Mastering Social Media for Schools

1. Sara Meredith shares how Peoria Unified rebuilt teacher recruitment around research - not guesses - so messaging matched what educators actually value.
2. You’ll hear why “pay” wasn’t the main reason staff were leaving and how that insight reshaped their campaign to spotlight coaching, benefits, and growth.
3. Get practical ideas you can steal: staff testimonials (“Why Peoria?”), shareable mini-toolkits for employees, and recognition that fuels word-of-mouth.
4. Learn what made their paid strategy work (Meta, LinkedIn, Google search + retargeting), how they targeted out-of-state talent, and what success looked like - like 96% teacher retention.

SPECIAL GUEST

Sara Meredith, APR

Public Relations Manager

Peoria Unified School District, Arizona

Email: [email protected] 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarajmeredith/ 

Website: https://peoriaunified.org 

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peoriaunified11/ 

USEFUL INFORMATION

• Check out the entire project on the NSPRA website - Why Peoria Unified? 
• 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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1. Author, speaker, and retired school leader Dr. Joe Sanfelippo joins the podcast to dive into his newest book, Lead from Who You Are. It all starts with values - because who you are drives how you lead.
2. You’ll learn Joe’s three leadership rhythms (personal, people, process) and how they help you stay steady - even when school life isn’t.
3. Presence isn’t a personality trait; it’s a habit. Hear how small hallway moments and micro-interactions build trust for the big decisions.
4. For school communicators, Joe offers a simple reset: start with purpose before the day hijacks you, and use “see something, say something” to build momentum through storytelling.

SPECIAL GUEST

Dr. Joe Sanfelippo

Author, Motivational Speaker, Leadership Coach, & Retired Superintendent

Email: [email protected] 

Website: https://www.jsanfelippo.com 

Connect with Joe:

X: @joe_sanfelippo

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joesanfelippo/ 

USEFUL INFORMATION

• Order Joe’s book, Lead from Who You Are, here:  https://www.jsanfelippo.com/bookstore/lead-from-who-you-are 
• Self-nominations are now open for our 2026 Best of Social Media Awards! Submit up to 2 categories for free at this link.
• 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. Adelle Wellens walks us through how she survived 13 crises in just 9 days - and she handled them all as a solo communications department! You’ll learn some of the tools she had in place to help.
2. You’ll hear how strong community relationships made all the difference during high-stress situations.
3. Adelle shares simple social media settings and templates that helped her stay sane and stay ahead. She is part of the #SocialSchool4EDU Membership Program, and the support she received was really helpful to her in recent situations.
4. She’s not backing down from tough topics - and shares how you can post boldly while keeping things kind.

SPECIAL GUEST

Adelle Wellens

Communications Officer

Duluth Public Schools, Minnesota

Email: [email protected] 

Website: https://www.isd709.org/ 

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

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/duluth-public-schools 

USEFUL INFORMATION

• See the news coverage of the car crashing into the school
• 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. It’s here - the 2026 Social Media Survey results! Listen in as Andrea breaks down what 497 respondents revealed about who’s running school social media, what platforms they’re managing, and what’s shifting year-over-year.
2. Facebook still dominates, Instagram remains strong, and X/Twitter continues to slide - learn the biggest changes since 2022.
3. Are you ready for the new accessibility standards that will impact the social media content you share? This new question will provide insight into how others are feeling.
4. Social media has challenges, and we know you have some goals moving forward. Learn the top 10 list of each and grab some great resources to take action to help you succeed.

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

• Link to 2026 Social Media Survey blog
• You’re invited to our Social Media for Schools Retreat - Learn more 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. Today you’ll meet Iuri Melo, a licensed clinical social worker and co-founder of SchoolPulse, who's helping schools support student mental health in a whole new way.
   
   
   
2. Learn how simple texts are changing the game for student wellness and opening doors to real-time help.
   
   
   
3. Think your school is doing “enough”? Iuri breaks down the three questions every school should be ready to answer - especially when a crisis hits.
   
   
   
4. One student. One message. One moment that may have changed everything. This powerful story proves just how much impact your school can have.

SPECIAL GUEST

Iuri Melo, LCSW

Co-Founder of SchoolPulse

SchoolPulse, Utah

Email: [email protected] 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iuri-melo-lcsw-ab9521393/ 

Website: https://www.schoolpulse.org 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/schoolpulse.org 

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

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

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

USEFUL INFORMATION

• Video overview of SchoolPulse - just 2 minutes
• Sign up to experience a demonstration of the text service provided by SchoolPulse
  • Text the word “DEMO” to 888-298-5368
• Mental Health Resources at SchoolPulse
• Iuri’s books:
  • Know Thy Selfie
  • Mind Over Grey Matter
• 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. Jeannette Hartwig is a one-person comms team - but that didn’t stop her from leading a customer service refresh across her district.
   
   
   
2. You’ll love the simple, eye-opening tactic she used to uncover real customer service gaps.
   
   
   
3. She created a go-to resource for staff that’s still making a difference - find out what’s in it!
   
   
   
4. Plus, Jeannette’s using a few clever AI tools to better serve families... and they’re not as complicated as you might think.

SPECIAL GUEST

Jeannette Hartwig

Public Information Office & Webmaster

North Plainfield School District, New Jersey

Email: [email protected] 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeannette-hartwig/ 

Website: https://www.nplainfield.org 

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

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

USEFUL INFORMATION

• Jeannette’s customer service presentation & tip sheet
• Live AI translation, captions, transcripts & more with Wordly.ai
• 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!

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www.SocialSchool4EDU.com

1. Mental health is a top-of-mind topic for schools across the country. Today you’ll meet Tasha Schuh. She shares her powerful journey of resilience and how it fuels her mission to support others through speaking, coaching, and now, a brand-new resilience course.
2. Learn how Tasha uses social media for good - creating authentic, hope-filled content that connects deeply with students and adults alike.
3. She introduces her PATH method (Purpose, Attitude, Team, Hope) and offers practical strategies, such as gratitude journaling and the power of asking for help.
4. Listeners will walk away with a fresh perspective and encouragement to set boundaries, build their team, and model resilience in their schools and lives.
   
   
   

SPECIAL GUEST

Tasha Schuh

Speaker, Author, and Resilience Coach

Tasha Schuh Inspirations, LLC, Wisconsin

Email: [email protected] 

Website: https://www.tashaschuh.com 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tashaschuh99 

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tashaschuh 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/Tashaschuh/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/TashaSchuh99 

USEFUL INFORMATION

• Get access to Tasha’s new course on resilience at this link. Use code “PODCASTC20” for 20% off!
• Learn more about Resilience Coaching here.
• A new podcast is coming - search for Resilience with Tasha Schuh and subscribe today!
• 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!

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www.SocialSchool4EDU.com

1. Andrea Gribble walks through seven smart, practical strategies designed to ease the stress of managing school social media. Whether you're brand new to the role or a seasoned storyteller, these tips will help you feel more in control and less overwhelmed.
   
   
   
2. You'll learn how narrowing your focus to your most effective platforms and choosing a few weekly features can bring structure and sanity to your schedule. It’s all about working smarter, not harder—and creating systems that support consistency.
   
   
   
3. Perfection can be paralyzing, so Andrea shares why embracing a “just post it” mindset can help you stay visible and authentic without burning out. She reminds us that showing up regularly matters more than flawless content.
   
   
   
4. Tapping into help from students and connecting with a supportive community of school social media pros can make a world of difference. Andrea explains how these two secret weapons can reduce your workload while keeping your content fresh and engaging.

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

• Helpful blog with lots of links to helpful resources & examples - Social Media Doesn’t Have To Be So Overwhelming
• Interested in joining our community? Learn more about the #SocialSchool4EDU Membersip Program: https://socialschool4edu.com/
• We still have some spots open for our in-person retreat happening in June of 2026! Get the full details and sign up here: https://socialschool4edu.com/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!

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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. Kayla and Kelly share how they launched a districtwide Social Media Champions program within their growing school system in Iowa, including why they started it and how they secured buy-in from leadership to offer a stipend for these employees.

1. You’ll hear how they structured expectations, offered ongoing support, and adapted training to work across 20 different schools.
   
   
   
2. The social media results speak for themselves: a 35% increase in followers, 870% more video views, and a 75% bump in posting frequency in just one year. They also share some of the best stories that their schools have created since the start of the program.
   
   
   
3. This episode is packed with replicable ideas - from fostering school-level ownership to using Google Chat for peer support to their approach to national recognition days. You’ll walk away with fresh inspiration (and their job description!).

SPECIAL GUESTS

Kayla Choate

Executive Director of Communications

Waukee Community School District, Iowa

Email:  [email protected] 

Kelly Jellings

Communications Manager

Waukee Community School District, Iowa

Email: [email protected] 

Website: https://www.waukeeschools.org/ 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WaukeeCSD 

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

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

USEFUL INFORMATION

• Job description for Social Media Champions
• Disney Reel from one of our elementary schools in April 2024
• "Throwing a Fit" reel from Waukee CSD middle school 
• 1 school Facebook page: Waukee Elementary
• 1 school Instagram page: Radiant Elementary
• 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!

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www.SocialSchool4EDU.com

1. Coty Kuschinsky shares how empowering every staff member to be a storyteller has created major pride, connection, and culture at Saginaw ISD.
   
   
   
2. “Collective authorship” isn’t just a fancy term - Coty breaks down exactly how it works and how you can make it happen, even if you're a one-person shop.
   
   
   
3. Forget perfect photos and polished captions - real, raw moments are what truly resonate. Coty explains why authenticity wins every time.
   
   
   
4. You’ll love Coty’s staff recognition strategy, which uses storytelling to shine a light on everyday heroes, and Gallup data proves it’s working!

SPECIAL GUEST

Coty Kuschinsky

Chief of Staff & Communications Director

Saginaw Intermediate School District (ISD), Michigan

Email: [email protected] 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cotykuschinsky/ 

Website: https://www.sisd.cc 

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

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

X: https://x.com/SaginawISD 

USEFUL INFORMATION

• Blog: Accessibility and the New Standards: What School Social Media Managers Need to Know
• 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