Mastering Social Media for Schools

1. 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.
2. Discover how custom AI agents trained on your district’s style guides, mission, and trusted resources can help your team communicate more consistently - without losing the human voice your community values.
3. You’ll hear which privacy-conscious and educator-friendly AI tools deserve a closer look, plus why clear guardrails and transparency are essential for building trust with staff, families, and students.
4. Find out how AI can give school communicators more time to focus on what technology cannot replace: authentic, emotional storytelling that connects families to the heart of their schools.

SPECIAL GUEST

Frank Devereaux

Educational Technology Integration Specialist

Email: [email protected] 

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-devereaux-8a449344/ 

USEFUL INFORMATION

• The Day “Follower Count” Died: Why School Districts Must Shift to Interest Media by Jason Wheeler
• Grab your virtual ticket to our Social Media for Schools Retreat! We had an entire session (session 2) devoted to AI with Rebecca Bulstma. Jake Sturgis shared many tools in session 8 as well!
• 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. 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.
2. Are you telling your community what's happening - or involving them in the conversation? Deron shares a simple mindset shift that's helped him gain buy-in around difficult financial decisions and strengthen relationships across his district.
3. Every leader needs someone who will tell them the truth. Learn how Deron found a trusted staff partner who isn't afraid to say, "This doesn't make sense," and why that honest feedback has made all the difference in his district's communications.
4. Small districts may not have a dedicated communicator, but they can't afford to ignore communication. Deron explains why investing in communication training, professional networks, and relationship-building can have a lasting impact on your school district's success.

SPECIAL GUEST

Deron Stender

Superintendent

Creston Community Schools, Iowa

Email: [email protected] 

Website: https://www.crestonschools.org 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100048656033523 

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

X: https://x.com/CCSD_Panthers 

USEFUL INFORMATION

• Learn more about your local School Public Relations Association 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/

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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. 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.
2. For one-person school PR shops, connection is everything. You’ll hear how PenSPRA creates a built-in network through mentoring, monthly conversations, and professional development designed specifically for school communication leaders.
3. Christa’s advice for other SPRA chapters is refreshingly practical. From grassroots outreach to a stronger LinkedIn presence, she shares simple strategies that help elevate the role of school communications statewide.
4. Christa shares how PenSPRA’s unique executive director model works - and why contracting with the Chester County Intermediate Unit gives the chapter access to an entire communications team, not just one person.

SPECIAL GUEST

Christa Fazio

PenSPRA Executive Director 

Division Director of Communications, Marketing, and Engagement

Chester County Intermediate Unit, Pennsylvania

Email: [email protected] 

Instagram: https://instagram.com/christafazio 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christa-fazio-9694503/ 

Websites: 

https://penspra.com/ 

https://cciu.org 

USEFUL INFORMATION

• Helpful blog: Back to School – Checklist for Getting Staff Involved in Social Media
• 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’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.
2. You’ll hear why student photos, names, and likenesses need extra caution when AI tools are involved, even when families have already signed photo permission forms.
3. AI-created flyers may look impressive, but they often create problems for social media. Andrea explains why tiny text, too many details, and QR codes can make your message harder for families to act on.
4. This episode gives you practical language and simple guardrails to share with staff so your district can use AI responsibly while protecting privacy, accessibility, clarity, and trust.

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

• Download the 2026-2027 Special Days to Celebrate
• AI flyer example and draft of letter to send to your staff
• 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. 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.
2. Discover how simple, authentic content - from a spontaneous “67 Day” Reel to hallway microphone interviews - can generate incredible engagement and strengthen community connections.
3. Learn Piper’s practical workflow for capturing great school photos and videos using a camera, smartphone, quick editing tools, and a relationship-first approach with students.
4. Find out why Wylie ISD is seeing success with photo carousels, student-centered storytelling, and captions that do the heavy lifting instead of text-heavy graphics.

SPECIAL GUEST

Piper Adamson

Communications & Marketing Specialist

Wylie ISD, Texas

Email: [email protected] 

Personal Instagram: @piper_aa 

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/piperaa48

Website: https://www.wylieisd.net 

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

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

X: https://x.com/WylieISD 

USEFUL INFORMATION

• “67th Day of School”
  • Instagram 377k views, 38.7k interactions
  • Facebook  38k views, 442 interactions
• “It’s OK, Mom.”
  • Instagram 289k views, 3,610 interactions
  • Facebook 281k views, 3,919 interactions
• “Tell us something that made you PROUD recently” at Cooper Junior High
  • Instagram 11k views, 576 interactions
  • Facebook 13.5k views, 545 interactions
• “Tell us something GOOD” at Wylie High School
  • Instagram 20k views, 1.5k interactions
  • Facebook 30.5k views, 685 interactions
• 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. 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.
2. Andrea opens up about why this group has made her a better leader, mom, wife, friend, and human. Busy school communicators will relate to the challenge of carving out time - but this episode shows why the right kind of connection is worth it.
3. You’ll learn how to start your own growth group without overcomplicating it. Meredith talks through who to invite, how often to meet, and how a simple structure of gratitude, discussion, and support can create deep impact.
4. This conversation is a powerful reminder that real connection still matters in a social media world. If your work keeps you online all day, this episode will inspire you to build an intentional community that fills your cup and helps you grow.

SPECIAL GUEST

Meredith Oman

Performance Coach

Oman Performance Coaching, Wisconsin

Email: [email protected] 

Website: https://omanperformancecoaching.com/ 

Connect with Meredith on Facebook

USEFUL INFORMATION

• Book recommendations - 
  • The 16 Undeniable Laws of Communication: Apply Them and Make the Most of Your Message by John Maxwell
  • Worthy: How to Believe You Are Enough and Transform Your Life by Jamie Kern Lima
  • Inner Excellence: Train Your Mind for Extraordinary Performance and the Best Possible Life by Jim Murphy
• 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. 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.
2. You’ll hear why being physically present in school buildings can completely change the stories you discover. Cala explains how hallway conversations, break room chats, and simply showing up help her uncover moments that might otherwise be missed.
3. Cala reminds us that relationship-building is one of the most powerful tools a school communicator has. When staff members know you, trust you, and see you regularly, they’re much more likely to invite you into meaningful moments.
4. This episode is also a great reminder not to do this work alone. Cala talks about the confidence it took to reach out to others, ask questions, and build a network of people who understand the unique challenges of school PR.

SPECIAL GUEST

Cala Elliott

Public Relations Coordinator

Sherrard School District, Illinois

Email: [email protected] or [email protected] 

Website: https://www.sherrard.us/ 

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

High School Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579068032201 

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

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

USEFUL INFORMATION

• Sign up here for our Summer Book Club. We start on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at 11 am CDT.
• Viral video of principals dancing - over 2.4 million views on Instagram.
• 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

1. 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.
2. You’ll hear why a blanket “no more student photos” policy can create unintended consequences for trust, transparency, enrollment, referendum storytelling, and family connection.
3. Andrea and Jake share practical ways schools can reduce risk, from reviewing opt-in/opt-out processes to watching for student names, ID badges, bus numbers, computer screens, certificates, and other identifying details.
4. This conversation will help you think through smarter storytelling strategies, including wide shots, close-up detail photos, staff training, family education, and clear communication with concerned parents.

SPECIAL GUEST

Jake Sturgis, APR

CEO/Founder

Captivate Media + Consulting, Minnesota

Email: [email protected] 

Website: https://www.captivatemedia.us/ 

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

USEFUL INFORMATION

• Blog: Should Schools Stop Posting Student Photos Because of AI?
• Sign up here for our Summer Book Club. We start on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at 11 am CDT.
• 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!

Sign up for our free e-newsletter - click here

www.SocialSchool4EDU.com

1. 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.
2. You’ll hear why Samantha believes social media should not be about selling your school. Instead, it should showcase your culture, celebrate your people, and share the joy already happening inside your buildings.
3. Samantha shares smart, actionable strategies for communicating with families, including when to send emails, how to avoid overwhelming parents, and why every message should have a clear purpose.
4. Get ready for a mic-drop moment on the value of strategic communications: leaders can either pay communicators to clean up a mess or bring them to the table early to help prevent it.

SPECIAL GUEST

Samantha Fleming

Director of Marketing, Communications, and Strategic Initiatives

Oakwood School, VA

Email: [email protected] 

LinkedIn: Samantha (Pleasant) Fleming

Website: https://www.oakwoodschool.com 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OakwoodSchoolVA/# 

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

USEFUL INFORMATION

• Sign up here for our Summer Book Club. We start on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at 11 am CDT.
• 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

1. 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.
2. You’ll learn why waiting until you feel “ready” might be the very thing keeping your school stories hidden. Andrea shares some of her own cringe-worthy early graphics, a painful Throwback Thursday mistake, and even a prom post with two misspelled names to remind you that perfection is not the goal.
3. This episode will challenge the idea that every great story needs to be a video. Andrea pulls out powerful examples of photo-based posts that reached thousands, sparked emotion, and celebrated students in ways that busy school communicators can actually replicate.
4. You’ll walk away with practical ways to find more content without doing it all yourself. From weekly features and scheduled posts to staff submissions and student storytellers, Andrea shares simple systems that can reduce overwhelm and help your school community become part of the storytelling team.

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

• Andrea's Recommended Tools for School Communicators 
• Blog - My Biggest Social Media Mistake
• Golden Gribble Award Winners
• My imperfect video interview - 4th Grade Rube Goldberg Project
• Video - Photo Tips for Capturing Classroom Learning
• Blog - Grab More Social Media Content By Creating a Content Calendar
• Blog - 12 Ways Students Can Create Amazing Social Media Content
• 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