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 301 episodes available.

Mastering Social Media for Schools episodes:

January 05, 2026Behind the Mic at 300 Episodes - Andrea Gets Interviewed by Daughter Aliya North
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. Spoiler alert: with persistence, passion, and the right people around you, anything is possible.

I share some of my favorite podcast guests (yes, I actually try to pick!) and the power of those “real” moments. Think unedited flubs and the kind of authentic storytelling that makes this podcast what it is.

We wrap up with my take on what’s next for school social media - because this work is never done. From accessibility and AI to simply keeping up, I’m sharing how we can face the future together.

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

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

SPECIAL HOST
Aliya North
Marketing & Entrepreneurship student at the University of Wisconsin - Madison
Email: [email protected]
Connect with Aliya on LinkedIn

USEFUL INFORMATION
Join us in June for the Social Media for Schools Retreat! Learn more and sign up here.
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
December 29, 2025Tell Me Something Good: How a Simple Video Sparked Global Joy with Adam Marcum
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 hack!

The power of student voice shines when there’s trust. Learn how Adam built authentic connections that led to honest, emotional responses. He shares exactly how he filmed this in the school, including how he checked students' social media permissions and made sure they felt comfortable with their responses being shared.

Going viral was never the goal, but Adam shares what it taught him about timing, flexibility, and making the most of a once-in-a-career storytelling moment.

SPECIAL GUEST
Adam Marcum
Public Relations & Communications Coordinator
Monroe Local Schools, Ohio

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.monroelocalschools.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MLSDHomeoftheHornets/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monroe_local_schools

USEFUL INFORMATION
Adam’s resources and posts shared throughout the episode - Click here.
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
43min
December 22, 2025From Influencer to School PR Pro: Social Media That Engages with Jatana Jackson
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 getting people to care is the secret sauce.

Need campaign inspiration? You’ll love Jatana’s fun, high-impact ideas like “Crowned Across the County” and celebration reels that schools can’t wait to be part of.

Posting just to post? Not on Jatana’s watch! She shares how to plan with purpose and tailor each message to the right platform and audience so every story shines.

SPECIAL GUEST
Jatana Jackson
Senior Communications Coordinator
Brevard Public Schools, Florida

Email: [email protected]
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jatanajackson

Website: https://www.brevardschools.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrevardPublicSchools
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brevardschools
X: https://x.com/BrevardSchools

USEFUL INFORMATION
Vacation Planning Infographic
Principal Recognition Photo
Strike a Pose Reel for Attendance Flags
Crowned Across the County Contest
Class of 2025 Reel
Want to contribute to our Honduras Well Projects 2026 mission team? #SocialSchool4EDU is sponsoring the installation of a well at a school. We need help sending our team to help with the project. Click here to contribute: https://venmo.com/u/Andrea-Gribble-1
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
43min
December 15, 2025From Relationships to Results: How Faculty Help Fuel Social Media Success with Kelly Meredith
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, strengthening school culture, and honoring traditions.

Learn why starting small with student contributors can create big wins - and how Kelly’s approach to "Hallway Hot Takes" is working.

SPECIAL GUEST
Kelly Meredith
Communications Director
Serra Catholic High School, Pennsylvania

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

Website: https://www.serrahs.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SerraEagles
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/serracatholic

USEFUL INFORMATION
Homecoming Walk-a-thon post
Alumni Roll Call post - with 150+ comments!
Join us at the 2026 Social Media for Schools Retreat - click here for more information!
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
28min
December 08, 2025Using Student Drone Skills to Tell School Stories with Krystal Hurr & Samantha Beatley
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 families.
Learn how collaboration between school staff and interns empowers students to grow their creative and technical skills while delivering high-quality content.
Get inspired to use student voice and talent to capture authentic school culture—this episode shows it’s possible, even with drones!

SPECIAL GUESTS
Krystal Hurr
Coordinator of Digital Media and Design
York County School Division, Virginia

Email: [email protected]

Samantha Beatley
Student Intern
York County School Division, Virginia

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-beatley-08969b368

Website: https://yorkcountyschools.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ycsdva
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ycsdva/#
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ycsdva/

USEFUL INFORMATION
Inspiration for the Drone video project - Click here to watch
Drones that York County School Division is using:
DJI Air 3S
DJI Mini 3 Pro
You’re invited to join this free Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/k12schoolpr
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
43min
December 01, 2025Gen Z is Watching: Rethinking School Branding for the Tik-Tok Generation with Javier Ibarra
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 below!
Get ahead of 2026 federal regulations with smart tips on making your district’s social media content accessible.
Discover how DPS builds student-first content that connects emotionally and earns millions of views - without needing a full production crew.

SPECIAL GUEST
Javier Ibarra
Sr. Manager, Media and PR
Denver Public Schools, Colorado

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.dpsk12.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DenverPublicSchools
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denverpublicschools
X: https://x.com/dps_k12
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/denver-public-schools/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/DenverPublicSchools

USEFUL INFORMATION
Click here to see Zoey walking for the first time to get her diploma
Watch middle school students explain their lingo
Meet the canines who help with drug detection
Denver Public Schools Checklist - including Video Tool Links!
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
November 24, 2025When Trolls Attack: Turning a Crisis into an Opportunity with Lauren Snell
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.
Learn how Lauren tapped into her community to build a network of “truth tellers” ready to help counter misinformation. This monthly class has also helped spread the positive stories they share on social media!
Hear the behind-the-scenes on the tools, settings, and mindset that help prevent future trolling and protect staff mental health.

SPECIAL GUEST
Lauren Snell
Public Information Officer and Social Media Manager
Cherry Creek School District, Colorado

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.cherrycreekschools.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CCSDK12/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherrycreekschools

USEFUL INFORMATION
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
39min
November 17, 2025Your Accessibility Checklist for Schools Starts Here: Tips from Zac Rantz
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 better for everyone.
Zac also shares how his district of 6,700 students manages social media with a smart, centralized approach that works.

SPECIAL GUEST
Zac Rantz
Chief Communication Officer & Safety Coordinator
Nixa Public Schools, Missouri

Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacrantz/
X: @zacrantz

Website: https://www.nixapublicschools.net
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nixapublicschools/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nixaschools/
X: https://x.com/nixaschools

USEFUL INFORMATION
Click here for Zac’s handout on the Basics of Accessibility
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
53min
November 10, 2025Social Media Tips (Not Tricks) to Build Lasting Engagement in School PR with Chanda Gilmore, M.S.
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 engagement strategy.
Think there’s a magic formula for engagement? Think again. Chanda breaks down why what works in one district might totally flop in another—and how to figure out what fits your community.
From showcasing custodians to tapping into short-form video, you’ll hear creative ways to move beyond “just posting” and start building a true connection with your audience.

SPECIAL GUEST
Chanda Gilmore, M.S.
Instructor, Strategic Communication and Public Relations
University of Delaware, Delaware

Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/chanda-gilmore

Website: https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/cas/units/departments/communication/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/udcommdept/

USEFUL INFORMATION
Video tip on Facebook’s new metric called “Viewers” - Click here to watch!
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
41min
November 03, 2025Shifting Public Perception Through Stories: KCPS’s Turnaround with Shain Bergan
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 85% voter approval - the first successful bond in nearly six decades! Discover how social media, media access, and bold transparency helped the community believe in the district again.
Learn how Shain built a social media presence from nearly nothing to triple-digit growth in just two years - starting with school visits, building trust, and empowering teachers and staff as storytellers.
From skepticism to buy-in: Discover the systems, mindset shifts, and content strategy that helped turn KCPS’s social media into a vibrant, authentic reflection of what’s really happening in schools and why that’s changing everything.

SPECIAL GUEST
Shain Bergan
Public Relations Coordinator
Kansas City Public Schools, Missouri

Email: [email protected]
X: @KCPSShain

Website: https://www.kcpublicschools.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kcpublicschools/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kcpublicschools/
X: https://x.com/kcpublicschools

USEFUL INFORMATION
Register now for the Social Media for Schools Retreat happening June 23-25, 2026.
Grab more information on the bond campaign at this website: https://www.kcpsbond.org/
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
53min

FAQs about Mastering Social Media for Schools:

How many episodes does Mastering Social Media for Schools have?

The podcast currently has 301 episodes available.

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