

SchoolCEO: K-12 Marketing + Communications
SchoolCEO by Apptegy
School CEO podcast takes a deep dive into the minds and hearts of the country’s most successful and innovative school leaders and subject matter experts on the topics of brand, culture and marketing strategies for schools.
Join us in our discussions where we explore how the role of education is changing and learn private sector best practices that can be adopted into the way you lead your team and shape your community. Whether you're a superintendent, communications director, a principal or in another role, this show will help you better understand how to shape and lead your schools.
Inspired by SchoolCEO Magazine, our original research, case studies, and marketing guides are all tools to equip you to become a better leader in a time of rapid change in public education.
Join us in our discussions where we explore how the role of education is changing and learn private sector best practices that can be adopted into the way you lead your team and shape your community. Whether you're a superintendent, communications director, a principal or in another role, this show will help you better understand how to shape and lead your schools.
Inspired by SchoolCEO Magazine, our original research, case studies, and marketing guides are all tools to equip you to become a better leader in a time of rapid change in public education.
Episodes
Mentioned books

7 snips
Aug 19, 2025 • 6min
Choosing Channels You Own
Discover the secrets to effective school communication strategies! Learn how to build direct channels that engage parents and communities. Find out why research and planning are vital for meaningful interaction. Explore how measurable communications can elevate school initiatives. This insightful discussion offers tips for creating a tailored approach that resonates with your audience.

Aug 14, 2025 • 6min
Crafting Key Messages
Discover the art of crafting key messages that resonate with parents and the community. Learn how authentic student stories can enhance school communications and make them more relatable. Explore the benefits of community testing to ensure clarity and engagement. Get tips on using accessible language to foster meaningful dialogue between schools and families.

Aug 13, 2025 • 5min
Personas of Interest
Discover the art of tailoring communication strategies by segmenting your audience in schools. Explore the importance of creating audience personas to effectively reach different stakeholders. Learn about research methods that help craft personalized messages, ensuring that diverse needs within the educational community are met. Dive into practical tips that elevate your communication game and engage your audience like never before!

Aug 7, 2025 • 6min
Strategy Begins With Surveys
Discover the essential first step to crafting a successful communication plan: gathering feedback! Dive into the importance of communication audits and learn how to design impactful surveys that engage your school community. Explore various survey methods and the ideal timing for capturing valuable insights. The episode also introduces pulse surveys, a clever way to maintain ongoing engagement and continuous feedback from the same audience. Tune in for practical tips to enhance educational communication!

6 snips
Aug 5, 2025 • 6min
NSPRA 25 Takeaways
Discover intriguing insights from a recent seminar about school communications. Learn how introverts can play crucial roles, along with a program that empowers students through internships. Explore strategies for enhancing recruitment and communication, emphasizing the need for streamlined enrollment and a strong school culture. The discussion highlights the value of collaboration among departments for improved outcomes. Dive into the future of K-12 communications and how everyone benefits from inclusive practices!

Jul 31, 2025 • 57min
Encore: Directing Strategic Communications with Lesley Bruinton, APR
Summary: Today we’re replaying our interview with NSPRA 2025 Presidents Award Winner Lesley Bruinton, APR on the subject of strategic communication.Show Notes: Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.schoolceo.com/subscribe-now/. Visit us at schoolceo.com and connect with SchoolCEO on LinkedIn or X/Twitter @school_ceo. If you have a story you’d like to share with the SchoolCEO team, email us at eileen@schoolceo.com or schedule a call.SchoolCEO is powered by Apptegy, the maker of the leading K-12 communications and brand management platform.

Jul 29, 2025 • 4min
SWOT Analysis Recap
Summary: Today we review our SWOT analysis of school comms and discuss where to go from here. Show Notes: Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.schoolceo.com/subscribe-now/. Visit us at schoolceo.com and connect with SchoolCEO on LinkedIn or X/Twitter @school_ceo. If you have a story you’d like to share with the SchoolCEO team, email us at eileen@schoolceo.com or schedule a call.SchoolCEO is powered by Apptegy, the maker of the leading K-12 communications and brand management platform.

Jul 24, 2025 • 7min
No Dejes Que El Idioma Sea Una Barrera
Resumen: Hoy discutimos cómo involucrar en lugar de alienar a su comunidad de habla hispana. Mostrar notas: Este episodio presenta extractos de un artículo de la revista SchoolCEO de 2022, On the Air with LOBO Live de Melissa Hite. Suscríbete a nuestro boletín en https://www.schoolceo.com/subscribe-now/. Visítanos en schoolceo.com y conéctese con SchoolCEO en LinkedIn o X/Twitter @school_ceo. Si tienes una historia que te gustaría compartir con el equipo de SchoolCEO, envíanos un correo electrónico a eileen@schoolceo.com o agenda una llamada.SchoolCEO es impulsado por Apptegy, creador de la plataforma líder en comunicación y gestión de marca para escuelas K-12.

Jul 22, 2025 • 8min
Don't Let Language Be a Barrier
Summary: Today we discuss how to engage rather than alienate your Spanish speaking community. Show Notes: This episode features excerpts from a 2022 SchoolCEO Magazine article, On the Air with LOBO Live by Melissa Hite. Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.schoolceo.com/subscribe-now/. Visit us at schoolceo.com and connect with SchoolCEO on LinkedIn or X/Twitter @school_ceo. If you have a story you’d like to share with the SchoolCEO team, email us at eileen@schoolceo.com or schedule a call.SchoolCEO is powered by Apptegy, the maker of the leading K-12 communications and brand management platform.

Jul 17, 2025 • 1h 4min
Encore: Schoolhouse Burning
In this engaging discussion, Derek W. Black, an education law professor and author of 'Schoolhouse Burning,' delves into the profound connection between public education and democracy. He reflects on his own experiences and the civil rights movements that shaped education policy. The conversation tackles systemic issues like funding inequities and the impact of political agendas on trust in education. Black emphasizes the vital role schools play in nurturing citizenship values while navigating the complexities of modern educational challenges.