
SchoolCEO: K-12 Marketing + Communications
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.
Latest episodes

5 snips
May 8, 2025 • 5min
The Mom Complex
Celebrate Mother's Day by exploring how to leverage moms' insights in your school marketing. Discover the importance of genuine representation and engaging storytelling to connect with mothers. Get practical tips to enhance parent communication and boost enrollment through empathy. Plus, learn about the upcoming School CEO Conference and hear from a dynamic mom and marketer on mastering digital communication. Don’t miss out on this empowering discussion!

12 snips
May 6, 2025 • 4min
How to Tell a Story on Social Media
Discover the magic of storytelling in school communications! Learn about the three key elements that make a story effective: emotion, authenticity, and transformation. Get inspired by practical examples that showcase the power of narrative in engaging your community. Plus, find out how to recognize exceptional storytellers in school by nominating them for a prestigious marketing award. Transform your school's communication strategy and connect deeply with your audience through compelling stories!

May 1, 2025 • 4min
Story Magnets
Summary: Today we discuss how to generate stories instead of waiting for them to come to you. Show Notes: The SchoolCEO Podcast is written by Eileen Beard and produced by Tanner Cox.Read School Shoutout: A Joyful Revolution from the Winter 2025 issue of SchoolCEO Magazine. This episode mentions Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara. For more school marketing strategies and insights, check out our free webinars at https://info.apptegy.com/events-and-resources.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 with us!SchoolCEO is powered by Apptegy, the maker of the leading K-12 communications and brand management platform.

Apr 29, 2025 • 4min
Sliding into Enrollment
Summary: In this episode we share how one district in Georgia attracted families with a unique new feature. Show Notes: Read the full article: School Shoutout: Sliding into Success. Learn more about us and subscribe to our school marketing newsletter at schoolceo.com. If you have a story you’d like to share with the SchoolCEO team, email me at eileen@schoolceo.com or schedule a call with me! Follow SchoolCEO on LinkedIn or X/Twitter @school_ceo. SchoolCEO is powered by Apptegy, the maker of the leading K-12 communications and brand management platform

Apr 23, 2025 • 5min
SWOT Analysis
Summary: In this episode we share a SWOT analysis of school communications nationwide. Show Notes: Listen to our interview with Greg Turchetta on Season 2 of the podcast: Winning at School Communications. Read the original research cited in this episode: A Seat at the Table, Who Speaks for Your Brand and Layers of Leadership. Learn more about us and subscribe to our newsletter at schoolceo.com. If you have a story you’d like to share with the SchoolCEO team, email me at eileen@schoolceo.com or schedule a call with me! Follow SchoolCEO on LinkedIn or X/Twitter @school_ceo. SchoolCEO is powered by Apptegy; the maker of the leading K-12 communications and brand management platform.

Apr 22, 2025 • 4min
I'm New Here
Summary: We’re kicking off a brand new season with a fresh format. In this episode, we talk about how to cultivate a beginner’s mindset. Show Notes: Read Look Again by Tali Sharot and Cass R. Sunstein.Learn more about us and subscribe to our newsletter at schoolceo.com. If you have a story you’d like to share with us, email me at eileen@schoolceo.com or schedule a call with me! Follow SchoolCEO on LinkedIn or X/Twitter @school_ceo. SchoolCEO is powered by Apptegy, the maker of the leading K-12 communications and brand management platform.

11 snips
Mar 27, 2025 • 20min
The Complete Guide to School Marketing: Season 3 Recap
This recap dives into essential themes of school marketing, emphasizing branding and community engagement. It highlights transformative insights that can reshape how communities perceive their schools. Listeners receive practical strategies to implement these concepts effectively. The discussion sets the stage for an exciting new format, encouraging schools to elevate their marketing efforts.

8 snips
Mar 19, 2025 • 17min
The Complete Guide to School Marketing: How to Create Brand Advocates
Discover how to turn parents and community members into vocal advocates for schools. Focus on intentional relationships and exceptional service to foster loyalty. Learn through real-life examples from various sectors, emphasizing the importance of meaningful interactions. Hear personal stories that highlight the impact of school reputation on new families. This guide provides actionable strategies to amplify positive voices and strengthen the school brand.

5 snips
Feb 21, 2025 • 24min
The Complete Guide to School Marketing: How to Communicate in a Crisis
Crisis communication is vital for school districts, drawing lessons from industries like aerospace. Proactive preparation and building partnerships are key to managing potential crises. Trust and transparent communication with stakeholders and media are essential during challenging times. Engaging the community helps foster healing, innovation, and connection post-crisis. Finally, reflecting on experiences and supporting leaders can facilitate growth, turning challenges into opportunities for resilience.

10 snips
Feb 6, 2025 • 17min
The Complete Guide to School Marketing: What is Enrollment Marketing?
Dive into the essential world of enrollment marketing in K-12 education! Discover how the customer journey plays a pivotal role in driving student enrollment. Explore the five key phases: Awareness, Interest, Decision, Retention, and Advocacy, and learn different strategies for each. Hear engaging stories on how creating a welcoming atmosphere and focusing on user experience can transform school registrations. Plus, find out how building community leads to satisfied families who advocate for your school!