Advertise on podcast: Mastering Social Media for Schools

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.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.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.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.comSign 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/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

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.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.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.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 leadersWeather alert videos featuring girls flag football teams - WHHS and SHSRegister 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/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

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.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.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.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 PostPhoto PostPhoto of Sharon Patrick on the tractor listening to the podcastOrder 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

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.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.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.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 VideoThe Clinton Arrow PodcastOrder 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

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.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.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.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 ScriptCosmetology Class SpotlightAstros United Club SpotlightWant 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/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

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.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.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.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+ ViewsAndrea’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/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

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.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.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.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/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

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.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.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.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 2023A few of Alex’s favorites include:Lane Perl – January 1Amanda Sherman – February 2Sean Edwards – April 4Order 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

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.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.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.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 informationBuy Greg’s BookOrder 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

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.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.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.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:PhotosVideo summary of our tripVideo of toothbrush donationWebsite 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

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.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.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.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 WheelerGrab 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/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

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.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.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.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/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

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.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.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.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 MediaOrder 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

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.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.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.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 CelebrateAI flyer example and draft of letter to send to your staffOrder 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

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.Discover how simple, authentic content - from a spontaneous “67 Day” Reel to hallway microphone interviews - can generate incredible engagement and strengthen community connections.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.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 interactionsFacebook  38k views, 442 interactions“It’s OK, Mom.”Instagram 289k views, 3,610 interactionsFacebook 281k views, 3,919 interactions“Tell us something that made you PROUD recently” at Cooper Junior HighInstagram 11k views, 576 interactionsFacebook 13.5k views, 545 interactions“Tell us something GOOD” at Wylie High SchoolInstagram 20k views, 1.5k interactionsFacebook 30.5k views, 685 interactionsOrder 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