AI is everywhere right now, but how can school marketers and leaders use it to save time and increase personalization without losing the heart of their message? In this episode, we talk with Jordache Johnson, AI strategist and founder of Never Tech Behind, about how to integrate AI into your school’s systems in a smart and human-centered way.

Jordache shares how schools can apply his signature ADAPT System, DICE Method, and AHAA Framework to get real results without overhauling everything at once. We explore where to start, how to train your team, and why your school’s voice and values matter more than ever in this new tech landscape.

In This Episode:

Brendan Schneider is back to talk about the real-world impact of his annual MarCom Society Salary Survey. As the founder and CEO of SchneiderB Media, Brendan helps schools grow enrollment through his Fractional Digital Marketing program, SchoolMarketingCRM, and as a leading voice in inbound marketing and the use of AI in schools. In this episode, Brendan breaks down what the survey revealed and what school leaders need to know about resourcing, retention, and the reality of today’s marketing roles.

We talk about:
• The concerning lack of professional development funding for MarCom pros
• How outdated hiring practices are holding schools back
• Why marketing roles are expanding but support is not keeping pace
• What school leaders should really be doing with AI and what to avoid
• The top mistake Brendan sees schools making in their marketing
• Practical ideas for giving your team more time to think strategically

Mentioned in the Episode:

https://www.schneiderb.com

https://amzn.to/430vtrt

Today we’re joined by Chris Pryor, Founder and Principal of LeadTeam Partners. With over 20 years of experience in independent schools, Chris now supports school leaders through School Partner Connect, a community designed to help schools navigate partner and consultant searches with confidence. His work helps leaders stay focused on day-to-day operations while delegating with clarity.

In this episode, we explore:
• What to outsource and what to keep in-house
• How to avoid common pitfalls in consultant partnerships
• The cost difference between employees and contractors
• How small schools can make outsourcing more affordable
• Why alignment and communication are essential before hiring outside help

Mentioned in the episode:

LeadTeam Partner’s Website: www.leadteampartners.com

Submit a Project to School Partner Connect: https://www.leadteampartners.com/schoolproject

School Partner Connect Summit (August 18–19): www.leadteampartners.com/school-partner-connect-summit

Today we’re joined by Cheryl Fischer, a certified Life and Mindset Coach and host of the Mind Your Midlife podcast. Cheryl spent over a decade as a secondary school teacher and now works with educators and professionals to help them shift the stories they tell themselves—from stuck and overwhelmed to capable, confident, and clear.

This conversation is full of honest reflections and practical strategies for anyone navigating the pressures of school leadership, team dynamics, or personal change. Cheryl brings warmth, insight, and a deep understanding of the emotional weight many educators carry.

Highlights include:
• Why awareness is the first step to any meaningful mindset shift
• How to interrupt the “loop” of negative self-talk
• The stories school leaders often carry—and how to rewrite them

This special episode was recorded live at the VAIS Advancement Institute, where we hosted a panel conversation with three marketing and enrollment leaders from very different school environments. From large boarding schools to small community-focused campuses, each panelist brought a unique lens to what’s working in school marketing—and what’s changing fast.

We covered everything from navigating leadership and board expectations to making the most of limited resources. The conversation surfaced trends, challenges, and simple shifts schools can make right now to better connect with prospective families.

Highlights include:
• Where schools are seeing the highest ROI in their marketing
• Why families really choose your school
• The growing importance of community connection over promotion

Today, we’re welcoming back Peter Baron, founder of Moonshot OS and a Certified Top Coach. Peter has spent years working closely with independent school leaders, and in this episode, he shares fresh insights on the evolving challenges schools face and how marketing, leadership, and operational systems all play a critical role in building resilience.

We dive into:

In this powerful and heartfelt conversation, we’re joined by Jonathan Lee—coach, educator, mentor, and former independent school student and administrator—who shares his lived experience and offers a deeply insightful look at what true belonging looks like for students of color in independent schools.

Jonathan doesn’t shy away from the hard truths, and we’re grateful for his honesty as he reflects on the past, challenges the present, and inspires hope for the future. From the admissions funnel to alumni engagement to internal marketing and data collection, Jonathan brings a holistic lens to the work of creating equitable, inclusive school communities.

In this episode, we explore:

Mentioned in the episode:

In this episode, we’re joined by the brilliant and always insightful Chuck English of English Marketing Works. Chuck has partnered with dozens of independent schools across the U.S. and Canada, helping them clarify their messaging, sharpen their marketing, and truly stand out in crowded markets.

We loved this conversation because Chuck doesn’t just talk theory—he shares practical, real-world strategies schools can use to define what makes them unique and connect with families who value exactly what they offer.

Tune in as we chat about:

This episode is packed with wisdom, examples, and great reminders for school leaders and marketers alike. Whether you’re in the thick of enrollment season or refining your strategic plan, you’ll walk away with plenty of ideas to bring back to your team.

We’re bringing back one of our most insightful conversations with Devin Donaldson, a nonprofit development expert who has led record-breaking fundraising campaigns. This episode is packed with strategies to help schools and nonprofits maximize fundraising through peer-to-peer giving and giving days.

Join us as we explore:

If you want to learn how to make fundraising more effective and sustainable, this episode is full of actionable insights you won’t want to miss!

We’re bringing back one of our most insightful conversations with Jesse Meadows, co-founder and managing director of Schoolcraft Digital. This episode is a must-listen for schools looking to use data-driven marketing to increase enrollment and engagement.

Join us as we dive into:

If you’re looking for smart ways to level up your school’s marketing strategy, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!