Mastering Social Media for Schools

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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!

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www.SocialSchool4EDU.com

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/

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

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www.SocialSchool4EDU.com

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!

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www.SocialSchool4EDU.com

This episode is a must-listen for school leaders looking to elevate their communication and build community pride! 🚀🎙️

5 Key Takeaways for Listeners:

1. 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.
2. Lead by Example – Dr. Breunig models engagement by visiting classrooms, taking photos, and actively participating in storytelling efforts.
3. Recognize and Celebrate Staff – Publicly acknowledging teachers and staff boosts morale, retention, and school pride.
4. Make Social Media a System, Not an Afterthought – A content calendar and clear expectations help ensure that all areas of the district are represented.
5. 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/

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

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www.SocialSchool4EDU.com

In this episode, you'll get a data-driven look at how schools are using social media based on survey responses from over 550 school communication professionals. We'll cover:

• Top platforms: Are Facebook and Instagram still on top? What about Twitter/X?
• Biggest challenges: Lack of time and collecting content remain the top struggles for school social media managers.
• Key goals: The priority list for 2025 includes increasing engagement, posting more frequently, and involving students.
• Social media roles: PR and Communications Directors/Specialists lead efforts in most schools, though many still rely on volunteer support.

Whether you're a data enthusiast or someone looking for practical tips to optimize your school’s social media strategy, this episode offers valuable insights. Don’t forget to check the blog for visuals and charts! You can also watch this podcast on YouTube.

Email: [email protected] 

Follow Andrea on X: @andreagribble 

Website: www.socialschool4edu.com 

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

USEFUL INFORMATION

• Day in the life example from New Life Academy
• Blog: 2025 School Social Media Survey Results
• 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. Meet Sparsh Shah, a 21-year-old musical prodigy, inspirational speaker, and Guinness World Records holder. Known to many as Purhythm, Sparsh is a singer, rapper, songwriter, music producer, and philanthropist. Despite being born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, a rare and incurable disorder that makes his bones extremely fragile, Sparsh has turned his challenges into a platform for inspiring others.
2. Leveraging Social Media for Good - Learn how Sparsh uses platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok to share his music and story with the world. He’ll share practical strategies for creating authentic content that resonates with audiences.
3. Dealing with Haters and Staying Positive - Sparsh shares his approach to handling negativity on the internet. There is power in focusing on the good and letting your message shine louder than the criticism.
4. Inspiring the Next Generation - Learn about Sparsh’s impactful work as an inspirational speaker for schools and youth organizations. He connects with students to empower them to overcome obstacles and embrace their unique potential. Interested in having Sparsh visit your school? We’ll share how you can make it happen!

SPECIAL GUEST

Sparsh Shah

Singer, Songwriter, Rapper, Inspirational Speaker, Philanthropist, Guinness World Records Holder

Sparsh-Shah-Purhythm, New Jersey

Email: [email protected]  

Twitter: @sparshpurhythm

Website: http://www.SparshShah.com 

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

Instagram: @shahsparsh

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/SparshPurhythm

TikTok: @sparshpurhythm

Snapchat: @ShahSparsh

USEFUL INFORMATION

• Viral video - Eminem - "Not Afraid" Clean Cover by Sparsh Shah (PURHYTHM)
• Video referenced in K12prtip at the start of 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!

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www.SocialSchool4EDU.com

In today’s competitive landscape—where declining birth rates and the rise of school choice and open enrollment are shifting the education system—it’s crucial for schools to rethink their marketing strategies. But how can you do it the right way? Tune in to hear expert Brendan Schneider, author of a new book designed to help schools tackle this challenge.

• Discover the 3 biggest mistakes schools are making in their marketing efforts.
• Learn the top social media stories that build strong connections with prospective families.
• Stick around until the end for Brendan’s best social media tips—he shares two powerful insights that I fully agree with!

SPECIAL GUEST

Brendan Schneider

Founder and CEO

SchneiderB Media

Email: [email protected] 

Twitter/X: https://x.com/schneiderb 

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

Website: https://www.schneiderb.com/ 

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

USEFUL INFORMATION

• Grab a copy of Brendan’s book, School Marketing The Right Way
• Video tip to share with your staff - #K12PRtip - Photo Tips for Capturing Classroom Learning
• 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

How are teens using social media today, and what challenges are they facing? In this week’s episode, we sit down with Dr. Justin Patchin, Professor of Criminal Justice at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and Co-Director of the Cyberbullying Research Center, to explore these pressing questions and more.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• 📱 The surprising trends in how teens balance multiple platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram.
• 🌙 Why “nothing good happens online after 11 PM” and how sleep deprivation plays into online missteps.
• 🏫 Proactive strategies schools can adopt to address tech-related issues and help students thrive.
• 💡 Real-life examples Dr. Patchin uses to show students the lasting impact of their online actions.
• 🚫 Dr. Patchin’s take on limiting cell phone use in schools—and the surprising effects it can have.

This episode is packed with actionable advice and insights for school communicators, educators, and parents navigating the evolving digital landscape.

SPECIAL GUEST

Justin Patchin

Professor of Criminal Justice at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Wisconsin

Co-Director of the Cyberbullying Research Center

Email: [email protected] 

Website: https://justinpatchin.com/  

Personal Twitter/X: @justinpatchin

Website: https://www.cyberbullying.org 

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

Twitter/X: @onlinebullying 

USEFUL INFORMATION

• Please visit the website listed above for free resources, plus check out these two books:
  • Bullying Beyond the Schoolyard: Preventing and Responding to Cyberbullying - Third Edition
  • Words Wound: Delete Cyberbullying and Make Kindness Go Viral
• 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

Key Listener Takeaways:

• Crisis Communication Plan vs. Toolkit - Discover the difference between your crisis communication plan (the strategy and steps) and your crisis communication toolkit (the practical resources and tools you’ll need on hand).
• Real-Life Application: Employee Arrest Scenario - Hear how the toolkit was put to use during a sensitive employee arrest situation and how it helped manage communication and maintain trust with the school community.
• Practical Tips for Proactive Preparedness - Get actionable tips on how to anticipate crisis challenges and equip your team with the right tools for effective communication during a crisis.

SPECIAL GUEST

Galen Eagle

Manager of Strategic Communications

Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board, Ontario, Canada

Email: [email protected] 

LinkedIn: @galeneagle

Website: https://www.pvnccdsb.on.ca/ 

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

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

Twitter/X: https://x.com/PVNCCDSB 

USEFUL INFORMATION

• Crisis Resources from Galen Eagle, APR
• 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

Staff shortages are impacting schools everywhere, and bus driver recruitment is a top challenge. In this episode, we dive into how Peoria Unified School District tackled its bus driver shortage with creative strategies, unique research, and a focus on storytelling.

Sara Meredith shares:

• The Power of Research: Discover the insights they uncovered to shape their campaign.
• Employee Value Proposition: Learn what it is, why it's essential, and how Sara wishes she had implemented it sooner.
• Storytelling for Recruitment: From social media strategies to surprising "old-fashioned" tactics that still work, hear the methods that made an impact.

If you're hiring for certified, non-certified, or specialty positions, this episode is packed with practical ideas to help you recruit successfully!

SPECIAL GUEST

Sara Meredith

Communications Coordinator

Peoria Unified School District, Arizona

Email: [email protected] 

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

Website: https://www.peoriaunified.org 

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

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peoria-unified-school-district/ 

USEFUL INFORMATION

• Campaign Overview - Transporting Students to Success
• 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