfield is growing their reach on… Read more

Understanding the New Regulations: Learn about the latest federal regulations on digital accessibility and how they impact schools, including a clear breakdown of what "WCAG 2.1 level AA" really means and why it matters.The Four Key Principles of Accessibility: Discover the four core principles—perceivable, operable,… Read more

Strategic Investment in Communications: In 2021, the School District of Holmen created a new Communications Specialist position. Travis Judell, with his background in media, has revolutionized the district's communication and engagement efforts, serving approximately 3,000 students. Mastering Multi-Platform Content… Read more

Jennifer Salyards may have been the Director of Communications at Stephenville ISD, Texas, for just 14 months, but her impact is already making waves. A former Principal, Jennifer is embracing this newly created position and telling the district’s stories like never before.In this episode, Jennifer shares the key to… Read more

Are you curious about Facebook's Performance Bonus program and how it could benefit your school district? In this episode, we’ll walk you through the steps to set up Facebook performance bonuses for school district social media pages. You'll discover key steps like creating a separate district bank account for… Read more

Discover how St. Joseph Catholic School increased enrollment from 140 to 201 students in just four years through strategic marketing and social media efforts.Uncover three proven strategies to boost enrollment at your school, including the power of dedicated marketing personnel and multi-channel communications.Learn… Read more

Community Building through Social Media: Carrie Birchler emphasizes the importance of using social media, especially Facebook and Instagram, to build a sense of community and engage both current and prospective families in a school setting.Content Gathering from Teachers: She shares her approach to gathering content… Read more

Why Video Matters: Rob Wiltsey breaks down the crucial role that video plays in your social media strategy.Content Inspiration: Learn how to take what grabs your attention while scrolling and apply it to your school's content.Engaging Video Hooks: Rob shares three effective video hooks that resonate with traditional… Read more

Discover how Karen Briones transitioned from parent volunteer to Communications Coordinator, shaping her role to amplify the district’s voice.Learn Karen's strategies for capturing authentic student voices in school videos, from interview tips to using natural light for better visuals.Explore the creative process… Read more

Discover how Higley Unified School District effectively leverages social media to engage young families in a competitive school choice environment.Learn the video content strategies that drive engagement, including the use of trending audio and authentic storytelling.Get insider tips on tools like CapCut, Canva, and… Read more

October is National Principal Month! Tune in for a lively discussion packed with creative ideas to celebrate your principals on social media.Pressed for time? We’ve got you covered with quick and easy post ideas that take less than 5 minutes—no graphics required!Ready to jump in with a little more effort? We’ll share… Read more

The evolution of social media and communication has come a long way since Brian started working after college in the ‘90s. Take a quick trip down memory lane to see how far we’ve come.Social media is worth it. We discuss the impact and importance of this powerful communication tool for schools.There is a new program… Read more

As a Principal - you can impact family engagement with social media posts! Learn how Angie does this in her small elementary school of 350 students.Learn about the project-based learning project College Wear Wednesdays! This program is so much more than a social media photo opportunity.Are you struggling with student… Read more

Discover the ins and outs of social media management at Lincoln Unified School District with Tyler Heberle, a one-person communications powerhouse. Tyler manages the social media presence for 12 schools and the district, showcasing how he balances it all.Don’t miss Tyler’s insights on leveraging video strategy,… Read more

Listen in to learn more about: Leveraging Social Media for School Engagement: Montana shares how she revived Maricopa Unified School District's social media presence, transforming inactive accounts into vibrant platforms for community engagement.Navigating Career Transitions: Montana discusses her journey from being… Read more

The big, bad algorithm is constantly changing! If you’re struggling with the reach of your social media videos, then you’ve tuned in to the right podcast.Learn the latest stats and facts behind what social media platforms are paying attention to when it comes to video.Grab the 6-part video checklist you need to… Read more

It’s almost time for the first bell to ring in the new 2024-2025 school year. Listen up for some simple strategies for social media magic! In this episode, you’ll learn: Creative ways to use social media for back-to-school information sharing, including creating Facebook albums with customized templatesStrategies for… Read more

Discover the secrets to creating surveys that people actually want to complete.Find out why timing is crucial when asking for feedback - and how to get it right.Learn the tricks to explaining complicated school stuff so everyone "gets it."Uncover how some schools turned survey answers into big wins - and how you can,… Read more

Early Insights: Learn how Kate Brown first discovered the power of social media during her retail job in college and now utilizes it to enhance her district’s visibility in Wisconsin, reaching thousands daily for free.Boosting Recruitment: Explore how LinkedIn has successfully increased job applicant numbers for the… Read more

Educator burnout is reaching critical levels across K12 settings, underscoring the urgent need for effective health and wellness strategies. Join us as we speak with Alexis Overstreet, LCSW, a dedicated psychotherapist who empowers educators and schools to tackle these challenges head-on. Unpack the Effects: Dive into… Read more

In this episode, you'll discover: Best Practices for School Communication - Start the school year strong with expert strategies from Brian, who brings 10 years of experience in school PR.How to Engage Your Audience with Real Stories - Learn about Brian's innovative system for gathering over 2,000 stories from staff,… Read more

In this episode, you'll discover: Understanding the Need: Insights into Richfield Public Schools’ approach to identifying a communication platform that meets the needs of families, staff, and students.Best Practices for Rollout: Jennifer and Laura share crucial steps and best practices for successfully launching a new… Read more

Summer is here, and I know you are already thinking about next school year! Let’s set you up for success with five pro tips to help boost your social media game next year.Today, I’ll break down five tasks or projects and provide supporting resources to help you complete them.Have questions? I’m always available. I’m… Read more

In this episode, you’ll discover: Why Communication Matters: Explore how most school issues stem from communication gaps and how Comm Camp addresses these challenges head-on.Comprehensive Training Topics: Get a rundown of what’s covered at Comm Camp, from crisis management and recruitment strategies to social media… Read more

I’m so excited for you to learn from our guest today! Eric has helped Colton Joint Unified School District grow their followers by more than 400% in the last 10 months. He’s sharing his best tips today.Eric gives three tips for improving your video content on Instagram. They include who should be featured in the… Read more

Many schools are aspiring to grow enrollment these days. Learn why Superintendent John Hannah believes Morton School District is adding students.In a small district, finding the person and time to manage social media successfully is a struggle. After an internet search, John discovered #SocialSchool4EDU, and he’ll… Read more

Understanding Branding: Learn the dual aspects of branding—strategy and design—and why both are crucial for your school’s identity.Common Branding Mistakes in K12: Madison Carr, an expert in school branding, discusses the typical pitfalls schools face in their branding efforts and how to avoid them.Beyond Visuals:… Read more

AI is impacting everything these days, and today, you’ll learn how it can help improve customer service for your school!AI chatbots work in two ways. First, they help provide self-service support for your families (or customers). But almost more importantly, they provide a ton of data that can help improve your… Read more

All schools need to consider marketing, but what is the best way to train your ever-changing and growing team? Ashley was up for the task, and today, you’ll learn about her Digital Leaders Cohort.Harmony Public Schools is a public charter that opened back in 2000. They have over 60 locations in Texas. Find out why and… Read more

You read the headline right—there are times when I hate my job in school social media, and today, I share five of them at the top of my list.Don’t worry—I don’t leave you totally down and out. With each situation that frustrates me, I share what we can do to help!The list could be long. What do you hate most about… Read more

From the moment I looked at Downingtown Area School District's social media pages, I knew I needed to feature the brilliant people behind their social media storytelling! Today, you’ll meet Jenn and Allison.Learn how Jenn added a communications manager role to her district of 13,0000 students in 2022 so they could… Read more

Take your social media to the next level with student interns! Today, you’ll learn from the intern coordinator and one of the media associates at this career technical school in Pennsylvania.If you are diving into social media and using students to help, you may have fear holding you back. Learn how Jeanise tackled… Read more

Lesley’s experience with schools dates back to 2001, and she goes in-depth today on the US Department of Justice’s 575-page report on the Uvalde school shooting.Learn the key findings from the report and the steps you can take to help your school prepare.Grab Lesley’s free 8-page toolkit as a conversation starter at… Read more

Instagram reach is up 40% at Central Heights ISD in Texas. Why? They are using students as storytellers!Meet Elesban, a high school junior who is a tech aid this year. Tracy McCown will explain this pass/fail class available for juniors and seniors.Find out Elesban’s favorite project that she has worked on so far and… Read more

School PR is a stressful and demanding profession. Many of us struggle with maintaining our physical and mental wellness - and today, we have a guest who is getting very vulnerable in sharing her journey!Krystyna shares what triggered her habit changes in June of 2022 and walks us through exactly how she got started,… Read more

One campus, three schools, and 1,800 students - today, you’ll learn how this Wisconsin school district has ignited its engagement with students, staff, and beyond using social media.Want some new video ideas for your school leaders? You’ll hear the details behind two different campaigns that could quickly be started… Read more

You may think consistent social media storytelling is impossible in a one-person communications department. Alice was once in that thought camp, but today, she shares the simple strategies she has implemented that have transformed how their district shows up online and beyond.Making decisions on where to share… Read more

Want to get students involved in social media storytelling but not sure where to start? Today’s episode is here to help!Many of us think kids will just know how to use social media because they use it personally, but that’s not the case! They may be used to sharing about their own lives, but they have never considered… Read more

No communications department? No problem! Celebrating your students and staff on social media is possible without one. Meet Dr. Doug Enders, who has helped support their Facebook presence in a school of about 2,500 students.If you do not use social media on a personal level, you’re just like Doug! Despite not being… Read more

Most public schools don’t have a comprehensive marketing plan. Today, Miranda will share what this is and why you need it now, more than ever, in the current conditions of declining enrollment, poor community perception, and challenges in recruiting high-quality teachers.Marketing is not just selling services - that’s… Read more

From a goodwill gesture that was captured by phone during a cross-country race to being recognized on Good Morning America, find out the full scoop from the school in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, which has about 7300 students.How do you take a story to the national level? Of course, it starts with a story that garners… Read more

WooHoo! It’s time to celebrate the 200th episode of the Mastering Social Media for Schools podcast! Today, we have a special interview conducted by Bill Gribble, Andrea’s husband. Turning the page back to the beginning, Andrea shares how she got started and who her first mentors were early on.Schools still often… Read more

Do you use TV monitors to communicate in hallways, common areas, and more in your school? Then, you don’t want to miss this conversation with a school leader in digital signage!Many don’t realize the impact that digital signage can make. It can affect student involvement, school safety, and positive school… Read more

What is your school’s plan for social media in 2024? Are you dropping Twitter/X? Adding TikTok? Focusing on Instagram? Today, you’ll find out how others responded as we share the results of #SocialSchool4EDU’s 2023 Communications Survey.We had 537 responses to our annual survey - thank you to everyone who… Read more

Managing six different social media profiles in a one-person shop sounds impossible. Find out how adding student interns made it possible for this CTE school in Pennsylvania.Developing the perfect tagline or hashtag can be challenging, but not when you get your students (and their parents) involved! Learn how… Read more

Instagram, videos, staff recruitment - we talked about it all in today’s interview with Erin Woodiel!Your phone is all you need to create great video content. Learn the steps Erin followed to create her “Day in the Life” series. Andrea’s mind was absolutely BLOWN AWAY with takeaways on how to edit voiceover with video… Read more

You can gain a lot of insight from those in their 90s. I share the one piece of advice a 99-year-old choir member gave when asked what his secret was…New Year’s Resolutions are hard to keep. But one word? This might just be the ticket to transforming your year and your life. I’ll share my 2023 word and how it has… Read more

AI can be overwhelming to us all, but Rebecca will share various resources to help you get started!Using platforms like Chat GPT as a strategy and thought partner is key. You’ll learn dozens of prompt ideas you can use in your role as a school communicator.Ethics and AI - identify what you need to be aware of to keep… Read more

Managing social media for a school might seem like a very formal task, but today’s guest is going to urge you to have fun by leaning into the creation of engaging content.Should your school be on TikTok? You might be surprised by Kristen’s response!Here is one school you NEED to follow on social media - don’t miss… Read more

She’s only been in her district for 10 months, but the growth in social media is off the charts! Learn what Lynn’s focus was as she started her job for this district of 5,200 students near Kansas City, Missouri.There are two keys to getting great content from your staff - and you’ll learn exactly how to use them in… Read more

Want to hear a great case study that will help support adding another person to your communications team? This is it! Katelyn has been on the job for only 18 months, but she breaks down how she gets content, how often she posts, and the amazing growth she’s had on Instagram.If you wonder how to utilize the hashtag… Read more

Do you reach 1,000,000 people each month with your content? Well, today’s guest leads the digital strategy at a high school that does - and you’ll want to listen in.Today’s students are interested in media, video production, and more. Use the work they do in class to help promote your school!La Salle College High… Read more

A person’s journey into school communications is always interesting. Today’s episode is no different! Learn how Ryan went from math teacher to technology integrationist to communications coordinator in Austin, Minnesota.See what social media looks like for this one-person shop in a district of more than 5,000… Read more

From journalist to school communicator to mom - this week’s guest has a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with you! She has successfully implemented a social media stipend at each of her 12 schools, and she’ll explain exactly what the staff members are paid and their responsibilities.You might be afraid of a… Read more

With 20 years of working with independent schools, Deanna has built an expertise in social media storytelling, and she dishes out example after example in today’s episode!“Reselling the Sold” is a term Deanna uses to describe the strategy behind social media content. Learn all about what that means and how to… Read more

Do you need help putting complex issues like budget reductions, referendum/bond questions, and curriculum changes into your communication strategy? You’re not alone! Grab practical advice from our experts, Bob & Nicole.When you communicate complex items, you need to remember four things: Time, Repetition, Context, and… Read more

Have you ever received a request to create a flyer? Of course you have! But what happens when you really dig in and ask questions? Why do they need the flyer, and what do they hope to accomplish with it? Asking these questions could prompt you to think about a better solution than creating “just a flyer.” Christine is… Read more

Today’s guest is bursting with energy and passion for school communications! With more than 18 years in education, discover Matthew Jennings's unique journey to the school PR world.After being with Peachjar for just one year, Matthew shares how to reach your community strategically with information they want and need… Read more

At some point, public schools will be faced with asking the community to support more funding for the school. It might seem like you don’t have time to ask for feedback, but research is the most important part of the process.Are you making the most common mistake when asking voters for money? Find out!What are bonds… Read more

If Abby told you that implementing just one simple weekly practice could increase your flow of photos and stories from staff by 2-5 times, would you do it?Great content doesn’t just happen by chance. Learn the monthly goal that Abby sets for herself to ensure she covers students of all ages within her district of… Read more

You could call her a mom on a mission! Learn why Anu Vaid started her software company in 2010 in direct response to the overwhelm she felt from her son and daughter’s school.It’s no accident why ParentSquare is now impacting more than 9 million student families! Discover how a focus on user experience, both from… Read more

It is possible! You can actually lighten your workload through the use of social media interns. Arcadia Unified School District in California is now in its 8th year using social media student interns.Ryan breaks down how they select the students, what training is provided, and the tasks their student interns are… Read more

Do you wear multiple hats in your school district? Is social media just one more thing? Then you’ll love today’s interview and tips with Wendy Coker, Technology Director in Petrolia CISD, TX.Setting up an email address to receive social media content has been the BEST move that Wendy has made since taking over the… Read more

Let’s talk about using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your role as a school communicator! Today, I am joined by a trained marketer and writer, Emily Schutte, MBA. Are you worried that AI will take your job? Do you wonder if you should mention a disclaimer about using AI in your work? Are you looking for great prompts… Read more

Oh my - today’s guest is like an East Coast version of ME! I’m so excited for you to meet Laurie, Founder of Elevate Marketing Strategy in Maryland!Are you still thinking about Threads? Wondering if you should ditch Twitter? Laurie shares her thoughts, and we discuss what might be best based on your school or… Read more

Do you need a pep talk as we start the new school year? This is it! No one, not even me, has as much energy and passion for school communications as Ashley-Michelle Thublin, APR!What is your focus this school year? Enrollment, crisis communication, AI, or involving students in your storytelling? We cover it all in… Read more

My brand new book is available now, and today you get to listen in as we talk through the case study shared in Chapter 19 - Your Professional Learning Community.Are you a one-person communications shop? Or maybe you don’t even have communications or PR in your title, but you’re handling social media? It can be a… Read more

School communicators from around the country are all asking the same thing…What in the world should I do about our school's Twitter account?Learn about the changes Elon Musk is making that impact schools the most.Ask yourself these 4 questions to determine your plan for Twitter.Consider these 4 options for addressing… Read more

My brand new book is available now, and today you get to listen in as we talk through the case study shared in Chapter 16 - Video Tips.Short-form videos gain traction on social media, but video takes more time than photos. How does a communicator make that work?Laraine shares simple ways she collects content and… Read more

My brand new book is available now, and today you get to listen in as we talk through the case study shared in Chapter 15 - Handling Negative Comments.If you or others in your school are worried about negative comments, you are not alone. Having a plan is the best approach. Learn exactly how Holly approaches this… Read more

My brand new book is available now, and today you get to listen in as we talk through the story shared by Melissa Hartley in Chapter 11 - Stories to Share (and What to Skip).Are you bombarded with requests to share fundraisers, announcements, performances, and more on your social media channels? We understand! Today… Read more

My brand new book is available now, and today you get to listen in as we talk through a story shared in Chapter 8 - Graphics, Tips, and Templates.Save time next school year by prepping some ready-made graphics that you can use for social media.Learn exactly how Natalie looks like a graphic designer, even though she is… Read more

My brand new book is available now, and today you get to listen in as we talk through the case study shared in Chapter 4 - Pages You’ll Run.Are you feeling overwhelmed with managing several different pages within your district? Peg has an approach that she’d like to share with you!If the sound of a “one-stop shop” for… Read more

My brand new book is available now, and today you get to listen in as we talk through the case study shared in Chapter 3 - Purpose and Goals.Brendan provides a simple approach when it comes to setting goals for your social media efforts. It’s all about the attraction and retention of students!You can’t always be… Read more

My brand new book is available now, and today you get to listen in as we talk through the case study shared in Chapter 2 - Social Media Policy.Do you have staff asking you about starting their own social media accounts? Learn how Lana has managed this process with internal policies and a contract that staff has to… Read more

My brand new book is available now, and today you get to listen in as we talk through the case study shared in Chapter 1 - It Starts at the Top!“Social Media for Schools - Proven Storytelling Strategies & Ideas to Celebrate Your Students & Staff - While Keeping Your Sanity” is for anyone responsible for social media… Read more

Today’s episode is a special one! You get to meet the woman behind helping me bring my new book to the world, Michelle Rayburn. She started her career as a nurse, but after having children, she rediscovered her love of writing.Michelle is an accomplished author and expert on self-publishing books through platforms… Read more

Dr. Joe Sanfelippo was my first mentor when I started this business, and we’ve got a special podcast episode today!Joe shares his philosophy of what makes Fall Creek different. They recognize when good things are happening, acknowledge it, and extend and share that news with others. Joe’s latest book, Lead From Where… Read more

Not every technology coordinator has a marketing degree, but this week’s guest does! After helping her district successfully pass a bond, she added social media strategist to her title!Just like a washing machine can help you leverage technology to get your clothes washed quickly, Artificial Intelligence can enable… Read more

Get ready to be inspired by Lynette’s journey into the #SchoolPR world! What started as a part-time office position has led to her current role in a district of 5,000 students.Looking for additional schooling to support your role in school communications? You’ll learn of two online programs to check out!You cannot… Read more

Can you imagine doing social media in a district of 180,000 students? If you can’t, today’s interview will provide a sneak peek. And it’s not as scary as you might think.Planning is everything, and you’ll grab some helpful tips and strategies.Looking for a safe way to do an Instagram takeover? Try the “Collab”… Read more

Are you working for a service agency (BOCES, ESC, or Office of Education) or are you a one-person communication shop? If so - listen in! There is so much value in today’s podcast!Jacqueline shares her APR project with us, including a usable social media strategic plan that you can implement for your school or… Read more

With 35 years in education, today’s guest is sharing a wealth of knowledge when it comes to educators and social media. You are going to want to take some notes!Dr. Robin Finley often shares scenarios in her Teaching Time classes that ask educators to guess whether the teacher kept their job or was fired. We play a… Read more

After nine years of managing social media for schools and training others to do the same, I’ve written a book to help schools celebrate their students and staff. It is called “Social Media for Schools: Proven Storytelling Strategies and Ideas to Celebrate Your Students & Staff - While Keeping Your Sanity.”This episode… Read more

Have you ever been told, “If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all?” Well - if you’re in school communications, you can’t really use that advice. Lucky for you, today’s guest has written a book to help you know what you actually can say!With nearly 3 decades of experience as a speaker, Sarita… Read more

Les Atkins and his small communications team are slaying the social media engagement game with their powerful storytelling in a district of 38 schools, 23,000 students, and 3,500 staff.Learn what features Alamance-Burlington uses to drive staff morale, staff recruitment, and community engagement.North Carolina School… Read more

Listeners, today’s guest is a treat! She was nervous to hop on and hit the record button, but the wisdom she shares from her school district in Wisconsin is solid gold!Kari shares how she started in her role and how she built relationships with staff, focusing on her supporting role to highlight the incredible things… Read more

After surveying more than 490 principals across the state of Minnesota, Dr. Janet Swiecichowski, APR has some powerful findings to share with us today on employee well-being and burnout in schools.Burnout isn’t just about personal self-care. It relates back to organizational problems and work conditions, and Janet… Read more

This country is facing rising issues with mental health, and today I want to be open, vulnerable, and honest with my own journey.Nearly 50 million American adults report having a mental illness, but 50% of adults don’t receive any treatment.It made sense to me that I had severe anxiety when I lost my job and had to… Read more

Meet my twin business owner serving school nutrition programs, Liz Roesel, president and founder of SEA Level Social!Liz shares oodles of tips in this episode, but she specifically describes how to share engaging content about your food program.What do schools get wrong when it comes to social media? It’s easy, and… Read more

You might feel alone in your role as a school communicator, but you don’t need to! Today’s episode uncovers all of the wonderful opportunities available to you through an NSPRA membership.Are you frustrated with reporting impersonating accounts or other inappropriate content on social media platforms that impact your… Read more

Today’s guest, Emily Rojas, absolutely loves her job celebrating students and staff in Dalton Public Schools. Find out more about her journey to her role in school PR!Finding great stories to share on social media takes work. Emily breaks down how their Publicist Program works. She covers how the employees are… Read more

Today’s guest has spent 33 years in education and has only recently retired to coach teachers and leaders. Dr. Matthew Murphy believes in the power of social media and shares many examples in our interview.Why are some leaders so fearful of social media? Matthew believes there are two main reasons and explains them in… Read more

Are you overwhelmed with the thought of creating a campaign in your district? You’re in the right spot! Megan will break down her simple process.Learn the step-by-step process of using the RPIE (Research, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation) to plan your campaign. Hear two specific examples of how Megan put this… Read more

With 45 schools to celebrate and only 4 people in the communications department, you’ll be amazed at the storytelling that’s happening from Buncombe County Schools!Breanna will share specific strategies that are working to receive great content to share on their social media channels.Are you considering TikTok for… Read more

Social media has dramatically impacted the growth of this small Catholic school in Mahtomedi, MN. Stephanie will share their story.How do you make people feel like they are part of your school? Check out the Facebook and Instagram channels for St. Jude of the Lake Catholic School (links below). Stephanie will share… Read more

Student recruitment is the focus of Lincoln Barretta Consulting. They work with schools across the country to grow enrollment.Lou shares two ways to recruit students: digitally and through community outreach.Social media is key to recruitment, and Lou will highlight three helpful strategies for schools to follow,… Read more

Today you will learn from one of the best, Christy McGee, APR. She has 17 years of experience in school PR and serves a district with 8,000 students.In the summer of 2020, she realized she couldn’t continue at the 24/7 pace she had been operating. Christy shares many practical tips to avoid burnout. Grab two… Read more

Let’s give our community a peek into what is actually happening inside our classrooms by sharing photos and videos of student learning.Do you have standout programs or advanced technology in your schools? Share short videos of students talking about it.Are there business partnerships that you could highlight before… Read more

Today’s guest has a passion for equity in our schools and you will hear where that comes from as Heidi shares her story.Equity 365 is an initiative that the Arizona School Boards Association has implemented. You’ll learn how you might be able to incorporate it into your district.How do you define educational equity in… Read more

When I started searching for Columbia Public Schools on social media, I couldn’t find it! In this interview, you’ll find out why. And I’m really intrigued by this approach!Aurora shares her journey into school communications and why she absolutely LOVES sharing the amazing, wonderful stories happening in her… Read more

He’s only one year in, but guest Jason Laz is making a big impact for his district in New York.Jason will share a simple tip (one that I’ve never shared) to get more photo submissions from parents and the community.What is Jason’s trick for inspiration and support in his role? He is part of the #SocialSchool4EDU… Read more

Today’s guest recently transitioned from a school communicator to a vendor, but that is only part of his journey that we talk about today.All students and staff want a sense of belonging within your school. Josh shares practical tips on how to do that, using his journey to focus on the LGBTQ+ community.How do you… Read more

Families and supporters of this charter school in Texas want to see what students and staff are doing in the classroom. Social media is the perfect spot!The evolution since starting their pages and school in 2019 has transformed from posting information only to sharing fun, behind-the-scenes stories.Staff features… Read more

Angela is back with the newest data you need to make informed decisions on your marketing and communications strategies.How are parents searching for schools? The latest parent survey lets you know the top methods and how your school can ensure it shows up!What about social media? You’ll learn the top three social… Read more

Looking to engage students in a meaningful way? Use Instagram Reels! Megan Renihan and Pioneer Joe are making “Reel” connections and you are going to learn all about it in this episode.Megan shares her tips for consistency, hashtags, and trending audio.Looking to reach even more people? Try out the Collabs feature… Read more

As Superintendent of Santa Ana Unified School District, Jerry Almendarez has embraced social media to not only tell stories but to lead with social influence.The Brand Ambassador Program has enabled the district to tell thousands of stories through various school social media accounts.Jerry defines the value of social… Read more

Great communication and social media can truly shift your district's culture. Tanisha shares how showcasing all of the positive stories has made a difference in the Seguin community.Getting enough content is never a concern for this district. Listen to the many ways Tanisha receives stories to feature.Want to try… Read more

The business partnership program at Princeton City School District started with just 38 businesses, but has recently passed 500. This interview will share how they built such a strong program.When Tom and Tricia approached businesses, they flipped the question. Instead of asking “What can you do for our school?,” they… Read more

With a background in broadcasting, Tom has used his “outside” view of education to help him communicate for the Allegan Area ESA in Michigan for the past 11 years.In his role, Tom helps serve 8 local school districts and 2 academies with support for social media and communication.Using social media for a financing… Read more

Learn the tool Sarah utilizes to stay on top of all of the social media platforms in her district of 7200 students.Getting the right content to share on social media is a challenge. Sarah shares three keys to doing this, which include building relationships, embracing the quality of content received, and asking for… Read more

This very special episode is a replay of a global webinar that I recently shared. I invite you over to my YouTube channel to watch this episode!Facebook has changed SO much! It's almost unrecognizable from a few years ago. In this webinar, I break down what has changed, what schools need to know, and how you can make… Read more

Schools get many things wrong when it comes to websites, and Tara is going to break down those top 4 things in today’s episode.After working with schools around the world, Tara shares some of the trends that are working well for school websites. What social media feed should you embed on your website? Tara recommends… Read more

Are you struggling as a one-person communications team? Then you are in the right spot. Callen Moore is shining bright when it comes to social media in her district of 14,600 students. Callen breaks down her simple system of getting equal coverage of her 15 schools on social media. Hint- she doesn’t do it alone. She… Read more

It takes a village, and today you’ll meet two of the awesome school communicators from Humble ISD in Texas!Are you trying to organize your Twitter accounts in your district? Yvonne and Lori share how they did it, starting with the account names, in their large school district with more than 40 different schools.Have… Read more

We surveyed 465 school social media managers from across the country and share all of the results in this episode.You’ll learn about the top social media platforms being used by schools and also find out what platforms are not being used!What are the biggest struggles when it comes to social media? I bet you’ll find… Read more

Time and content are the biggest challenges when it comes to social media for most school communicators. Well - you are in luck because today’s podcast is all about solving both of these problems!Dr. Jill Johnson did her dissertation work on utilizing students as social media content creators. She shares her tips on… Read more

Teddy Gabbart has been involved with schools his entire career. His company, Gabbart Communications, serves more than 700 school districts with an all-in-one communication solution to handle your website, apps, notifications, social media, digital classrooms, and even an online store.The expectations from our parents… Read more

There are two important components in handling a crisis - having a solid crisis communication plan and then responding to the crisis. Amber breaks down the main components of each one.Social media is the key to building trust and showing transparency before a crisis ever happens. Daily posts about student and staff… Read more

It’s a brand new school year. Are you ready? After the last 2+ years, you may not be!Just as the airlines tell you to put on your own oxygen mask before helping others, this back-to-school supply list is just for the school communicators out there.Andrea breaks down her 5 items that you need as the school year… Read more

Back in 1980, Connie landed her first role in a very new position for schools with Putnam City School District. She remembers back to being the first with an electric typewriter and eventually had one of the district’s first computers!Throughout her career, there has been a lot of change, but crisis management has… Read more

Are you new to the world of school communications? So is Maci! She’s the first one to ever have the specialized role in her district of 2,000 students, and she shares how she got set up for success.Visiting classrooms is important, but it’s hard with all of your responsibilities. Maci shares her “Media Day” setup and… Read more

Aubrey runs Easy School Marketing, a company that specializes in helping small, independent schools stand out. She understands that with limited resources, small schools need innovation to survive. The social media strategies that are key to independent schools are the same strategies that all schools need to… Read more

Many schools have new leadership this school year, and getting them on board with your social media strategy is important.Don’t tackle your new leader on their first day on the job. Schedule 30 minutes with them during their 2nd or 3rd week.Highlight the impact social media is making. Bring numbers and talk about the… Read more

Oconee County Schools is a district of 8,500 students and 1,000 staff. Anisa has helped elevate their storytelling and communication efforts after conducting a communications audit that she carried out on her own.Anisa shares her data collection, analysis, and delivery strategies in this conversation, and even… Read more

Public schools across the country are facing divisive communities. As the communications person in your district who is so passionate about this job, it’s hard not to take it personally.Julie has extensive experience in this arena and shares how she has survived the personal attacks. She shares many tips to help… Read more

Afraid of spending money on advertising? Don’t be! Megan is going to break down how she spent $1,000 to run a multi-month campaign to promote school enrollment.Grab yourself a good advertising partner, maybe your local cable or TV station, and work with them on ad messenger. Batesville has seen promising results from… Read more

Not sure what to post this summer? Erica will be breaking down her #AfftonAroundTheWorld campaign that she does with her school district each year. This is a feature you could still implement this summer!Beyond this one feature, Erica will share her other summer content plans that include summer school, capital… Read more

As an educator, you know you need to communicate with your families, but it's hard to know what to say and how to say it...it's hard to know what to write and how to write it.After a fifteen-year career in journalism, Patricia found herself in a room full of educators and discovered she didn’t understand the acronyms… Read more

This episode is also known as ‘Keys to C2 with B2’ - and it is brimming with content creation ideas!Brian shares his unique formula for a great Facebook post. It begins a certain way and ends a certain way - and he explains all the reasons behind it!Building an army of storytellers is key when you are a one-person… Read more

Sherese shares her journey from being a teacher to a principal to a school communicator of 55,000 students.#TheGISDEffect means changing lives and impacting futures. Find out if this annual messaging is turning into an ongoing campaign!What does social media look like in a large district and how is training offered?… Read more

Looking for a way to take your storytelling to new heights? Well, you’re in the right place! Lori Marini is going to inspire you with some tips and tactics - and she might even convince you to invest in some new learning opportunities! IN THIS EPISODE, LORI DISCUSSES: How her willingness to take risks landed her in a… Read more

Social media is now a storytelling tool in Pittsburg Community Schools. Find out exactly what that means and how it has helped shift the negativity in the district.Elishia is a trained graphic designer, so why does she use Canva every day? Because it makes her job easier!Are you making one of Elishia’s top mistakes… Read more

Unsure of how to use Instagram for your school or district? Tired of just posting the same content to both Facebook and Instagram? Emily was, too - until she joined the Ignite Your Instagram Challenge! Reels is an amazing tool to grow your reach within Instagram! Hear unique ideas of how Emily is reusing video she… Read more

Join us at the premiere conference for school communicators this summer - NSPRA 2022 National Seminar happening in Chicago on July 17-20, 2022. Consider this your personal invitation! Discover thought-provoking keynotes, best-practice sessions and exciting networking opportunities when you attend in person at the… Read more

Passion must be her middle name because, my goodness, does Melanie Gonzalez have a lot of it! Her district has received awards for its engagement tactics, and she will be a breakout speaker on the topic at this summer’s NSPRA seminar in Chicago. Today, you get to learn from Melanie right from the comfort of your… Read more

Do you have an upcoming leadership transition in your school or district? Yes? Then this episode is for you! Rachel has practical tips that you’re probably going to want to write down. IN THIS EPISODE, RACHEL SHARES: Keys to tying social media posts to your vision, mission, and values before you ever identify a need… Read more

Amanda may not have had her eyes set on a school communications role, but it found her - and I sure am happy it did! The work she is doing for the small school district of Weston in Wisconsin is amazing. IN THIS EPISODE, AMANDA DISCUSSES: Her journey into holding the role of Social Media Director in her district of… Read more

After listening to this episode, I think you are going to want to be Laraine Weschler when you grow up. She is an AMAZING school communicator who is going to share some insights into a concept you may have never thought about - running a Facebook group for your community. IN THIS EPISODE, LARAINE SHARES: Her secret to… Read more

It’s a busy time of year! How can you manage social media instead of social media managing you? This podcast episode will help! IN THIS EPISODE, HEIDI DISCUSSES: The importance of boundaries in your role as a school communicatorSimple email changes you can make to help you take controlHow to schedule your work time to… Read more

My APR friends are going to be so geeked out to listen to this episode! My friend Angela Brown is diving into the research that can help school communicators do their job more effectively! IN THIS EPISODE, ANGELA SHARES: The many ways Niche can help K12 schools (beyond just the school ranking)Specific stories you… Read more

Oh my goodness - we made it to episode 100!! And it’s my birthday!! Two big reasons to celebrate - and you get the gift of learning the 10 best social media tips from our listeners. IN THIS EPISODE, LISTENERS SHARE: Practical ways to use more video in your social storytellingThe importance of building a team to help… Read more

Schools of every size need a person devoted to school communications, but many think they can’t afford it. Learn how John Charlton convinced his district of 2,000 students to add a new position and learn about the amazing impact he has had in just two years! IN THIS EPISODE, JOHN SHARES: How he convinced his school… Read more

Are you a one-person communications shop who struggles with managing all the things? Then you’re going to want to meet this week’s guest! Learn practical tips and systems to help you celebrate your school district with the world. IN THIS EPISODE, STEPHANIE DISCUSSES: How she convinced her school district to jump into… Read more

Are you struggling to find stories to share on social media right now? Or maybe you are sick of the negative comments you are receiving? Grab 14 easy social media post ideas that your community will absolutely LOVE! IN THIS EPISODE, ANDREA SHARES: One easy tip sure to lead to more content from staff14 ideas with… Read more

When the role of Communication Specialist was added to the Oconto Unified School District two years ago, they were aware of the positive potential it could have for their community. Meet Anindita, the woman who did the work and proved them right! She is a first-generation American who is really making an impact in the… Read more

To kick off 2022, I sat down with Niche’s Enrollment Insights Podcast host Angela Brown. You can catch the original podcast at this link. It was a fun conversation so I asked if I could share the interview here on my podcast! IN THIS EPISODE, ANDREA SHARES: Eight resolutions for school social media managersThe latest… Read more

You can give your community a backstage pass to the great things happening in your school through a simple tool called Facebook Live! Today’s guest uses it frequently and she’s going to share her best tips and lessons learned in today’s interview. IN THIS EPISODE, JESSICA DISCUSSES: How she uses Facebook Live to… Read more

You are the storyteller for your school district! Let that important role fuel the energy you bring to celebrating the many stories that deserve to be told. Today’s podcast is going to give you the confidence and tools to do that in 2022! IN THIS EPISODE, TED SHARES: The story of the buffalo and how you can use it to… Read more

Let’s get strategic with your social media approach! In today’s interview, Karen Heath shares proven tactics to help your school celebrate the great stories happening in your school district. IN THIS EPISODE, KAREN DISCUSSES: A simple method used to preplan post content twice per yearHow customer service training for… Read more

Not everything that your school communicates needs to be posted on your social media pages. I’ve been saying this for years to all of the schools we serve here at #SocialSchool4EDU. Today I’ll break it down for you. IN THIS EPISODE, ANDREA SHARES: One personal success story from a school of implementing the strategy… Read more

Budgets are tight for every school out there. Learn how to leverage social media to help with fundraising and more in today’s podcast. IN THIS EPISODE, MARIA SHARES: Why her small school with 800 students invested in a communication positionSpecific ways she used social media to raise $19,000 in two weeks in order to… Read more

Nicole Valles is living proof that social media works in staff recruitment! She landed her role as Digital Content Specialist three years ago because of a Facebook post. IN THIS EPISODE, NICOLE DISCUSSES: How social media is handled at each of their schools through digital coaches What one decision has led to less… Read more

Your school has great stories to share, whether you have 40,000 students or just 219 students like the school we’re talking with today. Learn how Principal Laura Jo Jarchow is spreading the mission of St. Mary School in her Wisconsin community and beyond! IN THIS EPISODE, LAURA JO SHARES: Her role and numerous… Read more

Looking for ideas to engage families with your school district? Then you’re in the right spot! John is going to share a BUNCH of strategies to build trust while celebrating the great things happening in your school district. IN THIS EPISODE, JOHN DISCUSSES: What social media channels he manages for the district… Read more

When you have a small school, it’s important to get everyone involved in telling your story. Learn how this small district in Nebraska of 400 students celebrates their school in a big way on social media! IN THIS EPISODE, SARA SHARES: How her staff submits stories to be posted on social mediaWhy she decided to get… Read more

Are you stressing about adding a TikTok channel for your school? Well, stress no more. Instagram Reels is here and it’s easier than you think! Grab great advice about getting started and take a look at what’s working for Melissa Reese in Allentown School District. IN THIS EPISODE, MELISSA SHARES: The importance of… Read more

Showcasing the amazing students and staff inside of your district is an awesome job. Let Maria inspire you with some great ideas that you can implement in your district! IN THIS EPISODE, MARIA DISCUSSES: How social media fits in her role, along with website management and video creationWhat strategies her district has… Read more

Are you stuck in a rut with low content right now for your social media pages? Schools have amazing stories to share - we just need to find them! This episode will share 5 tips for getting more content. IN THIS EPISODE, ANDREA SHARES: How asking specific staff members for submissions will work far better than an email… Read more

All schools need to recruit students but in a career technical center, you face some unique circumstances. Luckily, Stafford Technical Center in Vermont has nearly twice as many applicants each year as they have spots. Learn the secret to their success in this episode! IN THIS EPISODE, CINDY DISCUSSES: How social… Read more

I recently got to hang out with Erin McCann, cohost of the School PR Happy Hour podcast. She was kicking off season 3 of the podcast and we recorded a fun episode. It was so jam-packed with nuggets you could use that I asked if I could reshare it with my audience. She said YES! IN THIS EPISODE, ANDREA AND ERIN… Read more

Want to learn some real social media strategies that work? Then you’re in the right spot! Holly McCaw, APR is going to provide some guidance that you can use right away in your district. IN THIS EPISODE, HOLLY SHARES: Why she runs only district social media accounts and not separate school accounts for her district of… Read more

You can showcase your school’s mission through social media, and Erica can show you how! She had no background in school communications before joining Pulaski Academy back in 2019, but she put her marketing experience to work and has made an impact. IN THIS EPISODE, ERICA SHARES: How she uses social media as a welcome… Read more

Let this be your warning. There is a right way and a wrong way to set up access to your school’s social media accounts. This take-action episode will help you avoid the common pitfalls of other social media account managers around the world. IN THIS EPISODE, HEIDI AND ANDREA DISCUSS: The difference between how you… Read more

We all are both mentors and mentees. Learn exactly what this means and how it can help you in your own journey in school communications from this thoughtful interview with Susan Brott, APR. IN THIS EPISODE, SUSAN SHARES: Her recent surprise and humbled celebration after being named as the 2021 Barry Gaskins Mentor… Read more

With more than 24 years of experience, Ian Halperin has seen the world of school communications evolve. Join us for a fun chat about providing the tools and information that your community needs to have at its fingertips. IN THIS EPISODE, IAN DISCUSSES: His School PR journey that has now lasted 24 yearsHow short… Read more

A topic that every school communicator will deal with at some point is the death of a student or staff member. No matter what the cause of death may be, you might be wondering if you should share anything on social media. Listen in to a thoughtful perspective from Josh Burnette, who dealt with three different… Read more

Need help with content creation in your understaffed communications department? Then you’re in the right place! Christine Paik is going to share all of the secrets behind her successful student intern program. IN THIS EPISODE, CHRISTINE EXPLAINS: How she manages communications in a district of 39,000 students with… Read more

During last week’s episode (episode 72), we focused on seven steps to secure professional development funding in your School PR role. This week, we’re following that up with a list of opportunities for learning! Some are free, some are paid, but all will help you keep up with the ever-changing world of public… Read more

Confidently ask for the funds you need to support your role in school communications with these seven steps. I promise that it is not as scary as you may think! IN THIS EPISODE, ANDREA SHARES: What to look for in a professional program when you are doing your researchHow to relate the ways students benefit from your… Read more

Looking for ways to manage it all as a small but mighty team of one this school year? You’re in luck! Lana Snodgras is the Director of Communications for a school district of 2700 students in Missouri and she has a ton of helpful advice in this episode. IN THIS EPISODE, LANA SHARES: Why her district stopped having… Read more

Are you struggling to find meaningful stories to tell? You know that they are out there but people just won’t share them with you! Well, today’s guest is going to share her secret for discovering those stories. Veronica Johannsen is a trained journalist and her simple strategy helped land her school district on the… Read more

Today’s guest wears a lot of hats, and she’s not afraid of a challenge. When faced with some negative publicity about their high school, Lindsey Hansen focused on celebrating the amazing things about her district using social media. After four years, it has made a big difference! IN THIS EPISODE, LINDSEY EXPLAINS: How… Read more

Back to school time is here, so what is your plan to get new staff involved in social media? If you don’t have one, you’re in the right place! Heidi is going to walk you through, step by step, on how and what you should share with your newest storytellers. IN THIS EPISODE, HEIDI BREAKS DOWN: The importance of getting… Read more

Ever meet someone and immediately think “I want to be their friend”? This happened on the podcast interview for me, and I’m betting that you’ll feel the same way! Erin is going to inspire and support you in your role as a school communicator. IN THIS EPISODE, ERIN SHARES: How she journeyed from a broadcast journalism… Read more

Looking for a unique way to engage your school community next year? A Facebook Live show sounds scary - but it’s totally possible! IN THIS EPISODE, MORGAN SHARES: How her company at Finalsite supports school communicators around the world with their services and free contentWhy your own social media use is important… Read more

Keeping up with social media trends can feel like a full-time job! Luckily for you, the team at #SocialSchool4EDU is here to help break down what is most important as you look ahead to the 2021-2022 school year. IN THIS EPISODE, EMILY BREAKS DOWN: How she stays on top of what is working for social mediaKey trends on… Read more

School PR is a demanding role and as we transition back to in-person learning, there is a lot to plan for. But how are you planning to take care of YOU? If you didn’t even know you could ask that question, then you’re in the right spot! Mark Mohammadpour, APR, owner of Chasing the Sun, is going to give you a pep talk… Read more

Social media is a challenging role, but this week’s guest is going to give you so many takeaways to make your job easier! Tara Adams dishes out some amazing advice from her experience as the Communications Coordinator for Lakeside School District in Hot Springs, Arkansas. IN THIS EPISODE, TARA SHARES: Her journey into… Read more

Hang on to your seats, my friends. You are about to meet a woman on a mission who just earned a promotion due to her amazing school communication ninja skills! Jamie Brace never shies away from a challenge, and you’re going to see where it has gotten her. IN THIS EPISODE, JAMIE INSPIRES US WITH: Her unique story of… Read more

You’re probably pretty well-versed in many things when it comes to school communications, especially after everything that has transpired over the last year. In today’s podcast, you’ll meet branding queen Marissa Weidenfeller who brought her marketing experience and put it to work in her alma mater at the perfect… Read more

Meet Skyler from Tyler! He’s a business marketing mind who has recently entered the world of SchoolPR - and he has a LOT of strategies to share. IN THIS EPISODE, SKYLER EXPLAINS: The social media approach his team takes in his district of 18,000+ students.How his secret ninja skill with drones comes in handy in his… Read more

Summer is almost here, and you may be wondering what social media should look like for your school or district. IN THIS EPISODE, HEIDI & ANDREA DISCUSS: How often you should post during summer breakWhat you can do now to prepare for summer contentMore than 10 easy ideas for you to use on your social media channels… Read more

Myra Barrera may be only six months into her new role, but she is already ROCKING social media in her small community in Texas. Myra dishes out so many tips and tricks in this interview - you’re going to want to take notes! IN THIS EPISODE, MYRA EXPLAINS: Her role in a district of 3,300 students and five campuses.How… Read more

One of the first friends I made in #SchoolPR when I started in 2014 was Joëlle Doye. Her love for schools is only matched by her love for Bon Jovi (who she has seen in concert 34 times). I can’t wait for you to meet her! IN THIS EPISODE, JOELLE SHARES: Her journey from a newspaper editor, to part-time communications… Read more

The school communicators that have grown up with social media certainly have a little bit of advantage. Today, Brandon Lorentz will prove that! IN THIS EPISODE, BRANDON DISCUSSES: The unique, 130-year history of The Summit Country Day School.How video plays a critical role in connecting with alumni and families.Why… Read more

You might think your role in school communications is demanding. Well, today you’ll meet Megan Anthony, who helps serve four different Ohio schools AND her Educational Service Center with communication services - wow! IN THIS EPISODE, MEGAN EXPLAINS: How a struggle with anxiety landed her in School PR.The journey of a… Read more

School social media managers are constantly fighting the Facebook algorithm to get their content in front of the right people. Let’s increase your followers AND the engagement on your school Facebook Page - in just five days! Join now at socialschool4edu.com/challenge. IN THIS EPISODE, ANDREA BREAKS DOWN: The nuts &… Read more

Working in school public relations as a one-person department is tough. If you’re looking for help but can’t hire a full-time support person, a student intern may be the answer! Today, you’ll hear from college student LeAnne Bugay, who helped out Bellevue Public Schools Director of Communications, Amanda Oliver. IN… Read more

After listening to the El Paso Independent School District’s presentation at the recent TSPRA conference, I have a new nickname for Liliana Gonzalez. She is the Engagement Queen! The growth she has cultivated for the district is out of this world. IN THIS EPISODE, LILY SHARES: Her unique Master’s Thesis: Twitter &… Read more

How does your Facebook page measure up? Andrea knows just what to look for in a great school page! This episode dishes out a checklist that will help your school Facebook page shine! IN THIS EPISODE, ANDREA HIGHLIGHTS 10 ITEMS: Profile image - logoCustomized username - URLFacebook cover image - up-to-date and the… Read more

Everyone loves Cathy, and you’ll soon know why. Her passion for great communication extends from families to staff! IN THIS EPISODE, CATHY EXPLAINS: How being an active parent at her children’s school led to her assignment as the first communications person in the district. Why her district has focused on Facebook and… Read more

It’s time to celebrate the Class of 2021! We learned a lot during the chaos of 2020 graduations, so we’re dishing our best tips to save you time and sanity. IN THIS EPISODE, HEIDI SHARES: The best method to get information from senior studentsHow many questions you really should ask your seniorsTips on what type of… Read more

Not many school communicators take on the role of “director” at the age of 23. But in this episode, you’re going to meet one! IN THIS EPISODE, NICOLE EXPLAINS: How her dream career in journalism led her to a school communications role.Who she reached out to for mentorship and professional growth opportunities when she… Read more

You may not be able to spell her last name, but if you have been working in school communications for a few years, you will recognize it when you hear it! Janet Swiecichowski has a wealth of experience in the field and she is always willing to share her wisdom with others. IN THIS EPISODE, JANET SHARES: Her drive for… Read more

If you’ve ever wondered what can happen as a result of including social media as a specific part of your strategic communication plan, this interview is the perfect case study! Kimberly Uelmen, a recent 35 Under 35 NSPRA recipient, breaks down her role inside of the Howard-Suamico School District. IN THIS EPISODE,… Read more

Rocking social media in a district of 4,500 students with 9 different campuses when you’re a one-woman shop isn’t easy - but Melissa has learned a trick or two to help her stay on top of it all. Listen as I get to talk with one of my favorite school communicators from Missouri! IN THIS EPISODE, MELISSA INSPIRES US… Read more

Are you concerned about the mental and emotional health of your students and staff? It’s one of the top concerns across our country, but many are struggling with strategies to help their schools deal with it. Today’s interview provides helpful advice and tools - for you the listener, and for your entire district. IN… Read more

Now that hindsight truly is 2020, let’s look forward to making 2021 the best year for your school! Social media is a powerful tool to keep families engaged. This episode breaks down the latest strategies that are working for schools across the country. IN THIS EPISODE, ANDREA BREAKS DOWN: The current state of social… Read more

This week’s guest has implemented a TON of great School PR in a short amount of time. This conversation is going to help every school communicator learn and grow! IN THIS EPISODE, MOLLY SHARES: Her journey into #SchoolPR and how she leads communication efforts as a one-person shop with 23 schools and more than 13,000… Read more

As a school communicator, you have to deal with all of this and much, much more… So if you’re looking for some veteran advice, you’ve come to the right place! IN THIS EPISODE, VERONICA EXPLAINS: Her journey into #SchoolPR, which started in Texas in 2003.How she leads a communications team of 12, which is responsible… Read more

Let’s make 2021 the best year, yet, by focusing on you, the school communicator! Burnout is real and we’ve reached out to your peers across North America for advice. This podcast summarizes the 10 best tips! IN THIS EPISODE, ANDREA BREAKS DOWN: Why it’s so easy for school communicators to get wrapped up in their job… Read more

Feeling exhausted, frustrated, uninspired, and burnt out when it comes to your job in school communications? You’re not alone - and Stephanie has something to share that can help! IN THIS EPISODE, STEPHANIE EXPLAINS: Her role as Chief People Officer at #SocialSchool4EDU, managing a team of 30 social media account… Read more

Are you a small department trying to celebrate all of the great things happening in your large school district? This interview is overflowing with amazing examples, no matter the size of your district! IN THIS EPISODE, CHRISTIAN SHARES: His journey, which started out as a part-time contractor with Jefferson Parish… Read more

Today, you get to meet a 2020 high school graduate who shares her amazing perspective as an Instagram Story contributor. IN THIS EPISODE, ANNABELLE EXPLAINS: How she got involved in social media at her schoolWhat training was involved before she got startedWhy she was so excited to highlight all of the student stories… Read more

Sharing a “day in the life” of a typical student was Vivien’s original goal of the Instagram page, and now she accomplishes so much more! Learn the secrets that Vivien uses to connect with students and families that come from 45 states and 54 countries. IN THIS EPISODE, VIVIEN INSPIRES US WITH: How she built an… Read more

The National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) is an amazing organization that supports schools across the United States and Canada. Today, you’ll meet the brand-new Executive Director, Barbara Hunter, APR. IN THIS EPISODE, BARBARA SHARES: Her diverse background in communications for schools and… Read more

Are you a one-person communications department? Andrew has a ton of practical advice in this interview - you’ll see why he was recently named to NSPRA’s 35 under 35 list! IN THIS EPISODE, ANDREW EXPLAINS: His journey back to serve the school district he graduated fromHow he turned his staff into storytellersVideo tips… Read more

Listen to a timely conversation about the current state of social media in schools in this podcast interview from the North Carolina School Public Relations Association’s podcast, “School PR Drive Time.” IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS: The evolution of social media in school PRHow to handle negative comments that show up… Read more

The best inspiration comes in the form of a story. If you’re struggling in your role as a school communicator (and who isn’t in 2020), then this episode and Kristin’s practical advice is just what you need! IN THIS EPISODE, KRISTIN INSPIRES US WITH: Tricks to being successful in a 1-person communications shop with… Read more

Small, Catholic schools have big stories to tell! If you need help growing your followers, increasing your enrollment, and engaging with parents - this episode is for you! IN THIS EPISODE, EMILY SHARES: How consistent storytelling can double your followersWays to get kids involved in developing a school hashtagWhy… Read more

If you need helpful advice when it comes to school communications, Yolanda is your girl! You’ll have a ton of takeaways from this power-packed interview. IN THIS EPISODE, YOLANDA EXPLAINS: Why her district uses Facebook as its social media platform.How she worked with her district to pay for her APR (Accreditation in… Read more

You’ll be so happy you stumbled on Jason Wheeler!! In this interview, he shares how his district of 26,000 students in Texas is using social media to connect with the community. And yes, he covers TikTok... IN THIS EPISODE, JASON INSPIRES US WITH: Easy ways to identify the student influencers in your schools.How to… Read more

It’s October 2020 and we are still operating within a global pandemic. In this interview, we talk through the top concerns of school communicators and share some helpful advice! IN THIS EPISODE, EMILY & ANDREA WILL DISCUSS: The very real threat of burnout and what school communicators can do to stop it.How to address… Read more

Cara’s career actually started in the prison system, but now she leads marketing and media relations for a career tech center in Oklahoma! She’s a lifelong learner who has invested in herself and others to make a difference. IN THIS EPISODE, CARA SHARES: The social media journey of Meridian Technology Center, which… Read more

Educators have the power to change the narrative about what others think about the work we do. Social media is a powerful tool. IN THIS EPISODE, TOM BREAKS DOWN How the use of social media led to his current role as Director of Innovation with Future Ready Schools.The reason why his school district in Pennsylvania… Read more

It all started with a corporate layoff and a superintendent just trying to help a single mom get her new business off the ground. Learn the story of #SocialSchool4EDU in today’s podcast interview! #SocialSchool4EDU CIO Heidi Feller gets to ask ALL the questions of our host, Andrea Gribble. IN THIS EPISODE, ANDREA WILL… Read more

You have the power to inform, engage, inspire, and unite your school community with the stories you share. This podcast will help get you there! IN THIS EPISODE, MIA TEACHES US The relationship between your website and your social media platformsHow social media should be your school’s highlight reel with her 70-20-10… Read more

Meet Super Woman: Elizabeth Beadle took on additional work during a pandemic, while working from home with an infant and 4-year-old! IN THIS EPISODE, ELIZABETH SHARES: Her methods of getting content in a virtual environment.How she organizes social media management into her day.The best posting times for her district,… Read more

Building community and connectedness is critical for all schools. Social media is a powerful tool to help! IN THIS EPISODE, JIMMY INSPIRES US WITH Perspective on how the current pandemic is impacting our educational leaders.Intentional strategies for social media to help us in the work we do for kids.An illustration… Read more

Engaging your community in the midst of a pandemic isn’t easy... but today, you’re going to learn some secrets! IN THIS EPISODE, JANA TALKS ABOUT: Her background in theater and how her journey led to purpose-driven work with schools.Setting up a strategy for social media at her school, which started just two years… Read more

Are you struggling to balance your personal well-being and your school role? If the answer is “yes,” then you are joining the majority of the country’s educators right now. It also means that this podcast episode is for you. IN THIS EPISODE, KRISTIN BREAKS DOWN: Her experience with trauma and the dramatic impact it… Read more

This school year will look different, but there is still SO much to celebrate on social media! IN THIS EPISODE, HEIDI INSPIRES US WITH: Her background in education and how it helps in her role as Chief Inspirational Officer for #SocialSchool4EDU.Photo and video ideas to be shared in 2020, where learning will look… Read more

How can you possibly share all of the great stories happening in your district with a small communications department? You enlist the help of students! IN THIS EPISODE, RYAN SHARES: How an internship program with one student, five years ago, has grown into a full team of 25.Ways to use offline strategies to grow… Read more

Social media is a powerful communication tool for your district, but there are some unique strategies required when it comes to using it for a referendum or bond campaign. IN THIS EPISODE, BARB EXPLAINS: How social media can be both useful and challenging for school communications.Why you should use social media to… Read more

What is the goal of social media for your school? Brendan has it mastered at Sewickley Academy. In this episode, he shares it with you! IN THIS EPISODE, BRENDAN BREAKS DOWN Why social media alone is not enoughHow they involve students in the recruitment of new familiesWhat UGC stands for - and how it helps create… Read more

The start of a new school year is the PERFECT time to get your school staff involved in social media. You can’t do it alone! In this episode, Andrea breaks down how to get your staff on-board. IN THIS EPISODE, ANDREA TEACHES A framework to spend 15 minutes (or less) with staff to get them excited and involved in… Read more

Inclusion isn’t political. Schools need to create an environment where every student feels included or learning can’t happen. IN THIS EPISODE, BRIAN EXPLORES: The opportunities Brian and his communications team had in working with a diverse districtHow listening can lead to learningWhy students need to feel safe,… Read more

When a tornado hit Tuscaloosa in 2011 and knocked out the school website and most modes of communication, it was the perfect time to convince the administration that the school needed to get on Facebook! IN THIS EPISODE, LESLEY SHARES: How Tuscaloosa City Schools got started on social mediaWhy the district hasn’t… Read more

With all the uncertainty about school plans for the fall, you have a lot of work in front of you this summer. But what if you could dial in a solid plan for at least one aspect of your job – social media? IN THIS EPISODE, ANDREA TEACHES A writing exercise to reflect on your social media strategy from last school… Read more

Meet one of the most inspirational Black superintendents in the nation who is proudly speaking out, calling for action, and pursuing change! IN THIS EPISODE, MARLON EXPLORES The story behind #MiddieRising and what it truly meansAdvocating for change on the topics of equity and racism, as a nation and in our… Read more

Storytelling takes many forms. Podcasts might be the next medium for your school to consider! IN THIS EPISODE, JUSTIN DIVES INTO The secret behind adding over 2,500 Instagram followers to the school’s account in one yearThe process of including student interns in communications effortsWhy your district should consider… Read more

Every student in Highline Public Schools is known by name, strength, and need, and graduates prepared for the future they choose. IN THIS EPISODE, SUSAN DISCUSSES How to get started with your own professional social media accountHer suggested best platformWays to encourage social media use by staffUsing social media… Read more

Educators have the power to inspire one another by sharing their work, which ultimately impacts kids! IN THIS EPISODE, GEORGE INSPIRES US WITH His unique approach to learning from studentsThe importance of educators sharing what they are doing in the classroomMethods to build your own PLN (Personal Learning Network)A… Read more

Get excited about telling your school’s story! IN THIS EPISODE, JOE SHARES The importance of building social capital and how it helps your districtWhy you - as an educational leader - need social mediaHow social media can attract both students and staff to your schoolWhat you can do to help change the narrative on… Read more

Virtual events are happening in schools across the country. Get the inside scoop on how to create a meaningful event in this timely podcast episode! IN THIS EPISODE, JAKE SHARES How to involve students in the process of planning for your eventOrganizational tips to streamline the collection of many pieces of… Read more

The journey to 185,000 followers on Twitter starts with the first tweet… IN THIS EPISODE, CARLA SHARES The social media journey of Peel, a school district with over 157,000 studentsHow they moved from one-way to two-way communication - and it all started with a snow day!The importance of being human with your social… Read more

Get ready for this masterclass on Instagram Stories! IN THIS EPISODE, TOVE SHARES The commitment to the district level to social mediaNinja tips on increasing reach of your IG StoriesAdvice on getting started with InstagramHow she incorporates highlights on her IG pageTips on engaging students through IG Stories… Read more

Tracy's areas of expertise include crisis communications and building community partnerships. IN THIS EPISODE, TRACY SHARES How her district uses social media to highlight community partnershipsTricks on taking comments from posts and turning them into new contentHer favorite video tool called Adobe Spark PostAnd lots… Read more

Shane Haggerty, APR is a dear friend who has taught me so much about #SchoolPR. He truly is a trailblazer when it comes to social media! IN THIS INTERVIEW, SHANE SHARES His start in education back in 1998.The amazing guidance his Superintendent gave him back in 2009 about social media, even though the lawyers were… Read more

You're invited to listen to my interview with Peg Mannion, APR all about #schoolpr life during COVID-19 school closures. IN THIS INTERVIEW, PEG SHARES COVID-19 communication journey since March 13thWays that they are celebrating their school on social media right nowOne unique method they use to create relationships… Read more

Mastering Social Media for Schools is a weekly podcast to help you celebrate your students and staff, and connect those stories to your community through the power of social media. In this episode, you'll meet your host - Andrea Gribble! #K12PRtip RESOURCES… Read more