SchoolCEO ConversationsSchool Marketing Ideas and Inspiration

Dr. Julie Sweetland: Strategic Framing for Schools

Julie Sweetland, a sociolinguist and senior advisor at the FrameWorks Institute shares how leaders and advocates can use strategic framing and communications to have more productive conversations around complex issues.

Dr. Peter Hannigan: Communicating to Different Generations

Dr. Pete Hannigan, Superintendent of Hawthorn School District 73, and Samantha Cook, Communications Director, discuss generational differences in the workplace, effective communication strategies to engage their community, and the importance of strong school culture.

Dr. Joe Sanfelippo: Changing the Narrative

In this conversation with SchoolCEO, Dr. Sanfelippo discusses how he changed the conversation inside and outside of the schools he led, keys to developing a culture that actively shares the best stories, and how to lead authentically.

Debbie Critchfield: The Power of School Communications

Internal communications is critically important to running a successful school district, and it is also an ongoing challenge for many. Debbie Critchfield, Superintendent of Public Instruction in Idaho, shares her experience in school communications and the ins and outs of internal communications.

Scott M. Curran: Impact Storytelling

In this episode of SchoolCEO Conversations, we speak with Scott M. Curran, an expert consultant focused on impact storytelling, social impact, and philanthropy. He shares what impact storytelling is and how it can engage and inspire staff.

Tom Burton: How Superintendents Can Think Differently

Former superintendent Tom Burton shares how leaders can challenge assumptions and think differently to drive change. He discusses the importance of data, dissent, transparency, and authentic relationships in shaping culture.

Dr. Melissa Thompson: How to Onboard Board Members

In an era of contentious board meetings and board elections, Dr. Melissa Thompson, former superintendent of Swallow School District, shows a smart, common-sense approach to helping school boards succeed with onboarding.

Dr. Donald Killingbeck: Building Your Brand with LinkedIn

LinkedIn is an underutilized platform for many school districts. Dr. Donald Killingbeck has used it to advance Hemlock Public School District’s brand and his own. The result? A stronger digital presence that tells the district story and attracts teachers and garners community support.

Jennifer Hines: Making the Media Work for Your Schools

Jennifer Hines spent 20 years in the media business before leading communications at Tyler ISD in Texas. Her media expertise and relationship building offers an important lesson for superintendents and communications leaders alike.

William D. Parker of Principal Matters: What Matters Most

William D. Parker, the host of Principal Matters, a popular podcast and blog for principals and other school leaders. Join a conversation about how superintendents and principals can build trust and work together to the benefit of the school community.

Championing Communications

SchoolCEO speaks with those in communications roles in four districts across the country. They explore what others might misunderstand about communication roles.

Dr. Jeff Horton: Courageous Conversations

Dr. Jeff Horton, Superintendent of GFW School District in Minnesota, discusses how he and his community moved from worry to hope through courageous conversations and active listening.

Dr. Robert Hunt: Crisis, Growth & Leadership

Dr. Robert Hunt, Superintendent of Barrington 220 SD in Illinois, talks with us about managing crises, both at a professional and personal level, how to best communicate during difficult times, and how to grow and recover after.

Neel Doshi: Culture & Motivation in Education

Researcher Neel Doshi discusses the importance of culture in motivating people and organizations to reach their potential and explores the concept “Why you work determines how well you work.”

Adam Tyner: How to Sell SEL

Adam Tyner shares insights from the recent Thomas B. Fordham Institute report on parents and the politics of social-emotional learning.

Liz Kirby: Superintendent as Chief Politician

Liz Kirby shares her story of coming back home to Cleveland to lead and advocate for students in Cleveland Heights-University Heights as they face mounting pressure from school choice legislation in Ohio.

Dr. Jill Siler: Thrive Through the Five

Dr. Jill Siler, author of Thrive Through the Five, shares about her recent transition away from the superintendency to her new role with the Texas Association of School Administrators.

Dr. Glenn Robbins: Technology By Design

Superintendent Glenn Robbins discusses how his school has centered learning on design thinking to build a community where empathy and inclusion go hand-in-hand with sustainable technology.

Mike Nelson: 31 Days of Hope

Mike Nelson of the Washington Association of School Administrators shares how he and other educators are sharing 31 Days of Hope with each other.

Dr. Michael Hinojosa: Legacy Work

Dr. Michael Hinojosa shares how Dallas ISD is reshaping its role in the community to support families years before their students ever reach the classroom.

Hollis Milton: The Speed of Trust

Superintendent Hollis Milton shares how he's wrestled with his decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic—even while battling the virus from a hospital bed in March.