Mindful School Marketing: Recent Episodes
Tara Claeys & Aubrey Bursch
The Mindful School Marketing podcast discusses topics relevant to independent school administrators and marketers for K-12 independent private schools and camps. The podcast offers a mix of discussions and interviews with professionals both within and outside of the independent school community. We will cover the connection between mindfulness and success at work and at home, and how mindfulness applies to effective independent school marketing and administration. Co-hosts Aubrey Bursch and Tara Claeys conduct casual and meaningful conversations to help their listeners discover new strategies, tactics, ideas and tools for improving their school enrollment and retention, productivity, and overall happiness.
Andrea Gribble manages social media for around 85 schools across the country, so she’s usually the first person to notice when something is shifting for school communicators. In this conversation, we get into the real tension a lot of schools are sitting with right now, how to protect students from deepfakes and misuse without disappearing from social media altogether, and how to keep posting consistently without leaning on AI so much that everything starts to look the same.
We also get into the pressure to make every post perfect before it goes out, and why that instinct is often the thing holding school marketers back the most. Andrea shares what has actually worked in her own small district, from a photo that was never supposed to perform well to a reel strategy that took almost no equipment and reached more people than her page’s follower count would suggest.
In This Episode, I Discuss:
- Why treating student photo permission as strictly in or out is easier to manage than a mix of exceptions
- The small details, like identifying names or labeled desks, that can quietly turn a simple photo into a privacy risk
- What is fueling parent concern about AI-generated content, and why an AI-made flyer can cost a school its branding
- Where AI can genuinely help with social media strategy, beyond just writing captions
- Why an imperfect, in-the-moment photo can outperform a planned, polished post
- The mindset shift behind “posted is better than perfect and unpublished”
- Why reels do not require a professional camera, a large following, or a complicated plan to get started
There’s a version of busy that gets worn like a badge of honor in schools. Wearing a lot of hats, doing more with less, the kind of overload that gets praised right up until it doesn’t.
Rebecca Malotke-Meslin, founder of Pleasantly Aggressive Coaching and Consulting, coaches women leaders in schools and nonprofits, and she’s watched this pattern play out over and over; that instinct to keep giving until something breaks. We get into why over-delegating feels like dumping work instead of building trust, the real reason women hesitate to ask for a raise when their role quietly expands, and what a script for saying no can actually sound like.
*In This Episode, We Discuss:** Why wearing a lot of hats becomes a badge of honor instead of a warning sign * The physical toll Rebecca has watched play out with her clients, including stress-related autoimmune diagnoses * Why over- delegating so often feels like dumping work instead of building trust * What to say when your role expands but your pay doesn’t * The story we tell ourselves about school budgets that isn’t actually true * Rebecca’s approach to saying no without over-explaining yourself * The one conversation every head of school should be having about roles and responsibilities * Why Rebecca sees caregiving as a resource, and who gets to decide how much of it you give
Should This School Event Stay or Go? How Schools Can Evaluate Events and Programs with Miriam Stein
Schools are really good at adding things. A new event, a new tradition, a new fundraiser, another community-building moment, and every one of them started for a real reason. The problem is that almost nothing ever comes back off the calendar. So you end up with programs that look successful from the outside while quietly draining staff time, volunteer energy, and budget that could be going somewhere with more return.
In this episode, I sit down with Miriam Stein of Thrive Hive to talk through the part nobody loves to say out loud, which is that some of our events have run their course. Miriam shares a simple decision-making matrix she adapted from a corporate CFO and rebuilt for schools, and it gives teams a way to move past the emotion around a beloved program and into a shared, honest conversation about whether it still serves the mission, the enrollment goals, and the people doing the work.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
- The emotional reasons schools hold onto events long after they stop working, from legacy and fear to the one influential donor or board member nobody wants to disappoint
- Miriam’s four-quadrant matrix and what the heart, the star, the question mark, and the money tree each tell you about a program
- Why an event can be completely off mission and still be worth keeping
- The clearest signs it’s time to reevaluate, including drag around volunteers, last-minute RSVPs, and any program that’s run more than seven years on autopilot
- Why staff hours and time investment almost never get counted in an event’s real ROI, and what that hidden cost is actually buying you
- The one in, one out approach to keeping your calendar from ballooning every single year
- How to communicate a cut or a change to families in a way that ties back to mission instead of sounding apologetic or defensive
- Using the three words your families actually use to describe your school to anchor the messaging around every event you run
We put a lot into our websites. The pages look good, the content is thorough, and we assume families will move through it the way we mapped it out. Then we actually look at the data and realize a lot of them are not navigating it at all. They are researching on their own time, often late at night when no one is at the desk, and showing up as fully formed applicants we have never spoken to.
In this episode, I sit down with Angela Brown from Halda AI, Stephanie Vasta of Moravian Academy, and Lori Kriegel of Wooster School to talk about what happens when you put a chatbot in front of those families. Two of them are running chatbots in their admissions and marketing right now, and Angela works with schools implementing them every day. What comes up is less about the technology itself and more about what it reveals about how families actually research a school.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
- Why students, not just parents, are using the chatbot and how their questions shape the enrollment decision.
- Why current families lean on it as much as prospective ones, from game times to the parent handbook.
- Choosing a closed chatbot that answers only from your own content instead of pulling from Reddit or Wikipedia.
- How chat logs expose gaps in your site and surface audiences you did not expect, like prospective employees.
- Moving information into a knowledge base instead of piling more pages onto the website.
- Front-loading affordability so the admissions team spends its human time with right-fit families.
- Testing answers in Spanish and Mandarin and treating multilingual support as a recruitment advantage.
- What the first 30 days actually require and where the handoff from bot to human should live.
Enrollment looks different than it did even two years ago, and the pressure to figure out what’s actually moving families from inquiry to enrolled is real. The COVID bump has leveled off, parent expectations have shifted, and the mental load of carrying your school’s enrollment goals while wearing every other hat is not getting lighter.
In this episode, I sit down with Marnie Schattgen from Fredericksburg Academy, Matt Thornton from Robert C. Parker School, and Matthew Farley from James River Day School for an honest panel conversation about what’s working right now. These are small school leaders doing this work every day, and what they share is grounded, practical, and immediately useful.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
- How parent behavior in the admissions process has shifted, including the expectation of instant responses and a changing sense of partnership with schools
- What the admissions funnel actually looks like post-COVID and where the real drop-offs are happening
- Why the traditional open house model is working for some schools and completely gone for others, and what they’re doing instead
- How student-led tours and in-the-moment campus experiences are converting families more effectively than formal events
- The onboarding strategies schools are using to build connection with newly enrolled families before the first day of school
- What the financial aid conversation looks like right now, including families who need it but don’t ask and families who apply but probably shouldn’t
- How these leaders are protecting their mental load through processes, planning, and leadership support that actually helps
Retention conversations tend to spike at re-enrollment time, but by then, a lot of the damage is already done. Families aren’t usually making their decision to leave in one moment. They’re collecting small data points all year long, quietly asking themselves whether the school still feels like the right place for their family.
In this episode, we sit down together to talk through what’s actually driving retention challenges right now, and why the “who owns it” question is one schools keep circling without ever fully answering. We also walk through the Connect Four framework, four areas of connection that move the needle for families and help schools figure out where they need to lean in more.
We also have a special announcement to share. This is episode 131, and after five years of building this podcast together, Tara is stepping away as co-host. It’s a bittersweet moment, and one that reflects exactly what this show has always been about: being mindful of where your energy is going and making intentional decisions, even when something good has to make space for something else.
But don’t worry, the Mindful School Marketing podcast isn’t going anywhere! Aubrey will continue as it always has, with the same mission!
In This Episode, We Discuss:
- Why retention breaks down across small moments, not one big event, and what schools can do to close those gaps
- The misconception that silence from families means satisfaction, and what’s actually happening when you don’t hear from them
- Who really owns retention at most schools, and why the answer “everyone” often means no one
- How the admissions handoff creates the first major retention risk for new families, especially over summer
- The role of internal marketing in helping families understand and feel the value of your school
- Aubrey’s Connect Four framework: connection to peers, to the student experience, to the classroom, and to the teacher
- Why aiming for a B-minus retention plan you can actually implement beats a perfect one that never gets executed
- Tara’s reflection on five years of Mindful School Marketing and what mindfulness looked like in making this decision
By the time a family lands on your website, they’ve already done their homework. They’ve Googled, scrolled your social media, and asked around the neighborhood, so when they finally get to you, they’re not really browsing anymore. They’re evaluating. And the pages they land on first are either going to move them forward or send them somewhere else.
In this episode, we dig into which pages on your school website are doing the most work right now and what it actually takes to make them count. From your homepage to your often-neglected contact page, we talk through what families are looking for in 2026, where most schools are falling short, and how to use your own data to make smarter decisions this summer rather than just going on assumptions.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
- How to pull your top pages report in Google Analytics, what the engagement time data is actually telling you, and why the numbers can be more surprising than you’d expect
- Why families are visiting your faculty and staff page before they ever inquire, and what that means for how you build it
- What your homepage needs to answer right away, and the common mistakes schools make by leading with history and awards instead of fit
- Why hiding your tuition information tends to backfire, and how to use that page to build transparency and trust at the same time
- What your about page is actually for and why a committee-written mission statement isn’t doing the job anymore
- How to use AI as a collaborator on your website copy without losing your school’s voice or sounding like every other school out there
- The quick wins worth prioritizing this summer if your plate is already full
Parent feedback doesn’t have to wait until the end of the year when everyone is burned out and families have already made their decisions. In this episode, we talk about building a feedback system that runs throughout the year, so you’re catching issues early, not just documenting them after families have left.
What we keep coming back to is the feedback loop. Gathering data only works if your community sees you doing something with it. When parents feel heard, they’re more likely to come back to you with concerns instead of taking them somewhere else entirely.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
- Why spring is the right time to start building your feedback plan for next year
- The difference between a one-and-done end-of-year survey and a multi-pronged approach
- Why anonymity matters and how to set expectations around feedback from the very first back to school night
- How parent comments and survey responses can sharpen your school’s marketing messaging
- When a survey isn’t enough and third-party research makes sense
- The most common mistakes schools make when analyzing feedback, including over-indexing on negative comments
- How to sort and prioritize responses so your team can actually act on what you’re hearing
If you work at a school that serves students with learning differences, you already know your marketing has to do things other schools never have to think about. The families coming to you aren’t browsing options. They’re exhausted, they’ve already tried a lot of things, and they need to know you’re the right fit before they take one more leap of faith.
In this episode, we sit down with Alli Williams, Head of School at The Pilot School, and Samantha Fleming, Director of Marketing at Oakwood School, to talk about what it actually takes to market a specialized school with both clarity and care. From how your website needs to do different work for these families, to why retention is one of the most powerful marketing levers you have, this conversation goes deep into the layers that make this kind of school marketing so demanding and so meaningful.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
- Why the search for a specialized school is problem-based, not school-based, and how that changes everything about your funnel
- The financial friction point most specialized schools face when families never planned on paying tuition
- How Oakwood School redesigned their website with accessibility at the center, including font choices, layout, and text placement
- The tension between showing joy and demonstrating academic rigor in your social media and marketing content
- Why terminology like “learning differences,” “learning disability,” and “neurodivergent” each carry different weight depending on who’s searching and what they need
- How a strong retention strategy doubles as your most effective word-of-mouth marketing engine
- What traditional independent schools can learn from LD schools about mission clarity, expertise, and widening their messaging to reach families who never expected to choose private school
Burnout in schools isn’t just about being busy or overwhelmed, and it’s not something a day off or better time management can fix. In this episode, we unpack what burnout actually is, how it builds over time, and why so many school teams are feeling it more deeply right now.
In this episode of Mindful School Marketing, we are joined by Brooke Carroll, principal, consultant, and coach at Acies Strategies, where she supports small school leaders through complex operational and leadership challenges. Brooke brings a clear and practical perspective to what’s really driving chronic stress inside schools, from unclear expectations to culture and workload realities, and where leadership and systems may be unintentionally contributing to it.
If you’ve been feeling stretched thin or noticing it across your team, this conversation offers a more honest look at burnout and what can actually be done about it without adding more to already full plates.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
- How burnout is defined and why most people mislabel it
- The stress continuum and how teams move from stress into burnout
- What excessive workload does to decision making and morale
- Where lack of clarity creates friction and second guessing
- How culture shows up in daily behaviors, not just stated values
- The pressure of being a team of one in marketing or enrollment
- Why burnout is often a systems issue, not an individual problem
- Ways leaders can shift team experience without adding cost
- What managing energy looks like in a real workday
A school website can look polished on the surface while problems quietly build behind the scenes. In this episode, Tara shares how school marketers can run a quick technical checkup to see whether their website is truly healthy. From page speed to mobile performance and broken links, you’ll learn the small set of checks that reveal how your site is really performing.
Tara also explains which alerts are actually worth worrying about and which ones aren’t. Not every warning from Google or imperfect score requires immediate action, and understanding the difference can save schools a lot of unnecessary stress.
Episode Highlights
• The website speed benchmark Google recommends
• Why mobile performance matters as much as desktop
• How broken links impact search visibility and user experience
• A simple way to make sure your website forms are still working
• What an SSL security warning really means for visitors
• Accessibility basics school websites should start addressing
Links Mentioned In The Episode:
- GT Metrix
- Google’s Core Web Vitals
- Google PageSpeed Insights
- Search Console’s Core Web Vitals report
- Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test
- Screaming Frog
- Broken Link Checker
- UptimeRobot
- WAVE Accessibility Evaluator (free browser extension)
- Color Contrast Checker
Design TLC Free DIY Website Checklist
In this episode of Mindful School Marketing, Aubrey and Tara sit down with Jason Craige Harris, a strategist, conflict mediator, and mindfulness teacher who works at the intersection of culture, leadership, and institutional life. Jason brings deep wisdom to the conversation about what it truly means to lead with steadiness in uncertain times.
From navigating school crises to making high-impact strategic decisions, Jason shares how resilient leadership begins with inner work. He explains why suppression is not the same as steadiness, why naming emotions actually changes brain chemistry, and how leaders can balance urgency with reflection in their schools.
If you’ve ever felt stretched thin as a school leader, marketer, or team member, this conversation offers both practical tools and grounding perspective.
In This Episode, We Discuss:* Why resilience is not about “powering through” * How naming emotions reduces reactivity and builds steadiness * The difference between proactive routines and in-the-moment micro practices * How anxiety spreads in organizations and how leaders can stabilize a room * The tension between transactional leadership and relational leadership * Why schools need both mechanics (strategy, timelines, accountability) and dynamics (listening, reflection, psychological safety) * The importance of pre-action and post-action reviews for major decisions * Jason’s “4 S’s” framework: Soul, Story, Strategy, and Steadiness
In this special live episode of Mindful School Marketing, we recorded a panel discussion straight from the Small School Leaders Conference. Tara and Aubrey are joined by experienced independent school marketers who are in the work every day, navigating small teams, limited budgets, and constantly changing expectations.
We are joined by Lori Kriegel (Chief Communications Officer at Wooster School), Andrea Jenkins (Director of Enrollment Management and Marketing & Communications at St. Luke’s Episcopal School), and Barb Doyle (Director of Marketing and Communications at Renbrook School)
This conversation pulls back the curtain on what school marketing really looks like right now. From outsourcing decisions and content systems to AI, paid advertising, and faculty collaboration, this panel shares what’s working, what’s challenging, and how small school marketing teams are adapting in real time.
In This Episode, We Discuss* What school marketers would outsource first and why data keeps coming up * Where additional budget would actually go if marketing teams had the choice * How small schools stay consistent with content without recreating the wheel * Practical ways marketing teams are using AI for content, research, and strategy * What paid advertising is working and how schools measure success * How marketing teams collaborate with faculty to source photos and stories * Why community and peer networks matter so much in small school marketing roles
In this episode of Mindful School Marketing, we dig into one of the most complex and timely questions facing independent and private schools today: should your school participate in voucher or ESA programs. This conversation is especially relevant for school leaders navigating financial pressure, enrollment strategy, and mission alignment as school choice expands across the country.
We are joined by Steve Salvo, Head of School at St. Mary’s Episcopal Day School in Tampa, and Michael Christopher, consultant with Independent School Management (ISM). Together, they bring both a lived leadership perspective and a national consulting lens to help schools think clearly about what is at stake, what questions must be answered, and how to approach vouchers with intention rather than pressure.
In This Episode* What voucher and school choice programs actually look like across different states * The non-negotiable questions boards must answer before saying yes to vouchers * Financial planning risks, including sustainability if voucher funding changes * How vouchers can impact mission, admissions, faculty, and program integrity * Best practices for communicating voucher decisions clearly to families and staff
In this episode of Mindful School Marketing, we’re joined again by leadership coach and consultant Rebecca Malotke-Meslin, founder of Pleasantly Aggressive Coaching and Consulting. Rebecca works with early and mid-career women leaders in schools and nonprofits who are often praised for doing everything but rarely supported in sustainable ways.
Together, we name what so many school leaders are quietly carrying: More responsibility with fewer resources, expanding roles without expanded pay, and the unspoken expectation that caring deeply means endlessly giving. Rebecca breaks down why this dynamic is so common in schools, how it leads to burnout and even physical illness, and what women leaders can do to protect their health, boundaries, and sense of worth without losing relationships or credibility.
In This Episode:* Why “doing more with less” has become normalized in schools and nonprofits * How overextension and praise can mask burnout and exploitation * Why delegation is a core leadership skill, not a failure * How to advocate for fair compensation when your role expands * Practical ways to say no and set boundaries without damaging trust
As we wrap up the year, it’s just the two of us, Aubrey and Tara, reflecting on what we’ve learned from our guests and what’s ahead for schools in 2026. This year, so many of our conversations have come back to two big shifts: the rise of millennial parents as today’s primary decision makers and the growing role of AI in how families search for and evaluate schools.
In this episode, we’re sharing how these changes are transforming school marketing and admissions and what you can do to keep up. From phone call anxiety and value-driven messaging to AI-powered search results and website structure, we’re talking about what schools must adapt to stay relevant in a digital-first world.
In This Episode:
- What millennial parents want from independent schools and how they make enrollment decisions
- Why authenticity and social proof matter more than polished marketing
- How to rethink your website for AI-driven search and zero-click results
- Simple ways to make your admissions process work for digital-first families
- A fun AI test you can try to see how your school shows up in search
- Our reflections from a year of meaningful conversations and what’s ahead in 2026
In this episode, we’re joined by Jesse Meadow, co-founder and Managing Director of Schoolcraft Digital, where he helps independent schools across the country plan and implement marketing strategies that truly connect with today’s parents.
Jesse shares how the idea of The Fourth Turning can help school leaders understand the times we’re in and lead with purpose. We explore what it means to run a school during a crisis era, how to communicate with clarity when everything feels uncertain, and how to ground your marketing in mission and trust.
Key Takeaways from This Episode* How the Fourth Turning explains the era of crisis schools are facing today * Why clarity over complexity is the principle every school should prioritize * Ways to stay mission-focused and build community trust in uncertain times * How data and calm leadership can help schools navigate ongoing change
In this episode, we sit down with David Madison, Executive Director of the National Association of Episcopal Schools (NAES). David shares how Episcopal schools define their identity and communicate their mission in ways that serve both their faith-based roots and their wider communities. He offers insights that every independent school leader can apply when clarifying values, strengthening culture, and building trust with families.
Key Takeaways from This Episode* The four pillars of Episcopal identity and how they shape school culture and leadership * Why clarity and transparency are essential in admissions and marketing communications * Common challenges facing independent and faith-based schools today * How strong leaders use mission to guide hiring, retention, and community building * Practical ways to differentiate your school and articulate what makes it unique * How to balance faith traditions with inclusivity and belonging
As school communicators, we know how complex it can be to navigate today’s conversations around diversity, equity, and inclusion. In this episode, we sit down with Jan Abernathy, Chief Communications Officer at The Browning School and principal at Jan Abernathy Strategic Communications, to explore how schools can stay grounded in their mission while addressing sensitive topics in ways that truly build community.
Jan shares why language matters, how schools can balance different stakeholder perspectives, and why it’s crucial to not only “talk the talk” but also “walk the walk.” We dig into practical strategies for creating inclusive messaging that supports both students and families, and we also touch on how AI tools can help schools strengthen communications with greater awareness and clarity.
In This Episode, We Cover:
- How today’s political climate is influencing DEI conversations in schools
- Why grounding communication in your school’s mission builds consensus
- Practical examples of inclusive communication that benefit all families
- Ways to address differing stakeholder perspectives without losing credibility
- The role of listening and market research in understanding parent language
- How AI can be used to test and refine school communications
The microschool movement is gaining momentum worldwide, reshaping how families and educators think about learning. In this episode, we sit down with Whitney Retzer of the Microschools Network to explore how these intentionally small learning environments are redefining education. From pandemic-driven shifts to global innovation, Whitney shares what’s fueling their rapid growth and why so many families are drawn to them.
You’ll hear how microschools create community, flexibility, and a sense of belonging that traditional models often lack. Whitney also discusses how independent schools can collaborate with microschools, the challenges of visibility and marketing, and where this educational movement is headed next.
In This Episode* What defines a microschool and how it differs from traditional and independent schools * Why families are increasingly choosing microschools for their children * The pandemic’s role in accelerating growth in alternative learning models * How microschools are thriving globally, from digital nomad hubs to refugee camps * Marketing and visibility challenges microschools face (and how they overcome them) * Ways independent and private schools can collaborate with microschools
Enrollment growth and student diversity do not happen by chance. They require clear messaging, intentional strategy, and authentic community engagement. In this episode, we talk with Dr. Tiffany Bridgewater about the practices that helped her school increase enrollment and boost student diversity, and how you can apply the same principles in your own community.
Tiffany shares what worked in her decade at Louisville Collegiate School and now as a consultant guiding schools nationwide. From involving faculty in admissions to tailoring tours to family needs, she emphasizes relationship building as the key to long-term success.
Episode Highlights* Branding strategies that helped a lower school grow enrollment * Practical ways to involve faculty in the admissions process * Using data to personalize tours and family conversations * Moving from transactional admissions to relationship-driven community building * Retaining students of color and supporting belonging * Red flags schools should avoid when presenting themselves to families * How mindfulness informs Tiffany’s leadership and coaching
Conflict is an everyday reality in schools, whether it’s navigating project delays, managing stretched teams, or finding common ground across departments. In this episode of Mindful School Marketing, we’re joined by Bridget Johnson, founder of the Dean’s Round Table and Bridget Johnson Coaching and Consulting. Bridget specializes in professional development for student life professionals, and she shares actionable tools that help leaders manage conflict with clarity, empathy, and intention.
From proactive communication strategies to building relationships before conflicts arise, Bridget highlights practical steps any school leader can take to create healthier, more collaborative working environments. If you’ve ever felt stuck waiting on decisions, caught between competing priorities, or pulled into emotionally charged situations, you’ll find this conversation full of strategies you can put into practice right away.
In This Episode: How to set clear timelines and create respectful follow-up systems * Using active listening and shared interests to solve interdepartmental conflicts * Practical ways to stay calm and fact-based when emotions run high * Why building relationships before* conflict is key to resolving challenges * Establishing clear expectations and professional conduct standards across teams * How mindfulness can help leaders pause, reframe, and respond with intention
In this episode of Mindful School Marketing, we sit down with Barbara Barron, a seasoned consultant in independent school advancement, to challenge outdated fundraising tactics and explore more effective ways to engage school communities. From reimagining galas to building mission-driven collaboration between marketing and development, Barbara shares fresh, realistic insights for today’s school landscape.
We also discuss why alumni giving is often misunderstood, how over-asking impacts donor fatigue, and why thoughtful timing and communication matter more than ever. Barbara’s approach is both strategic and compassionate, offering a path forward that respects the time, energy, and values of families and school staff alike.
In This Episode, You’ll Hear:
- Why marketing and development teams should collaborate closely
- A smarter alternative to galas and auctions (and why the ROI matters)
- What schools often get wrong about alumni fundraising
- How to reduce “ask fatigue” and sequence requests more effectively
- Tips for breaking through inbox noise with authentic communication
- How mindfulness and presence can transform fundraising conversations
In this episode of Mindful School Marketing, we’re joined by Christina Dotchin, Vice President of Member Relations at the Enrollment Management Association (EMA). Christina shares a behind-the-scenes look at EMA’s pivotal role in supporting over 1,200 independent schools and 20,000 members through research, enrollment tools, and professional development.
We dive into the latest enrollment trends emerging from EMA’s recent reports, including the State of the Independent School Enrollment Industry, Ride to Independent Schools, and their newest study on Family Perceptions of Value and Affordability. Christina reveals what families really care about when choosing a school, and the data might surprise you. From rising waitlists to the continued importance of college outcomes, this episode will help school leaders and marketing teams understand what’s shifting and how to respond.
In This Episode:
- What EMA’s recent merger with ERB means for schools
- Key takeaways from three major enrollment reports
- What families say they value most and what they won’t compromise on
- How to use data to make strategic decisions instead of relying on gut feelings
- Rethinking the ROI of open houses
- The surprising factor that still drives high school enrollment decisions
- Why being mindful and present matters in enrollment conversations
Mentioned in the episode: https://www.enrollment.org/professional-development/enrollment-management-spectrum
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:
- What generative AI is and how it’s different from traditional AI
- Why schools should start by looking at their workflows, not the tools
- Simple ways to personalize AI tools using your own data and examples
- How to use the DICE Method to help AI sound more like your school
- Common AI mistakes schools make and how to avoid them
- Jordache’s top tool recommendations for note-taking, organizing, and content support
- What makes ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini different and when to use each one
- How to build an AI council and responsible policies inside your school
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
In this episode of Mindful School Marketing, we speak with Rebecca Drobis, a passionate photojournalist specializing in educational photography. Rebecca shares her insights on capturing authentic and impactful images for independent schools and she emphasizes the importance of strategy, composition, diversity, and effective lighting in school photography. Rebecca also offers practical tips for schools taking their own photos and discusses the significance of managing and organizing images thoughtfully. Throughout the conversation, the importance of mindfulness in her photography practice is highlighted, underscoring the value of being fully present to capture genuine moments.
In this special episode, we share attendee and speaker experiences from the National Small Schools Conference held at the Crefeld School in Philadelphia this past June. This conference, known for its warm and supportive atmosphere, provided attendees with a wealth of knowledge through excellent speakers and engaging topics. We had the pleasure of interviewing 13 individuals to gather their insights and key takeaways from the event. Tune in to hear these conversations and learn more about what made this year’s conference so impactful.
https://www.nationalsmallschoolsconference.org
In this episode of Mindful School Marketing, we’re thrilled to have Steve Bristol with us, a seasoned independent school veteran with over 35 years of experience. From his roots as a boarding school triple threat teacher, coach, and dorm head, to roles in administrative leadership such as Director of Athletics, Assistant Head for External Affairs, and Director of Enrollment Management, Steve’s expertise spans all facets of independent school management. Now a senior consultant for Triangle Associates, Steve will share insights on faculty sustainability and its impact on school marketing. Join us as we explore how maintaining an engaged and committed faculty can enhance a school’s reputation and drive enrollment success.
In this episode of Mindful School Marketing, we welcome Melanie Norton, founder and CEO of a boutique nonprofit fundraising and strategic planning consulting firm in Indianapolis, Indiana. Melanie shares her extensive experience from banking, higher education, and consulting, offering invaluable insights into the art and science of fundraising. The discussion delves into key considerations for small independent schools planning a capital campaign, the importance of starting with strategy, and effective ways to engage alumni. Melanie also highlights the critical role of mindfulness in fundraising, emphasizing focus and prioritization to achieve successful outcomes. Tune in for practical advice on setting realistic fundraising goals, leveraging board members’ strengths, and engaging your community for maximum impact.
On this episode of Mindful School Marketing, we welcome Laura Tierney, the dynamic founder and CEO of The Social Institute. Dive into our discussion about empowering students to navigate their social world with confidence and positivity, particularly through the lens of social media and technology. Laura, a true digital native, shares her journey from a teenager experiencing the dawn of social media to becoming a leading advocate for healthy digital habits. Discover the latest trends among middle and high school students, the challenges they face, and how schools and parents can foster a balanced and mindful approach to technology.
In this episode of the Mindful School Marketing Podcast, we welcome Miriam Stein, founder of Saddlerock Strategies, to discuss effective enrollment strategies and organizational health for schools. Miriam shares her journey from teaching to admissions and consulting, highlighting her passion for helping schools thrive. The conversation dives into the Working Genius model, a workplace productivity tool designed to enhance team collaboration and efficiency by recognizing individual strengths and preferences. Miriam explains how understanding these dynamics can reduce burnout and improve morale among school staff. Tune in to learn practical insights on boosting team performance and fostering a healthier organizational environment.
In this episode of the Mindful School Marketing Podcast, join Aubrey and Tara as they bring you exclusive insights from the VAIS Advancement Institute in Stanton, Virginia. The conference featured an impressive array of speakers covering topics in development, marketing, and admissions, providing attendees with a broad spectrum of knowledge all tailored for school leaders. If you’re an association or organization hosting a conference for school leaders, consider inviting the Mindful School Marketing Podcast to record an episode on site. Reach out to us for collaboration opportunities.
Join us in this episode of Mindful School Marketing as we delve into the world of visual storytelling with Helen Sachs, CEO and founder of Striking Media. From her beginnings at BBC Television Centre in London to her current role crafting impactful videos for local businesses and nonprofits in Northern Virginia, Helen brings a wealth of experience in videography and photography. In today’s episode, we explore the secrets behind successful video content for independent schools, the importance of mindful planning, and the power of storytelling to emotionally connect with audiences.
Mentioned in the episode:
Browne Academy School Video
Diener School Capital Campaign
Diener School Video
In this episode of Mindful School Marketing, we are celebrating 3 years of this podcast and we are joined by Greg Angilly, the Head of School at Virginia Beach Friends School. Greg crafted a groundbreaking curriculum to empower middle and upper school students to delve into the complexities of the human brain and unlock the secrets to genuine happiness. With a deep-rooted belief that happiness can indeed be taught, Greg shares his enlightening insights with us today, offering a beacon of hope and inspiration for educators and students alike. Tune in as we explore the fascinating intersection of neuroscience and well-being, and discover how Greg’s innovative approach is reshaping the landscape of education.
In this episode delve into the art of authentic school marketing with guest Terry Dubow, Director of Communications and Story at Marin Montessori School. Tune in as we explore the importance of understanding parents’ needs and fears in marketing strategies, emphasizing the value of showcasing faculty work and aligning with the school’s values. Through practical examples and insightful discussions, we share effective ways to create genuine connections with the school community, offering valuable insights for school marketers striving to make a meaningful impact.
In this episode Mindful School Marketing. we’re joined by Liz Zweigle, Director of Marketing and Sales at TruthTree. With a background spanning nonprofit, university, and K-12 marketing, Liz brings a wealth of expertise to the table. In this episode, she demystifies digital marketing for schools, delving into online ads, AI-powered chatbots, and the ever-evolving landscape of digital outreach. Should schools outsource their digital marketing efforts or bring them in-house? Liz weighs the pros and cons, offering invaluable insights to navigate this crucial decision.
In this episode of Mindful School Marketing, we’re joined by Karl Boehm, a seasoned marketing strategist for independent schools. With over two decades of experience, Karl has propelled brands like John Hopkins and Westminster School to new heights. Now, he’s sharing his expertise on social media auditing and its crucial role in school marketing. Join us as we delve into the importance of auditing, key elements to consider, and how it shapes a school’s online presence and engagement.
Join us in this episode of Mindful School Marketing as we welcome Barb Doyle, the Director of Marketing and Communications at Renbrook School in West Hartford, Connecticut. With over twenty-five years of diverse experience in marketing, graphic design, operations, and leadership across education, healthcare, and publishing, Barb brings invaluable insights to the table. In our discussion, Barb shares her expertise on the intricacies of school website redesigns, shedding light on crucial factors such as timing, budgeting, and stakeholder engagement. From the importance of professional photo and video shoots to the meticulous planning and research involved, Barb’s journey offers a comprehensive guide for schools navigating the digital landscape.
In this podcast episode, we welcome Peter Barron, who shares his insights after spending over 20 years serving independent schools. The conversation delves into reimagining the independent school business model, emphasizing the need for a sustainable and innovative approach. Peter highlights success stories from schools like Providence Country Day and Applewild School, showcasing transformative strategies such as acquisitions, tuition resets, and unique programs. The discussion extends to the importance of upskilling leaders and fostering a community of schools ready to embrace change, ultimately aiming to ensure the long-term success and growth of independent schools.
In this episode of Mindful School Marketing, we welcome Nat Saltonstall, Founder and Executive Director of SPARC, to discuss the strategic aspects of auxiliary programs in independent schools. Nat, with a background deeply rooted in independent education, shares his journey from teaching to directing summer programs and the eventual focus on SPARC. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by schools in terms of sustainability and revenue diversification, emphasizing the need for strategic thinking and effective leadership in auxiliary programs.
In this episode of Mindful School Marketing, we are joined by Angela Brown, Manager B2B Brand Strategy at NICHE, discussing recent surveys on K-12 parents and enrollment marketing trends. The parent survey reveals the surprising role of admission events and a reduced appetite for rising tuition costs. Angela emphasizes the continuous increase in the role of children in school choice and the need for schools to adapt their engagement strategies for prospective students. The discussion encourages a mindful approach to survey design and strategic planning for schools, urging professionals to prioritize self-care amidst their busy schedules.
In this episode of Mindful School Marketing, we dive into the significance of goal setting as we kick off the new year. We share our enthusiasm for planning, both on a personal level and for our school clients. Our discussion explores challenges school leaders face, the value of reflection, and the necessity of creating actionable plans. As we navigate through these topics, we hope to inspire you to approach goal setting with mindfulness and strategic intent.
Mentioned in the episode:
-12 Week Year Sample Sheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1xHBlKX00d8pgMpOiimeazwTOf554JFYxpcwO9XcvVzc/edit?usp=drive_link
-Year Compass: https://my.equalizedigital.com/audit-remediation-checkout/?ar_price_option=tier2
In this episode of Mindful School Marketing, we are joined by Edit Barry, co-founder of E&A Collaborative. She discusses the intricacies of capital campaigns for educational institutions, emphasizing strategic planning and audience engagement. Edit highlights the role of a compelling case statement in connecting emotionally with donors. The conversation explores potential mistakes to avoid and the importance of viewing marketing as an investment. Edit also shares thoughts on mindfulness in understanding and connecting with the audience.
In this episode of Mindful School Marketing, we welcome Ed Hollinger, an experienced educational leader and consultant. Ed shares his extensive career journey and mission to help individuals and organizations operate at their best.
The discussion centers on strategies for navigating challenges in schools, including fostering versatility, leveraging strengths, self-care, and shifting conversations.
We explore the application of these strategies in marketing efforts, highlighting their positive impact on retention and enrollment. Ed’s wisdom offers valuable guidance for educators and school leaders.
In a world where social media is essential for school communication, Stephanie Borges Folarin, Head of School at Wye River Upper School in Centreville MD, shares her secrets to managing it mindfully. On this week’s episode of The Mindful School Marketing Podcast, find out how Stephanie navigates the challenges that come with social media and the concept of mindfulness and its application in social media communication. We also cover learning how to effectively tailor social media content to cater to various generations and the necessity and benefits of establishing a comprehensive social media policy for schools.
Do you want to enhance your school's brand messaging and increase the effectiveness of your website? Look no further, because our guest, Chelsea Fanke, will be sharing the key to achieving that desired outcome. Join us on The Mindful School Marketing Podcast as she unveils the strategies and techniques needed to transform your brand and website, ultimately resulting in a stronger presence and heightened appeal for your school. Listen in as Chelsea explains the vital role branding plays in establishing your school's reputation and trust within the community and find out how a solid brand can leverage your website and influence audience perception positively.
In this episode of Mindful School Marketing, we are joined by Charlie DeWhitt, a former Director of Marketing, Recruitment and Communications for a school network in Indiana and a current Enrollment Consultant with SchoolMint where she helps schools to attract and enroll more students.
Charlie shares her expertise in helping schools attract and enroll more students while highlighting the amazing things happening in their classrooms. The discussion centers around the importance of Google reviews for schools and the challenges they face in optimizing their digital presence. We delve into the history of Google reviews, the frustrating patterns schools have encountered, and the impact on different types of schools.
In this episode of the Mindful School Marketing podcast, we are joined by guest Suzy Wagner, the president of Brand & Buzz, a strategic communications firm. With her extensive experience in advertising, public relations, and communications, Suzy has worked with renowned brands and nonprofits. Tune in as we explore the importance of managing expectations around media coverage, highlighting positive aspects of schools, and finding timely news hooks. Suzy emphasizes the significance of building relationships with reporters, brainstorming ideas, and planning ahead to ensure schools effectively communicate their stories and messages.
There really is nothing like being in person with people and having the opportunity to just have conversations that flow from one thing to another and on this week’s episode, we are discussing our takeaways from The National Small Schools Conference. Tune in as we discuss the significance of conferences and training sessions in personal progression, how conferences can provide both vitality and rejuvenation, and the power of connectivity in a small school environment.
Brendan Schneider rejoins the show as he continues to make a significant impact within the MarCom industry with his dedication and expertise. As the founder of SchneiderB Media, Brendan has taken on the responsibility of addressing critical issues affecting the school marketing professionals' field to improve working conditions and create positive change. In this podcast episode, Brendan talks about his recent survey on Markom salaries in schools. This survey sheds light on the need for increased diversity and understanding in the field. Brendan's expertise, coupled with his approachable demeanor, makes him an invaluable guest for those seeking insights on navigating the challenges of school marketing.
Revamp your school's communication approach with advice and cutting-edge tools in the newest installment of Mindful School Marketing. Tune in as we delve into the art of refining your school's marketing and communication strategies, while also enhancing the effectiveness of your efforts through strategic scheduling practices. Join us as we explore innovative ways for school administrators to rejuvenate and unwind during their well-deserved summer breaks.
Listen into this episode of The Mindful School Marketing Podcast and meet the knowledgeable Katherine Morgan Schafler, a New York City-based psychotherapist, author, and speaker who’s passionate about understanding perfectionism. She is joining us in this episode and we are talking about the ins and outs of perfectionism styles, tapping into the power of confronting tough emotions for a richer, more gratifying life, and developing unshakeable resilience by staying present and confronting adversity. While this isn’t directly about marketing, perfectionism can play a role in how we show up in our marketing. Tune in for a fun conversation!
In this episode, we explore the world of school partnerships and fundraising with expert Chris Pryor. Chris is the founder and principal of Lead Team Partners. With a career spanning more than two decades in independent schools, Chris has worn many hats from Director of Admission to Assistant Head for Advancement. Tune in to learn how to lead with conviction by highlighting key objectives and maximizing volunteer involvement and how to establish unwavering trust and transparency for outstanding fundraising results. From galas to engaging parents, we uncover the challenges and opportunities in the field.
On this episode of Mindful School Marketing, Andrea Gribble, an ardent social media enthusiast, shares her passion for helping schools showcase their daily achievements and share their stories with the world via social media. In this episode, we cover powerful social media techniques to engage and captivate your school community and how to tackle common obstacles in independent schools’ social media management with ease. You’ll also learn how to leverage popular hashtags and trends to boost interaction within your school community while developing authentic, consistent, and imaginative content for your social media platforms.
In recent years, AI tools have become increasingly popular in digital marketing for their ability to streamline tasks and provide valuable insights into customer behavior.
In this week’s episode, we are joined by Pam Aungst Cronin, a widely recognized SEO, PPC, and web analytics expert, President of Pam Ann Marketing, LLC, and founder of Stealth™ Search and Analytics.
Pam joins the show to offer insights on how school marketers can use AI without sacrificing the integrity of the education system. Tune in as we discuss the potential of Chat GPT and its role in advancing AI-driven marketing, the impact of AI in shaping content generation and marketing strategies, and embracing mindfulness and a human-centered approach in AI marketing techniques.
In this episode of Mindful School Marketing, we are joined by Rebecca Bernardo-Hartley, a seasoned school marketer with over 7 years of experience in the field. Rebecca shares her expertise on email marketing and how it can help schools showcase their unique stories to prospective families. Throughout the episode, Rebecca shares examples from her own experience at The Wolf School in Rumford, Rhode Island, where she has successfully leveraged email marketing to build strong relationships with current and prospective families. Whether you’re a seasoned school marketer or just starting out, you won’t want to miss this insightful conversation about the power of email marketing for schools.
Kristin Moore is the director of marketing and enrollment for the 73 Catholic Schools in Western Washington in the Archdiocese of Seattle. Alicia Sullivan is the director of marketing and admission at St. Luke’s School in Shoreline, Washington, and has been instrumental in the growth of this unique community for the past ten years. Together, these two educators are passionate about access to education and they are now devoted to their mission of marketing small Catholic schools in the Pacific Northwest, where the challenge of making the religious message known is met with the joy of discovering a community of belonging and excellence in education. As they work to build their schools and communities, they encourage people to be mindful, courageous and reflective in order to create the best quality results.
In this episode of Mindful School Marketing, Aubrey and Tara join Susanne Carpenter, a strategy and leadership consultant and former educational leader, to uncover the challenges of leading independent schools and explore how to build trust, develop teams and drive accountability to transform schools and lives. Tune to hear more about how can independent school leaders support and sustain themselves and their teams, what strategies can be implemented to build trust and relationships within an organization, and what techniques can be used to develop and hold accountable a team of one or a larger group of leaders.
We are switching it up this episode and today Tara is interviewing Aubrey about how it went hosting her first virtual Small School Leaders Conference. Aubrey set out to organize an innovative virtual three-day conference that focused on topics related to development, marketing, and enrollments. The idea came from Aubrey’s experience of working in both small and large schools, and realizing that the professional development budget for small schools was significantly smaller than larger schools. Tune in to hear how she was surprised by the overwhelming response, uncovered a hidden need in the independent school community and walked away with unexpected key takeaways.
In this episode, we are joined by David Willows and Suzette Parlevliet from [YELLOW CAR] a leading training and consultancy firm focused on helping schools stand out through experience strategy. Join us as we discuss how experience strategy works for independent schools and how it can help schools stand out. We also cover how to design intentional experiences for families and a tool that helps schools measure every stage of their journey to determine whether families are having a good experience.
Today we are joined with Timo Nieuwoult, marketing leader at Digistorm. Timo dives into the varying marketing tactics geared towards Gen X, Y and Z and how each generation is unique. He shares how each approaches school decision-making differently, as shown in current marketing trends, and how to appease each group.
In this episode, we are joined by Jesse Meadow, co-founder and managing director of Schoolcraft Digital. Jesse shares with us long-term, multichannel digital marketing strategies and tactics and current and upcoming digital marketing trends at the organizational level.
In this episode, we are joined by Michelle Mercurio, a brand catalyst and authenticist who empowers big-picture thinkers to be true to themselves, find their unique brands, and execute their goals in a way that aligns with their vision. Showing her clients how to showcase their unique stories to build connections, Michelle shares with us the power of storytelling and how schools can benefit from this meaningful and effective approach.
In this episode, we are joined by Rob Norman, co-founder of InspirED School Marketers, a free, professional development resource and community for private school marketers worldwide. Rob dives into his 2022 InspirED Private School MarCom Survey Report, assessing current marketing trends and the trajectory that small schools are heading toward in the upcoming year.
In this episode, we are joined by Maritza Lizama and Pamela Nieto, founders of Captiva Branding, a full-service marketing and communications agency based in Washington, DC. With years of marketing experience, these two work together to promote small businesses and nonprofits through powerful storytelling, strategy, and today give us their top insights on better marketing your small school to multicultural audiences!
In this episode, Aubrey and Tara chat about surveys and how they can be a great asset to your school when used correctly. Together they tackle this daunting task, deconstructing when to send surveys, how to build them, and how to utilize the resulting data to your best advantage.
In this episode, Aubrey and Tara chat about surveys and how they can be a great asset to your school when used correctly. Together they tackle this daunting task, deconstructing when to send surveys, how to build them, and how to utilize the resulting data to your best advantage.
In this episode, Aubrey and Tara chat about surveys and how they can be a great asset to your school when used correctly. Together they tackle this daunting task, deconstructing when to send surveys, how to build them, and how to utilize the resulting data to your best advantage.
Rob is Co-Founder and Chief Evangelist at Finalsite, and has presents globally on effective use of strategic web communications for independent schools. Rob brings 25 years of experience working with the internet in the education arena. His experiences have included working with over 2000+ Educational Institutions across the globe ranging from the smallest independent schools to the largest universities to help maximize the potential of the web for their institutions all while raising his four children with his wife and three dogs in Northwest Connecticut.
In this episode we are joined by Antony and Greg Campitelli, brothers and co-founders of Enquiry Tracker: an all-in-one application that stores and manages families, track demands, and grows enrollment. With complementing backgrounds working in schools and the tech industry, these siblings team up to find innovative solutions for independent school marketers and admissions offices everywhere!
In this episode we are joined by Antony and Greg Campitelli, brothers and co-founders of Enquiry Tracker: an all-in-one application that stores and manages families, track demands, and grows enrollment. With complementing backgrounds working in schools and the tech industry, these siblings team up to find innovative solutions for independent school marketers and admissions offices everywhere!
In this episode we are joined by Antony and Greg Campitelli, brothers and co-founders of Enquiry Tracker: an all-in-one application that stores and manages families, track demands, and grows enrollment. With complementing backgrounds working in schools and the tech industry, these siblings team up to find innovative solutions for independent school marketers and admissions offices everywhere!
In this episode, Andrea Gribble, founder of #SocialSchool4EDU, utilizes social media to uplift and celebrate schools everywhere. Andrea and her team work alongside staff and teachers to showcase online the heart of each school, enabling parents and faculty to stay connected to the classroom.
In this episode, Rebecca Malotke-Meslin, founder of Pleasantly Aggressive Coaching and Consulting, shares her passion for empowering women school leaders towards confidently owning their leadership in the workspace and personal lives. With a background in gender studies and sociology, Rebecca recognizes how race, gender, sexuality, and class impact those in leadership roles and strives to guide women toward their full potential.
In this episode, we chat with Brad Entwhistle, the Founding Partner of imageseven in Australia. For the past 32 years, Brad has helped schools align to their vision, ensuring that they fulfill and stay true to their promise to families and students.
In this episode, we are joined by Angie Ward, Digital Marketing Strategist for Schools, Camps, and Education-centric Nonprofits, and Founder of Enroll Media. Angie reminds us to get back to basics so that we can find direction and purpose in our marketing. Giving us insights into the trajectory of LinkedIn and its success for small school marketing, Angie reveals key insights into how over she has uplifted 250 colleges, universities, and K12 schools with result-driven digital marketing solutions.
In this episode, we are joined by Angie Ward, Digital Marketing Strategist for Schools, Camps, and Education-centric Nonprofits, and Founder of Enroll Media. Angie reminds us to get back to basics so that we can find direction and purpose in our marketing. Giving us insights into the trajectory of LinkedIn and its success for small school marketing, Angie reveals key insights into how over she has uplifted 250 colleges, universities, and K12 schools with result-driven digital marketing solutions.
Joined by Bob Sager, founder and current President of Edu-Tech Academic Solutions, we learn how to mindfully usher small schools towards integrating essential technology into their learning infrastructure in a way that is empowering, beneficial, and cyber secure. With 30 years of experience, Bob shares his story of navigating this fast-paced industry, showing how edu-tech can be greatly beneficial to students, educators, administration, etc. when used safely and securely.
In this episode, Beth Yoder, CEO and Founder of P3Hired and seasoned professional in the recruiting and talent management space. Beth offers communication and social tactics for hiring and building your school's dream team, sharing the importance of remaining open, listening to understand, trusting your gut, and holding true to your integrity.
In this episode, Beth Yoder, CEO and Founder of P3Hired and seasoned professional in the recruiting and talent management space. Beth offers communication and social tactics for hiring and building your school's dream team, sharing the importance of remaining open, listening to understand, trusting your gut, and holding true to your integrity.
Reclaiming work and life balance through Time Management and organization, Megan Sumrell helps women thrive in their careers and many day-to-day roles.
Aubrey and Tara discuss retention strategies, focusing on methods meant to aid parent to school connection through communications and a return to the basics.
Aubrey and Tara discuss retention strategies, focusing on methods meant to aid parent to school connection through communications and a return to the basics.
Aubrey and Tara discuss retention strategies, focusing on methods meant to aid parent to school connection through communications and a return to the basics.
Taneesha Thomas and Emily Meeks, Founders of Focused Minds Education Group, discuss the importance of mental health awareness in and outside the classroom.
In this episode, Aubrey and Tara chat with guest Joe Monzo, talented Video Strategist & Videographer for schools, non-profits, businesses, and proud owner of Monzo Media Productions. Joe shares his love for video production, his creative process, and what it takes to capture a school's authentic essence through the lens.
Taneesha Thomas and Emily Meeks, Founders of Focused Minds Education Group, discuss the importance of mental health awareness in and outside the classroom.
CEO of Easy School Marketing, Aubrey Bursch and owner of Design TLC, Tara Claeys share with you some do's and don'ts when building and refreshing your schools website for the upcoming year.
In this episode, Taneesha and Emily talk about how you can create a more supportive environment for students, teachers, staff, and parents at your school through trauma-informed practice, mental health awareness, and equitable instruction. They also share their strategies for being more mindful at school and at home.
In this episode, Stephanie shares key tips and strategies for strengthening & empowering yourself, such as self-awareness, fitness, meditation, and mindfulness. She talks about how you can create a routine that sets you up for success, in addition to how school leaders can empower and inspire young women.
In this thought-provoking episode, Michelle reflects on what makes people happy. She shares insights from her interviews with over 500 people across the country on creating happiness and fulfillment in their lives, regardless of external circumstances. She also talks about how happiness applies to school marketing, and how you can make small shifts in your life to reduce burnout and increase happiness.
Are you feeling burnt out at your school? In this motivational episode, Sherry talks about how burnout does NOT have to be a part of your job description as a school leader. Through a mindful and intentional approach towards work and life, you can not only overcome a toxic burnout cycle but actively prevent it. Sherry also discusses the importance of integrating mental health resources into your schools’ teams, as well as incorporating play and movement.
Do you want to build a better dynamic between your school and board? In this episode, Brooke and Liz discuss key strategies to create and maintain a highly effective school board at your small or independent, from setting clear expectations to ongoing professional development. They also share ways they incorporate strategic thinking and mindfulness into their leadership.
In this engaging episode, School administrator and Technology Director Amber Teamann talks about how schools can strategically utilize technology that was implemented as a result of COVID-19. She also shares many key insights into educational leadership and how school leaders can incorporate intentionality and embracing their mistakes in order to be the best leaders they can be.
Do you want to better understand attrition at your school? In this informative episode, Jill discusses how independent schools can take a holistic and insightful approach to improve retention with leadership mentoring, qualitative research, brand assessments, and identifying stumbling blocks to help a school best serve its constituency. She also shares a few key takeaways for retention, especially for schools that had an increase in enrollment at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.