Mastering Social Media for Schools

Andrea Gribble

Do you manage social media for a K12 school? Then this podcast is for you! Struggling to find time for social media? Wondering why people won’t engage on your Facebook page? Can’t get content from your staff? Trying to get students to follow your Instagram Stories? These are just some of the big struggles that #SocialSchool4EDU CEO and social media storyteller, Andrea Gribble, digs into on the Mastering Social Media for Schools podcast. In addition to exclusive interviews and step-by-step strategies, each episode is designed to inspire and empower you on your journey to master school social media! This podcast is meant for anyone in K12 education - public schools, private schools, charter schools, online schools, tech/career centers - we serve them all! Grab insight into what’s working in hundreds of schools based on the experience of Andrea and her team. They directly manage more than 90 school districts, and coach/mentor more than 200 other schools. But Andrea didn’t always know what worked. When she started her business in 2014, she wished she had someone helping her answer questions like: What platform should I start with? How important is my school hashtag? Should every school in my district have its own Facebook page? What kind of videos do best? How do I represent everything that is going on in my school when I’m only one person? You’ll discover why thousands of educators follow Andrea’s advice on social media and even have fun while listening. Hit “subscribe” and get ready to master social media for your school!

  1. 3d ago

    AI, Deepfakes, and Student Photos: What Schools Need to Know with Jake Sturgis

    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.You’ll hear why a blanket “no more student photos” policy can create unintended consequences for trust, transparency, enrollment, referendum storytelling, and family connection.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.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: jake@captivatemedia.us  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/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

    43 min
  2. Jun 15

    Authentic Strategy for the One-Person MarCom Office with Samantha Fleming

    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.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.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.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: sfleming@oakwoodschool.com  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

    40 min
  3. Jun 8

    5 Lies Keeping Your School Social Media Stuck with Andrea Gribble

    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.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.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.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: andrea@socialschool4edu.com   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 Affiliate Links Blog - My Biggest Social Media MistakeGolden Gribble Award WinnersMy imperfect video interview - 4th Grade Rube Goldberg ProjectVideo - Photo Tips for Capturing Classroom LearningBlog - Grab More Social Media Content By Creating a Content CalendarBlog - 12 Ways Students Can Create Amazing Social Media ContentOrder 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

    36 min
  4. Jun 1

    Finding Your People in School PR with Emily DeBaker

    Meet Emily DeBaker. She has a unique role as chief of staff at Racine Unified, where she supports district leaders, advises the superintendent, and brings a communication lens to big decisions before they reach staff, families, or the community.You’ll hear why getting involved in a professional development association like WSPRA (Wisconsin School Public Relations Association) can be a game-changer, especially for school communicators who often feel like they are figuring things out on their own.Emily explains how WSPRA has grown into more than just conferences, offering resources, networking, webinars, leadership opportunities, and a generous community of people who are always willing to share what works.Andrea and Emily also talk about the heart of great school social media: telling real, authentic stories consistently so your community sees the amazing things happening inside your schools. SPECIAL GUEST Emily DeBaker Chief of Staff Racine Unified School District, Wisconsin Email: emily.debaker@rusd.org  X: https://x.com/EmilyinWI  Website: https://www.rusd.org  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/racineunified  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

    37 min
  5. May 25

    From Students to Storytellers: Building a Student Influencer Program That Works with Jeanise Dimitri

    Meet Jeanise Dimitri. She has spent 18 years at Middle Bucks Institute of Technology, and today she’s sharing how a student influencer initiative became one of the most exciting and impactful projects of her career.You’ll hear how Jeanise went from struggling to gather content from staff to receiving more than 70 student applications for a program designed to help tell authentic stories from inside the classroom.Jeanise breaks down the structure behind the initiative, including student applications, interviews, training, Google Classroom communication, and the four ways students can contribute through social media, tours, presentations, and events.This episode will inspire you to think differently about student-created content, staff buy-in, and the power of trusting students to help showcase the real learning happening in your schools. SPECIAL GUEST Jeanise Dimitri Community Engagement and Public Relations Coordinator Middle Bucks Institute of Technology, Pennsylvania Email: jdimitri@mbit.org  Website: https://www.mbit.org/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MiddleBucksInstituteTech  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middle_bucks/  X: https://x.com/middlebucks  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/middle-bucks-institute-of-technology/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@midbuckstech  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@middle_bucks  USEFUL INFORMATION Jeanise’s Student Influencer Tool Kit - including the application, promotional posters, interview rubric, student agreement, checklists, and more!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

    42 min
  6. May 18

    Curated Spontaneity: Better School Photos That Feel Real with Andrea Joseph

    Andrea Joseph shares why some of the best school photos happen when you slow down, stay quiet, and let the moment come to you. Her idea of “curated spontaneity” is something every school storyteller will want to try.You’ll hear simple but powerful photography tips to help you capture more authentic images at school, from watching the full frame to finding cleaner backgrounds and better angles.Andrea also gives great advice on how schools can make the most of a professional photo day, including how to plan ahead, work with teachers, and capture the moments that tell your school’s story best.There’s also a really honest side conversation about going out on your own, and it’s one that will definitely resonate if you’ve ever wondered whether your photography or video side work could become something more. SPECIAL GUEST Andrea Joseph Principal Photographer Andrea Joseph Photography, Maryland Email: andrea@andreajoseph.com  Website: https://www.andreajoseph.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreajosephphoto/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-joseph-80883516/  USEFUL INFORMATION Free download of tips for taking photos in the classroomOrder 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

    30 min
  7. May 11

    School Fundraising Playbook: Gala Tips That Actually Work with Jennifer Bode

    Jennifer Bode breaks down the exact fundraising formulas her small school uses to consistently run a high-impact gala.There’s a simple way to structure your auction (hint: fewer items = better results) that can instantly improve your fundraiser.Stop wasting time on ineffective promotion - learn which social media tactics actually drive attendance and engagement.Walk away with practical, doable ideas to promote your event, involve students, and make your next fundraiser more successful. SPECIAL GUEST Jennifer Bode Mission Advancement Assistant & Communications Arizona Lutheran Academy, Arizona Email: JBode@ALAcoyotes.org  Website: https://ALAcoyotes.org  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArizonaLutheranAcademy  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arizonalutheran/  X: https://x.com/ArizonaLutheran  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ArizonaLutheranAcademy    USEFUL INFORMATION Come to our retreat! Only a few spots remain. Register here for the Social Media for Schools Retreat!2026 Game Show Gala Promo video (created in Canva)2026 Game Show Gala recap video (created by a student intern)2024 Boots & Bling recap video (created by a student)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

    42 min
  8. May 4

    Walking Through Anxiety and Depression Together with Andrea & Bill Gribble

    In this deeply personal episode, Andrea is joined by her husband, Bill Gribble, to share both sides of her journey through anxiety and depression - and his perspective is such an important reminder that loved ones need support and guidance, too.Andrea opens up about what anxiety and depression really felt like behind the scenes, even while life looked “fine” on the outside. It is an honest look at how heavy and confusing mental health struggles can be, especially for high achievers who are used to showing up no matter what.You’ll hear the many things Andrea tried in her fight to feel better - from therapy, faith, journaling, exercise, nutrition, and supplements to ultimately deciding to use medication again.Bill shares practical encouragement for anyone walking alongside a spouse or loved one through anxiety or depression, including the importance of patience, reassurance, and taking care of your own well-being so you can keep showing up for them. Email: andrea@socialschool4edu.com   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 If you or a loved one needs immediate support, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.The Cortina Method - Learn more at Kate’s website10 Practical Tips to Avoid Burnout in #SchoolPRYou’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/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

    43 min
4.9
out of 5
50 Ratings

About

Do you manage social media for a K12 school? Then this podcast is for you! Struggling to find time for social media? Wondering why people won’t engage on your Facebook page? Can’t get content from your staff? Trying to get students to follow your Instagram Stories? These are just some of the big struggles that #SocialSchool4EDU CEO and social media storyteller, Andrea Gribble, digs into on the Mastering Social Media for Schools podcast. In addition to exclusive interviews and step-by-step strategies, each episode is designed to inspire and empower you on your journey to master school social media! This podcast is meant for anyone in K12 education - public schools, private schools, charter schools, online schools, tech/career centers - we serve them all! Grab insight into what’s working in hundreds of schools based on the experience of Andrea and her team. They directly manage more than 90 school districts, and coach/mentor more than 200 other schools. But Andrea didn’t always know what worked. When she started her business in 2014, she wished she had someone helping her answer questions like: What platform should I start with? How important is my school hashtag? Should every school in my district have its own Facebook page? What kind of videos do best? How do I represent everything that is going on in my school when I’m only one person? You’ll discover why thousands of educators follow Andrea’s advice on social media and even have fun while listening. Hit “subscribe” and get ready to master social media for your school!

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