Mastering Social Media for Schools

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 - logo Customized username - URL Facebook cover image - up-to-date and the right size. Watch the video tip here! Two posts per day during the week 75% of your...

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 Twitter as its only social media channels. Her journey through the APR process...

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 students How many questions you really should ask your seniors Tips on what type of image should go with each post Strategy on where to post and how to schedule Tric...

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 was starting out. Why her district was one of the first to adopt Facebook back...

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 K12 communications - which is deeply rooted in her belief that there is nothing m...

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, KIMBERLY SHARES: Her extensive experience in dealing with “all the things” when it c...

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 WITH: How she ended up in School PR and just recently earned a seat at the leadershi...

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 THIS EPISODE, TASHA SHARES: Her personal struggle with depression after a life-cha...

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 media in K12 What four things you should focus on with your social media efforts...

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 students. Unique ways to engage your school community using fun social media idea...

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 for 83 schools. Key strategies for passing a nearly $1 billion bond. Tips for de...

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 responsibilities 10 tips to help you earn back some work-life harmony Quotes from...

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 managers What the Social Media Bootcamp program is about and who it’s designed to ser...

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 Schools back in 2012. How he now works with his 80 schools to develop great social m...

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 school What training was involved before she got started Why she was so excited to highlight all of the student stories happening in her high school Easy tips on making your stories more engaging S...

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 Instagram following of over 5,200 over the last 5 years Strategies she uses to show cur...

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 organizations. How she plans to grow the membership beyond its current record numbers. The ch...

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 from How he turned his staff into storytellers Video tips to tug on the heartstrings and build meaningful engagement with your community...

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 PR How to handle negative comments that show up on your school pages The future of Facebook with current censorship concerns fr...

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 18,000 students How she created a Communication Crew filled with staff members Ways...

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 followers Ways to get kids involved in developing a school hashtag Why relationships are so critical when it comes to running your social media  Five key...

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 Public Relations). What inspired her to start her own blog, where she shares wha...

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 train those students for takeovers. Why TikTok might make sense for your school di...

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 negative comments online. What recent Facebook changes mean for social media...

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 started in 2010. The importance of building relationships in your role as a school...