Mastering Social Media for Schools

1. 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.
2. Student storytelling isn’t just a way to get more content created. Jill explains how giving students real responsibility provides an authentic place to practice digital citizenship, creativity, communication, and other career-ready skills.
3. Nervous about handing students the keys to your school’s social media? You’ll hear why a little healthy fear is OK - and how the right parameters, training, and support can create an incredible learning experience.
4. From students discovering future careers to giving quieter kids a new place to shine, Jill shares inspiring examples that may have you looking at your own students and wondering, “Who could I invite to help tell our story?”

SPECIAL GUEST

Dr. Jill Johnson

Author

Dr. Jill, Nebraska

Email: [email protected] 

Connect with Dr. Jill on X:  @drjilljohnson

Website: https://www.drjillj.com 

USEFUL INFORMATION

• Buy Jill’s book now at www.drjillj.com
• Sign up for Class Intercom’s free 2027 Content Generation Social Media Challenge for students, happening on February 10th.
• Register for our 3rd Annual Social Media for Schools Retreat now - happening June 22-24, 2027, in Stillwater, MN.
• 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/

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Free Video Training: Learn the simple secrets behind social media for K12 schools!

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www.SocialSchool4EDU.com

1. 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.
2. Sometimes the biggest improvements don’t require a complicated strategy. Melissa explains how simple shifts - like relying less on graphics and showing more authentic photos, people, and stories - changed how their community responded.
3. A small communications team can’t be everywhere, so Melissa is finding creative ways to expand her storytelling network through staff collaboration, photo submissions, and a new student ambassador program.
4. One of Melissa’s biggest lessons has nothing to do with algorithms: relationships are your superpower. When staff, coaches, teachers, and students become your eyes and ears, finding meaningful stories becomes much easier.

SPECIAL GUEST

Melissa Bevier

Communications

Grossmont Union High School District, California

Email: [email protected] 

Connect with Melissa on Instagram: @_melly_gram_ 

Website: https://www.guhsd.net 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GUHSDschools 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guhsd_schools/ 

USEFUL INFORMATION

• Melissa’s examples:
  • Back-to-school video with school leaders
  • Weather alert videos featuring girls flag football teams - WHHS and SHS
• Register for the 2027 Social Media for Schools Retreat.
• 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/

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Free Video Training: Learn the simple secrets behind social media for K12 schools!

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www.SocialSchool4EDU.com

1. 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.
2. More posts don’t automatically mean better social media. Sharon once had a goal set by her superintendent: five posts every single day. Hear what convinced her to change course and why being more intentional with content has made such a difference.
3. Stop letting great school stories get buried in texts and emails! Sharon shares the super-simple QR code system she uses to collect photos and story ideas from staff across her huge district - and it’s an idea you can easily steal.
4. One of Sharon’s most successful content ideas is also one of the simplest. Her district’s “Won the Week Hero” recognition generates incredible engagement while celebrating everyone from teachers to custodians and cafeteria staff. You’ll hear how they organize it, capture the content, and keep it manageable week after week.

SPECIAL GUEST

Sharon Patrick

Public Relations Manager

Rankin County School District, Mississippi

Email: [email protected] 

Website: https://www.rcsd.ms 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rcsdms 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rcsdms/ 

USEFUL INFORMATION

• Won the Week Hero - Tran Myers - Look at all of the engagement!!!
  • Video Post
  • Photo Post
• Photo of Sharon Patrick on the tractor listening to the podcast
• 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/

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Free Video Training: Learn the simple secrets behind social media for K12 schools!

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www.SocialSchool4EDU.com

1. 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.
2. You don’t need to chase the algorithm to grow your Instagram. Robert shares how Clinton Public Schools built an audience of more than 5,000 followers by intentionally showing families what’s happening inside their schools.
3. Need people to pay attention to important - but boring - information? Get creative! Hear the story behind a hilarious kindergarten registration video featuring students playing the adults, and why it generated incredible engagement and shares.
4. Podcasting doesn’t have to become another overwhelming task on your list. Robert explains how he has simplified his district podcast, captures conversations with equipment he already has, and repurposes episodes to get even more mileage from great school stories.

SPECIAL GUEST

Robert Chapman

Director of Communications

Clinton Public School District, Mississippi

Email: [email protected] 

X: https://x.com/ChapmanRobert 

Website: https://www.clintonpublicschools.com 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clintonpublicschooldistrict/   

USEFUL INFORMATION

• Kindergarten Registration Video
• The Clinton Arrow Podcast
• 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/

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Free Video Training: Learn the simple secrets behind social media for K12 schools!

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www.SocialSchool4EDU.com

1. 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.
2. What if your student social media team was actually a class? Hear how Pinkerton structures its one-credit independent study, from selecting students and brainstorming content to assigning projects, scheduling posts, and giving students real responsibility.
3. School social media doesn’t always have to feel polished and serious! Genna shares how her students use fun trends, humor, and relatable ideas to show a more human side of school leaders while building stronger connections across their community.
4. Need an easy storytelling idea you could start right away? You’ll love Pinkerton’s simple approach to class and club spotlights - giving families an inside look at opportunities students may never think to mention when someone asks, “What did you do at school today?”

SPECIAL GUEST

Genna Dellisola

Digital Media Strategist

Pinkerton Academy, New Hampshire

Email: [email protected] 

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gennadellisola  

Website: https://www.pinkertonacademy.org/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pinkertonacademy/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pinkertonacademy/ 

USEFUL INFORMATION

• Social Media Post Examples:
  • Golf Cart vs. Student
  • "Have a Good Day"
  • Tour Using Gen-Z Script
  • Cosmetology Class Spotlight
  • Astros United Club Spotlight
• Want more training on students as storytellers? Grab your virtual ticket to our Social Media for Schools Retreat! 
• 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/

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Free Video Training: Learn the simple secrets behind social media for K12 schools!

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www.SocialSchool4EDU.com

1. 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.
2. 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, and little moments worth capturing along the way.
3. Your videos do not have to be perfect to work! Some of my favorite clips were completely unplanned, a little messy, and very real - and that’s exactly why they connected with our community.
4. You don’t have to edit and post everything right away. I’ll show you how I spread these videos out over several weeks so one night of storytelling kept working for me long after the event was over.

Email: [email protected]  

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreagribble/  

Website: www.socialschool4edu.com   

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialschool4edu/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SocialSchool4EDU 

USEFUL INFORMATION

• Blog: Social Media Content Batching: 1 Hour Filming, 10 Videos, 37,000+ Views
• Andrea’s Recommended Tools - like the microphone and carrier that I used!
• 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/

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Free Video Training: Learn the simple secrets behind social media for K12 schools!

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www.SocialSchool4EDU.com

1. 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.
2. There’s a part of this job that most people never see. Mike opens up about one of those moments - and the lesson he took from it is something every school communicator needs to hear.
3. Some of the best advice Mike has collected over the years is surprisingly simple. From knowing when to stop talking to learning how to receive feedback, these little lessons can make a big difference in how you communicate and lead.
4. And when the work feels especially heavy? You need the right people around you. Mike shares why connection, laughter, and having people who truly understand this profession matter more than we sometimes realize.

SPECIAL GUEST

Mike Cyze

Chief Communication Officer

Dubuque Community School District, Iowa

Email: [email protected] 

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mike-cyze 

Website: https://www.dbqschools.org 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dbqschools 

USEFUL INFORMATION

• Gravity - a poem written by Mike Cyze for all school communicators 
• 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/

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Free Video Training: Learn the simple secrets behind social media for K12 schools!

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www.SocialSchool4EDU.com

1. 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.
2. If staff morale and retention are on your mind, this episode will show you how intentional recognition can help people feel seen, valued, and proud to be part of your district.
3. You’ll hear the behind-the-scenes details of how Fulton pulls off these surprise celebrations each month - from nominations and committee planning to video editing, prizes, and local business partnerships.
4. This conversation is a great reminder that social media can be so much more than announcements. When you use it to tell personal staff stories, you can make your district feel smaller, warmer, and more connected.

SPECIAL GUESTS

Marc Copani

Director of Human Resources

Fulton City School District, New York

Email: [email protected] 

Website: https://fultoncsd.org 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FultonCitySchoolDistrict 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fultoncsd/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fultoncsd/ 

Alexander Richmond

Public Information Assistant with CiTi BOCES Public Relations

CiTi BOCES, New York

Email: [email protected] 

Website: https://www.citiboces.org/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CiTiboces 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/citi_boces/ 

USEFUL INFORMATION

• Visit this website for a full library of Fulton School Champions since it started back in 2023
• A few of Alex’s favorites include:
  • Lane Perl – January 1
  • Amanda Sherman – February 2
  • Sean Edwards – April 4
• 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/

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Free Video Training: Learn the simple secrets behind social media for K12 schools!

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www.SocialSchool4EDU.com

1. 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.
2. Discover how a simple “temperature check” survey can reveal what families really think about your communication - and help you make smarter decisions about what to share next.
3. Learn the 30-3-30 principle for creating content that serves people who have 30 seconds, three minutes, or 30 minutes to engage with your district’s story.
4. Hear why your internal communications may not stay internal and how setting clear social media precedents can protect your district when difficult conversations arise.

SPECIAL GUEST

Greg Viebranz

Principal Strategist

End in Mind Creative, South Carolina

Email: [email protected] 

Website: https://eimcreative.com 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EndInMind/ 

X: https://x.com/end_creative 

USEFUL INFORMATION

• #K12PRtip example - pinned Facebook post with important information
• Buy Greg’s Book
• 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/

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Free Video Training: Learn the simple secrets behind social media for K12 schools!

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www.SocialSchool4EDU.com

1. 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.
2. Giving back doesn’t have to mean doing something huge. We’ll talk about how each of us can use our own gifts, resources, and opportunities to make an impact right where we are  - and sometimes much farther than we ever imagined.
3. You’ll hear more about how #SocialSchool4EDU is intentionally giving back and why supporting schools, students, and educators goes far beyond the social media work we do every day.
4. This episode comes with an invitation for YOU! Whether you feel called to make a difference locally or globally, we hope this conversation inspires you to find one way to step in, serve others, and create your own ripple effect.

SPECIAL GUEST

Allison Martinson

Graphic Designer at #SocialSchool4EDU

Email: [email protected]

Phone Number: 612-209-0117

Honduras Well Projects - www.honduraswellprojects.org 

Agua Viva International - aguavivainternational.org

Website: www.socialschool4edu.com   

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialschool4edu/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SocialSchool4EDU 

USEFUL INFORMATION

• Our first mission trip to Honduras was amazing! Visit Facebook for a glimpse of our experience:
  • Photos
  • Video summary of our trip
  • Video of toothbrush donation
• Website to learn more about #SocialSchool4EDU’s program - coming soon! Just stay connected by visiting www.socialschool4edu.com 
• 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