Mastering Social Media for Schools

By Andrea Gribble

Do you manage social media for a K12 school? Then this podcast is for you! Struggling to find time for social media? Wondering why people won’t engage on your Facebook page? Can’t get content from

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FAQs about Mastering Social Media for Schools:

How many episodes does Mastering Social Media for Schools have?

The podcast currently has 268 episodes available.

Mastering Social Media for Schools episodes:

May 19, 2025How Marshalltown Built a Top Social Media Ambassador Team w/ Abby Koch, Sugey Alvarez & Tanya Kenner
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 engagement.
Learn why your videos don’t have to be perfect to make an impact
Find out how social media boosted staff morale, student excitement, and even helped with recruitment
Discover easy tools and creative tips from the front lines
This episode is one you’ll want to share with your team!

SPECIAL GUESTS
Abby Koch
Director of Communications
Marshalltown Community School District, Iowa

Email: [email protected]
X: @MkayAbby
LinkedIn: @AbbyLKoch

Sugey Alvarez
School Resource Specialist
Marshalltown Community School District, Iowa

Tanya Kenner
Administrative Assistant
Marshalltown Community School District, Iowa

Website: https://www.marshalltown.k12.ia.us/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Marshalltown.Schools
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcsdbobcats/
Rogers Elementary Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rogerselem

USEFUL INFORMATION
Join our Summer Book Club starting Tuesday, June 10th! Sign up here.
Reel Examples:
Introducing the new school principal
Buddy the Elf Dance
Staff dance into spring break
Order your copy of my book Social Media for Schools: Proven Storytelling Strategies & Ideas to Celebrate Your Students & Staff - While Keeping Your Sanity now!
Interested in our membership program? Learn more here: https://socialschool4edu.com/
MORE RESOURCES
Free Video Training: Learn the simple secrets behind social media for K12 schools!
Sign up for our free e-newsletter - click here
www.SocialSchool4EDU.com
...more
49min
May 12, 2025How AI & Authentic Stories Are Transforming School PR with Amanda Materre
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 strategies.
Want to align your messaging across platforms without doubling your work? Learn how AI can streamline your content creation process.
Discover why authenticity and vulnerability are key to powerful communication – and how AI can support (not replace) your voice.
✨ Bonus: Amanda’s AI Resource Board is linked in the show notes!

SPECIAL GUEST
Amanda Materre
Innovative Digital and Web Services Manager & Keynote Speaker
Texas

Email: [email protected]
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandamaterre/
Personal X: @amandamaterre
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandamaterre/

USEFUL INFORMATION
“Social Media for Schools” Summer 2025 Book Club - register for this free webinar series here!
Bonus AI Tool sheet from Amanda
Order your copy of my book Social Media for Schools: Proven Storytelling Strategies & Ideas to Celebrate Your Students & Staff - While Keeping Your Sanity now!
Interested in our membership program? Learn more here: https://socialschool4edu.com/
MORE RESOURCES
Free Video Training: Learn the simple secrets behind social media for K12 schools!
Sign up for our free e-newsletter - click here
www.SocialSchool4EDU.com
...more
36min
May 05, 202510 Essentials for a Social-Ready Brand – Are You Covered? with Kelly May
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 you can apply immediately.
4 Key Takeaways:
Why consistent branding builds trust – and how to reflect your school’s personality on social media.
Essential elements your brand kit must include – from cover banners to flexible color palettes and scalable logos.
How to design for accessibility – including tips for color contrast, alt text, and captions.
The importance of branded templates and photo libraries – to save time and tell better, more engaging stories.

SPECIAL GUEST
Kelly May
Design Director
CEL Marketing | PR | Design, Minnesota

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.celpr.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celpr
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celcreative/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cel-marketing-pr-design

USEFUL INFORMATION
Branding examples from dozens of schools - https://www.celpr.com/marketing-agency-portfolio/
Join the LIVE Golden Gribble Awards on Friday, May 9th, at noon EDT! Click here for all the details and the Zoom link to join!
Order your copy of my book Social Media for Schools: Proven Storytelling Strategies & Ideas to Celebrate Your Students & Staff - While Keeping Your Sanity now!
Interested in our membership program? Learn more here: https://socialschool4edu.com/
MORE RESOURCES
Free Video Training: Learn the simple secrets behind social media for K12 schools!
Sign up for our free e-newsletter - click here
www.SocialSchool4EDU.com
...more
42min
April 28, 2025Social Media Success at a Small School with Lisa Streckert
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, even in a smaller school setting.
Use a School-Owned iPhone: Having a dedicated phone for photos, content collection, and text submissions from staff has been a game-changer for organizing and separating work/personal life.
Quick, Authentic Moments Win: Reels and posts featuring spontaneous, relatable moments—like the principal shoveling snow—often perform better than polished, time-consuming content.
Divide and Conquer for Big Events: Tag-teaming large events like choir festivals with one person on photos and another on video helps capture more content with less stress and boosts sharing across schools.

SPECIAL GUEST
Lisa Streckert
Communications Assistant and Middle School Administrative Assistant
St. Croix Lutheran Academy, Minnesota

Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisastreckert/

Website: https://stcroixlutheran.org
Facebook: https://facebook.com/stcroixlutheran
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stcroixlutheran
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/saint-croix-lutheran-academy

USEFUL INFORMATION
Join the LIVE Golden Gribble Awards on Friday, May 9th, at noon EDT! Click here for all the details and the Zoom link to join!
Choral Festival Reels:
Recap
Student Video
Getting Ready
Heavenly Preview
Principal Shoveling Reel
Order your copy of my book Social Media for Schools: Proven Storytelling Strategies & Ideas to Celebrate Your Students & Staff - While Keeping Your Sanity now!
Interested in our membership program? Learn more here: https://socialschool4edu.com/
MORE RESOURCES
Free Video Training: Learn the simple secrets behind social media for K12 schools!
Sign up for our free e-newsletter - click here
www.SocialSchool4EDU.com
...more
33min
April 21, 2025Breaking School News: How to Capture Social Like a Local News Reporter with Daniel Langhorne
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 small newsroom—focusing on real-time, engaging content that makes an impact.
Mastering Instagram storytelling – Sage Hill has doubled down on Instagram as its primary platform. Hear why they made this choice and how it’s resonating with students, staff, and families.
Struggling with Reels? Get practical tips on how to capture key moments, what shots to prioritize, and what equipment (or lack thereof!) you really need to create effective school videos.

SPECIAL GUEST
Daniel Langhorne
Communications & Website Manager
Sage Hill School, California

Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-langhorne-97429615/
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/dlanghorne.bsky.social

Website: https://www.sagehillschool.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SageHillSchool
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sagehill/
PodBean: https://sagehill.podbean.com/

USEFUL INFORMATION
You’re invited to #SocialSchool4EDU’s NSPRA 2025 Partner Power Session - July 20, 2025, from 8 am to noon - full details and register here
Daniel’s examples
Groundbreaking Ceremony - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDgQxOwRqm6/
Homecoming Pep Rally - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBjzUxwsbh8/
Join the LIVE Golden Gribble Awards on Friday, May 9th, at noon EDT! Click here for all the details and the Zoom link to join!
Order your copy of my book Social Media for Schools: Proven Storytelling Strategies & Ideas to Celebrate Your Students & Staff - While Keeping Your Sanity now!
Interested in our membership program? Learn more here: https://socialschool4edu.com/
MORE RESOURCES
Free Video Training: Learn the simple secrets behind social media for K12 schools!
Sign up for our free e-newsletter - click here
www.SocialSchool4EDU.com
...more
34min
April 14, 2025School Social Media Management Made Easy with Sarah Loyd
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 schools simplify their social strategy.
Maximizing Efficiency – A game-changing tool that can cut social media workload by up to 80%.
Nextdoor & Schools – How this often-overlooked platform can enhance storytelling and community engagement.
Empowering Students & Parents – Smart strategies to safely include more voices in your school’s social media efforts.
Hit play and discover how to work smarter, not harder, when it comes to school social media! 🎧

SPECIAL GUEST
Sarah Loyd
Head of Product Success & Evangelism
Social News Desk

Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahloyd/

Website: https://www.socialnewsdesk.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/socialnewsdesk
Instagram: https://instagram.com/socialnewsdesk
X: https://x.com/socialnewsdesk
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/socialnewsdesk/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@socialnewsdesk
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/socialnewsdesk.com

USEFUL INFORMATION
New 100 Ideas Download from #SocialSchool4EDU
Genesee ISD Bus Driver Recruitment video
SND Free Trial & Demo: https://www.socialnewsdesk.com/demo/
Webinar Replay: Social Storytelling Strategies for K-12 (with Genesee ISD)
EBook: Social Storytelling Strategies for K-12
Order your copy of my book Social Media for Schools: Proven Storytelling Strategies & Ideas to Celebrate Your Students & Staff - While Keeping Your Sanity now!
Interested in our membership program? Learn more here: https://socialschool4edu.com/
MORE RESOURCES
Free Video Training: Learn the simple secrets behind social media for K12 schools!
Sign up for our free e-newsletter - click here
www.SocialSchool4EDU.com
...more
30min
April 07, 2025Banish Imposter Syndrome and Embrace Your Professional Value with Sondra Whalen, APR
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 - Many communicators feel unqualified due to the wide skill set required, but recognizing strengths helps build confidence. Sandra introduces the Dunning-Kruger Effect, showing how self-awareness and professional growth can combat self-doubt.
Leveraging Behavioral Science for Better Communication - Understanding psychology helps create messages that resonate and build stronger relationships with stakeholders. Using strategies like nostalgia-driven posts (e.g., Throwback Thursday) fosters emotional connections and engagement.
Practical Strategies to Improve School Social Media - Consistency, storytelling, and leveraging help from staff, students, or alumni improve social media impact. "Posted is better than perfect"—focus on getting content out rather than overanalyzing every detail.

SPECIAL GUEST
Sondra Whalen, APR
Director of Student Programs and Communications
Vernon Verona Sherrill Central School District, New York

Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sondra-whalen-apr-03659029a/

Website: https://www.vvsschools.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VVSDistrict

USEFUL INFORMATION
Register for Washington DC event - NSPRA 2025 Partner Power Session Registration- Social Media Workshop: The Secret to Plan, Create, & Execute a Strategy that Works! with Andrea Gribble - Sunday, July 20, 2025 - 8 am - noon
School Communications Expertise Areas
Love Story post
Order your copy of my book Social Media for Schools: Proven Storytelling Strategies & Ideas to Celebrate Your Students & Staff - While Keeping Your Sanity now!
Interested in our membership program? Learn more here: https://socialschool4edu.com/
MORE RESOURCES
Free Video Training: Learn the simple secrets behind social media for K12 schools!
Sign up for our free e-newsletter - click here
www.SocialSchool4EDU.com
...more
45min
March 31, 202519 Free Marketing Strategies for Schools with Andrea Gribble
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 Marketing Strategies – Get a breakdown of 19 actionable ways to market your school effectively in 2025.
What Marketing Looks Like Now – Learn the latest trends and basics of school marketing to stay ahead.
Real-World Examples – Gain practical ideas from real schools that you can implement right away.
Exclusive Giveaway – Stick around until the end for a chance to win a special prize!

Email: [email protected]
Follow Andrea on X: @andreagribble

Website: www.socialschool4edu.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/socialschool4edu

USEFUL INFORMATION
Interested in having Andrea speak in person or virtually with your school or organization? Learn more here.
12 Ways to Include Students as Social Media Storytellers
Order your copy of my book Social Media for Schools: Proven Storytelling Strategies & Ideas to Celebrate Your Students & Staff - While Keeping Your Sanity now!
Interested in our membership program? Learn more here: https://socialschool4edu.com/
MORE RESOURCES
Free Video Training: Learn the simple secrets behind social media for K12 schools!
Sign up for our free e-newsletter - click here
www.SocialSchool4EDU.com
...more
37min
March 24, 2025From School Counselor to School & Community Storyteller with Erin Montgomery
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.
What you'll learn in this episode:
How to capture and share school events like spelling bees, teacher highlights, and student achievements
Tips for turning videos and stories into heartwarming social media moments
Erin’s journey from school counselor to full-time consultant—and insights for those considering a similar path
The power of storytelling in making social media posts stand out

SPECIAL GUEST
Erin Montgomery
Founder
Promote419, Ohio

Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.promote419ohio.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/promote419ohio/

School Website: https://www.hicksvilleschools.org
School Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hhsaces
School Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hicksvilleoh_aces/

USEFUL INFORMATION
Erin’s Examples
Apply for the 2025 Social Media Awards by April 4, 2025
Video tip to edit your Instagram Reel cover and caption
Order your copy of my book Social Media for Schools: Proven Storytelling Strategies & Ideas to Celebrate Your Students & Staff - While Keeping Your Sanity now!
Interested in our membership program? Learn more here: https://socialschool4edu.com/
MORE RESOURCES
Free Video Training: Learn the simple secrets behind social media for K12 schools!
Sign up for our free e-newsletter - click here
www.SocialSchool4EDU.com
...more
44min
March 17, 2025Leading with Pride: How a Superintendent Can Champion School Storytelling with Dr. Vince Breunig
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 Example – Dr. Breunig models engagement by visiting classrooms, taking photos, and actively participating in storytelling efforts.
Recognize and Celebrate Staff – Publicly acknowledging teachers and staff boosts morale, retention, and school pride.
Make Social Media a System, Not an Afterthought – A content calendar and clear expectations help ensure that all areas of the district are represented.
Shift the Narrative with Positive Content – Consistently sharing great moments helps balance public perception and highlight the impact of schools.

SPECIAL GUEST
Dr. Vince Breunig
District Administrator, Named one of NSPRA’s Superintendents to Watch for 2025
School District of Lodi, Wisconsin

Email: [email protected]
X: @vincebreunig

Website: https://www.lodi.k12.wi.us/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LodiSchoolsWI
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lodischoolswi/

USEFUL INFORMATION
Lodi Pride - Guardians of the Galaxy video
Kyle Hoffman, student video creator - example of video
Order your copy of my book Social Media for Schools: Proven Storytelling Strategies & Ideas to Celebrate Your Students & Staff - While Keeping Your Sanity now!
Interested in our membership program? Learn more here: https://socialschool4edu.com/
MORE RESOURCES
Free Video Training: Learn the simple secrets behind social media for K12 schools!
Sign up for our free e-newsletter - click here
www.SocialSchool4EDU.com
...more
37min

FAQs about Mastering Social Media for Schools:

How many episodes does Mastering Social Media for Schools have?

The podcast currently has 268 episodes available.

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