Mastering Social Media for Schools

Hosted by Andrea Gribble

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Episodes

323

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

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!

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 15, 2026Episode 32340 min

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 GUESTSamantha FlemingDirector of Marketing, Communications, and Strategic InitiativesOakwood School, VAEmail: sfleming@oakwoodschool.com LinkedIn: Samantha (Pleasant) FlemingWebsite: https://www.oakwoodschool.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OakwoodSchoolVA/# Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oakwoodschoolva USEFUL INFORMATIONSign 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 RESOURCESFree Video Training: Learn the simple secrets behind social media for K12 schools!Sign up for our free e-newsletter - click herewww.SocialSchool4EDU.com

June 8, 2026Episode 32236 min

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 INFORMATIONAndrea'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 RESOURCESFree Video Training: Learn the simple secrets behind social media for K12 schools!Sign up for our free e-newsletter - click herewww.SocialSchool4EDU.com

June 1, 2026Episode 32137 min

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 GUESTEmily DeBakerChief of StaffRacine Unified School District, WisconsinEmail: emily.debaker@rusd.org X: https://x.com/EmilyinWI Website: https://www.rusd.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/racineunified USEFUL INFORMATIONSign 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 RESOURCESFree Video Training: Learn the simple secrets behind social media for K12 schools!Sign up for our free e-newsletter - click herewww.SocialSchool4EDU.com

May 25, 2026Episode 32042 min

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 GUESTJeanise DimitriCommunity Engagement and Public Relations CoordinatorMiddle Bucks Institute of Technology, PennsylvaniaEmail: 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 INFORMATIONJeanise’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 RESOURCESFree Video Training: Learn the simple secrets behind social media for K12 schools!Sign up for our free e-newsletter - click herewww.SocialSchool4EDU.com

May 18, 2026Episode 31930 min

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 GUESTAndrea JosephPrincipal PhotographerAndrea Joseph Photography, MarylandEmail: andrea@andreajoseph.com Website: https://www.andreajoseph.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreajosephphoto/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-joseph-80883516/ USEFUL INFORMATIONFree 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 RESOURCESFree Video Training: Learn the simple secrets behind social media for K12 schools!Sign up for our free e-newsletter - click herewww.SocialSchool4EDU.com

May 11, 2026Episode 31841 min

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 GUESTJennifer BodeMission Advancement Assistant & CommunicationsArizona Lutheran Academy, ArizonaEmail: 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 INFORMATIONCome 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 RESOURCESFree Video Training: Learn the simple secrets behind social media for K12 schools!Sign up for our free e-newsletter - click herewww.SocialSchool4EDU.com

May 4, 2026Episode 31742 min

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 INFORMATIONIf 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 RESOURCESFree Video Training: Learn the simple secrets behind social media for K12 schools!Sign up for our free e-newsletter - click herewww.SocialSchool4EDU.com

April 27, 2026Episode 31641 min

NESPRA, Accessibility, and Stronger School PR with Dan O'Brien

Dan O’Brien shares how NESPRA supports school communicators through professional development, networking, and practical training for today’s school PR challenges.Learn how Worcester Public Schools responded to an OCR accessibility complaint and used the experience to strengthen communication practices across the district.This episode explores why accessibility in school communications matters, from website compliance to inclusive content that better serves families and staff.You’ll also hear how this district of 25,000 students approaches school PR and social media strategy to help Worcester build trust, improve perception, and highlight positive stories every day.SPECIAL GUESTDan O'BrienChief Communications Officer of the Worcester Public Schools & President of the New England School Public Relations AssociationMassachusettsEmail: danobrien155@gmail.com LinkedIn: Dan O’BrienWebsite: https://worcesterschools.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/worcesterschools Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/worcesterschools X: https://x.com/worcesterpublicLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/worcester-public-schools/ USEFUL INFORMATIONFind out more about the upcoming conference on May 8, 2026 at www.ne-spra.org Click here for the Accessibility Webinar On DemandOrder 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 RESOURCESFree Video Training: Learn the simple secrets behind social media for K12 schools!Sign up for our free e-newsletter - click herewww.SocialSchool4EDU.com

April 20, 2026Episode 31545 min

How to Toot Your Own Horn at Work with Rebecca Malotke-Meslin

Today’s guest brings such a practical perspective for women in school leadership, especially when it comes to speaking up about your strengths, advocating for your work, and building confidence in a way that feels authentic.If burnout has been creeping in, this episode will really hit home. Rebecca unpacks how unclear roles, weak boundaries, and always saying yes can quietly push high-achievers past their limit.One of the most powerful ideas in this conversation is to treat self-advocacy as a strategic communications plan. You’ll hear how to track your accomplishments, connect them to goals, and share them at the right time.This episode is a great reminder that leadership is not about doing everything yourself. Rebecca shares how setting boundaries, saying no more intentionally, and focusing on what actually moves the work forward can change everything.SPECIAL GUESTRebecca Malotke-MeslinLeadership Coach & SpeakerPleasantly Aggressive, IllinoisEmail: pleasantlyaggressive@gmail.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malotke-meslin/ Website: https://www.pleasantlyaggressive.com/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/pleasantlyaggressive Instagram: https://instagram.com/pleasantlyaggressive TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pleasantlyaggressive USEFUL INFORMATIONOrder 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 RESOURCESFree Video Training: Learn the simple secrets behind social media for K12 schools!Sign up for our free e-newsletter - click herewww.SocialSchool4EDU.com

April 13, 2026Episode 31441 min

Reels, Relationships, and School PR Growth with Elissa Dickey

Elissa Dickey shares how she grew Aberdeen Public Schools’ presence from just 36 followers to nearly 2,000 by telling positive stories, building trust across the district, and staying consistent. Her journey is such a good reminder that growth does not happen overnight, but it does happen when you keep showing up.This episode will encourage any one-person school comms shop that feels stretched thin. Elissa talks through how she gathers content from staff, uses simple systems for submissions, and turns everyday school moments into posts families actually care about.Her growth with short-form video is especially worth hearing. Elissa opens up about trying new things, learning what works on Instagram, and seeing stronger results with shorter Reels, trending audio, and branded cover images.You’ll also hear how bringing in a student intern helped expand storytelling in a fresh way. It’s a practical example of how schools can grow their content capacity, empower students, and create more authentic coverage without needing a huge team.SPECIAL GUESTElissa DickeyCommunications and Marketing DirectorAberdeen Public School District, South DakotaEmail: elissa.dickey@k12.sd.us Website: https://www.aberdeen.k12.sd.us Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AberdeenPublicSchools Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aberdeenpublicschools/ USEFUL INFORMATIONOrder 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 RESOURCESFree Video Training: Learn the simple secrets behind social media for K12 schools!Sign up for our free e-newsletter - click herewww.SocialSchool4EDU.com