Expert Insights
Rising to the occasion when Air Force One rolls in
Talk about pressure. And you know what they say about having only one chance to make a great first impression. Hosting a Very Important Person is an effective way to heighten awareness of local issues, become part of national news coverage, and position your organization as a leader. But it’s not easy duty for public relations professionals…
Read MoreSharing trusted apps is like sharing the wealth (almost).
No doubt you’ve heard the expression that sharing is caring. Well, when it’s an experienced school communicator doing the sharing, it’s true! My recent conversation with Alexandria (VA) City Public Schools Public Relations Specialist Delaina McCormack reminded me of how much knowledge and wisdom school communicators possess. As you might have gathered from my prior profile of Delaina, she is an advocate for sharing ideas…
Read MoreIs an extreme makeover in order? (You might want to take a look at your website.)
Even non-parents can see when when a school district’s website is suffering from neglect. Back-to-school information lingers on the home page at Halloween. School closings/ snow day protocol are the main story during spring break. It’s time for a come-to-Jesus talk about making sure your website stays relevant. As a keeper of the website, maybe you’re not grievously lax…
Read MoreLooking to stay on top of your game? Maybe even play for a different team?
There’s no such thing as “career insurance.” But a commitment to growing your skills and being aware of today’s job-seeking tactics can nudge you closer to “future proofing” your career. Now that I’ve re-entered the full-time job seeking scene – after some time off to earn my newly minted master’s degree – this topic touches…
Read MoreWhen people see your district’s icon, what pops into their minds?
Does your school district’s logo convey what makes you special? Could people in your community identify it in a lineup as quickly as Nike’s checkmark, Starbucks’ siren and McDonald’s golden arches? A highly recognizable logo is among a school district’s most powerful assets because it communicates so much in an instant. If a logo no longer…
Read MoreYou can knock the block off bullying by teaching empathy
But first you must be willing to wrestle with a tough topic After the 1999 massacre at Columbine High School, new workshops popped up to help education reporters better understand how teasing and bullying can escalate into violence. I, for one, needed a primer. My own K-12 education was pleasant. I was never in the popular…
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