In this jam-packed episode, Andrea sits down with Laurie Ehrlich and Miriam Stein, co-founders of ThriveHive, to talk about the real-world challenges—and solutions—schools face with enrollment, marketing, and social media strategy. From building healthy teams to crafting intentional messaging, this episode is full of practical insights for any school ready to level up.

4 Key Takeaways for Listeners:

1. What simple shift could instantly bring more clarity and purpose to your school’s social media posts?
   
   
   
2. How often should your marketing and enrollment teams actually meet—and why does it matter?
   
   
   
3. What behind-the-scenes systems can help you turn more inquiries into enrollments (without adding more stress)?
   
   
   
4. Why fixing your team dynamics might be the unexpected key to filling your classrooms.

SPECIAL GUESTS

Laurie Ehrlich

Co-Founder + Marketing Strategist

Thrive Hive, Maryland

Miriam Stein

Co-Founder + Enrollment Strategist

Thrive Hive, Maryland

Email: hello@thrivehive.group

Website: https://www.thrivehive.group/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thrivehivegroup/

USEFUL INFORMATION

• 🎥 Want to see the magic in action? Check out this powerful video mentioned in today’s K12PRtip where students take the mic and share from the heart—no script needed, just real stories captured with a simple setup!
• Order your copy of my book Social Media for Schools: Proven Storytelling Strategies & Ideas to Celebrate Your Students & Staff - While Keeping Your Sanity now!
• Interested in our membership program? Learn more here: https://socialschool4edu.com/

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Free Video Training: Learn the simple secrets behind social media for K12 schools!

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www.SocialSchool4EDU.com

1. Max Smith, Digital Marketing Manager at Region 10 ESC, shares how he’s using social media to amplify school stories and connect with the community.
2. Ready to level up your social media game? Hear how Max launched the Get Social Summit and why it’s a must-attend for school communicators.
3. Max’s go-to advice: Stop ignoring comments! Learn how engaging with your audience can transform your social media presence.
4. Do you have a social media idea that’s working wonders? Max shares how other agencies can create impactful training events that bring school pros together.

SPECIAL GUEST

Max Smith

Digital Marketing Manager

Region 10 ESC, Texas

Email: max.smith@region10.org

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sterling-max-smith/

X: @SterlingMaxS

Website: https://www.region10.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Region10ESC

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/region10esc/

X: https://x.com/Region10ESC

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/region-10-esc/

USEFUL INFORMATION

• You’re invited to the Get Social Summit! Find all information on registration, presentation proposals and more here: https://www.region10.org/o/r10esc/page/get-social-summit
• Order your copy of my book Social Media for Schools: Proven Storytelling Strategies & Ideas to Celebrate Your Students & Staff - While Keeping Your Sanity now!
• Interested in our membership program? Learn more here: https://socialschool4edu.com/

MORE RESOURCES

Free Video Training: Learn the simple secrets behind social media for K12 schools!

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www.SocialSchool4EDU.com

1. Superintendent Dr. Jason Hewitt and communications pro Erin Goad open up about how Shepherd ISD rebuilt community trust using social media.

1. Think you can't afford a communications director? Hear how Erin’s unique path from librarian to storyteller is helping transform culture in their small Texas district of 1900 students.
   
   
   
2. Wondering how to celebrate teachers and grow your own staff? Don’t miss Shepherd’s jaw-dropping surprise patrol and Inspire program—it’s changing lives.
   
   
   
3. Shepherd ISD made a bold move: turning off Facebook comments. Find out why—and how it actually boosted engagement and community respect.

SPECIAL GUESTS

Dr. Jason Hewitt

Superintendent

Shepherd ISD, Texas

Email: jhewitt@shepherdisd.net

Erin Goad

Director of Communications and Library Services

Shepherd ISD, Texas

Email: egoad@shepherdisd.net

Website: https://www.shepherdisd.net

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShepherdISD/

USEFUL INFORMATION

• Learn more about the TIA - Teacher Incentive Allotment Awards - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIw3NvPKw0g
• Planning to attend NSPRA? Don’t miss our 4-hour workshop with #SocialSchool4EDU on Sunday, July 20! Get hands-on strategies to level up your school’s social media game. Sign up here 👉 https://forms.gle/jy61GdRnrTmuCYsMA
• Order your copy of my book Social Media for Schools: Proven Storytelling Strategies & Ideas to Celebrate Your Students & Staff - While Keeping Your Sanity now!
• Interested in our membership program? Learn more here: https://socialschool4edu.com/

MORE RESOURCES

Free Video Training: Learn the simple secrets behind social media for K12 schools!

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www.SocialSchool4EDU.com

1. Hear how AndreAnna Tate took a big idea—student influencers—and turned it into a game-changing program at Irving ISD.
   
   
   
2. Want to reach families and community members without children in your schools? AndreAnna’s strategy using Nextdoor might be your next big move.
   
   
   
3. From planning events to writing scripts, learn how these students do way more than just create social posts.
   
   
   
4. Curious how she got over 80 students to apply—and grew that number by 51% in year two? You’ll grab the secret sauce.

SPECIAL GUEST

AndreAnna Tate

Digital Media and Marketing Coordinator

Irving ISD, Texas

Email: andreanna.tate@gmail.com

LinkedIn: https://www.LinkedIn.com/in/andreannatate

Website: https://www.IrvingISD.net

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IrvingSchools/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irvingisd/

X: https://x.com/IrvingISD

Nextdoor: https://nextdoor.com/pages/irving-isd

USEFUL INFORMATION

• AndreAnna’s Examples:
  • 🔗 Racquel's reel
  • 🔗 Peter's Yale vlog
  • 🔗 2023-2024 MacArthur HS Influencer Reel
  • 🔗 Student Influencer website
• Order your copy of my book Social Media for Schools: Proven Storytelling Strategies & Ideas to Celebrate Your Students & Staff - While Keeping Your Sanity now!
• Interested in our membership program? Learn more here: https://socialschool4edu.com/

MORE RESOURCES

Free Video Training: Learn the simple secrets behind social media for K12 schools!

Sign up for our free e-newsletter - click here

www.SocialSchool4EDU.com

4 Key Takeaways:

1. Foundations of Higher Performance
   Learn about Mark’s life-changing “Higher Performance Generation” system—built on mindset, relationships, and self-mastery—and how it helps students and educators elevate performance and well-being.
   
   
   
2. The Story That Sparked It All
   Hear the powerful, emotional story of a student whose life was saved through connection and care—and how it inspired Mark to reverse-engineer a system to help others before they hit rock bottom.
   
   
   
3. Simple Tools with Big Impact
   Discover why language matters, how to move from a negative to a positive mindset, and why taking ownership (instead of making excuses) can completely shift school and personal culture.
   
   
   
4. Practical Strategies for Stress & Connection
   Explore real-world tools to get out of survival mode, reduce stress, and strengthen relationships—perfect for school leaders, teachers, communicators, and students alike.
   
   
   

SPECIAL GUEST

Mark D. Oman

Higher Performance Coach and Speaker

Amery, Wisconsin

Email: markoman4250@gmail.com

Website: https://omanperformancecoaching.com

Connect with Mark on Facebook

USEFUL INFORMATION

• Order your copy of my book Social Media for Schools: Proven Storytelling Strategies & Ideas to Celebrate Your Students & Staff - While Keeping Your Sanity now!
• Interested in our membership program? Learn more here: https://socialschool4edu.com/

MORE RESOURCES

Free Video Training: Learn the simple secrets behind social media for K12 schools!

Sign up for our free e-newsletter - click here

www.SocialSchool4EDU.com

4 Key Takeaways for Listeners:

1. Batch It & Relax – Plan ahead with repeatable features like Throwback Thursdays, Question of the Week, and staff shoutouts to keep your feed active without burning out.
   
   
   
2. Engage Through Challenges – Try summer reading challenges or school spirit days to spark interaction and user-generated content.
   
   
   
3. Show the Humans Behind the Scenes – Custodial staff, food service workers, and bus drivers are summer MVPs—celebrate their behind-the-scenes work!
   
   
   
4. Admire & Acquire – Don’t reinvent the wheel. Follow schools doing it well and adapt great ideas to fit your district’s vibe.

Email: andrea@socialschool4edu.com

Follow Andrea on X: @andreagribble

Website: https://www.socialschool4edu.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/socialschool4edu

SPECIAL GUEST

Melissa Marti

Director of Membership

#SocialSchool4EDU

Email: thecrew.ss4edu@gmail.com

Facebook pages that Melissa manages: Hibbing Schools in Minnesota and Pittsville School District in Wisconsin

USEFUL INFORMATION

• Interested in our membership program? Learn more here: https://socialschool4edu.com/
• New PDF resource: 25 Social Media Post Ideas for Summer
• Love checklists? Don’t forget about our 100 ideas list and 50 more!
• Check out this cool “Roast” trend used by Texarkana.
• Order your copy of my book Social Media for Schools: Proven Storytelling Strategies & Ideas to Celebrate Your Students & Staff - While Keeping Your Sanity now!

MORE RESOURCES

Free Video Training: Learn the simple secrets behind social media for K12 schools!

Sign up for our free e-newsletter - click here

www.SocialSchool4EDU.com

What happens when you empower school staff with the tools and confidence to tell their own stories? 💥 You get a district-wide transformation.

In this episode, you'll hear how Marshalltown’s Social Media Ambassador program, led by Abby Koch and supported by Andrea Gribble, turned friendly competition into meaningful engagement.

• Learn why your videos don’t have to be perfect to make an impact
• Find out how social media boosted staff morale, student excitement, and even helped with recruitment
• Discover easy tools and creative tips from the front lines

This episode is one you’ll want to share with your team!

SPECIAL GUESTS

Abby Koch

Director of Communications

Marshalltown Community School District, Iowa

Email: akoch@marshalltown.k12.ia.us

X: @MkayAbby

LinkedIn: @AbbyLKoch

Sugey Alvarez

School Resource Specialist

Marshalltown Community School District, Iowa

Tanya Kenner

Administrative Assistant

Marshalltown Community School District, Iowa

Website: https://www.marshalltown.k12.ia.us/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Marshalltown.Schools

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcsdbobcats/

Rogers Elementary Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rogerselem

USEFUL INFORMATION

• Join our Summer Book Club starting Tuesday, June 10th! Sign up here.
• Reel Examples:
  • Introducing the new school principal
  • Buddy the Elf Dance
  • Staff dance into spring break
• Order your copy of my book Social Media for Schools: Proven Storytelling Strategies & Ideas to Celebrate Your Students & Staff - While Keeping Your Sanity now!
• Interested in our membership program? Learn more here: https://socialschool4edu.com/

MORE RESOURCES

Free Video Training: Learn the simple secrets behind social media for K12 schools!

Sign up for our free e-newsletter - click here

www.SocialSchool4EDU.com

Amanda Materre from Alief ISD is on a mission—and it involves storytelling, strategy, and a whole lot of heart. In this episode, Amanda breaks down how she’s using AI tools to streamline communication, empower educators, and show up more authentically online. Whether you’re short on time or struggling to collect great content, Amanda’s approach will leave you feeling inspired and ready to work smarter—not harder.

4 Big Takeaways:

1. Use AI to Work Smarter, Not Harder – Amanda’s AI-powered workflow helps turn one story into multiple platform-ready posts (think: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, newsletters). Her secret? Smart prompts, time-saving tools, and intentional planning.
   
   
   
2. Build Real Relationships, Not Just Systems – She proves that collecting great content starts with trust. When staff know you care—and follow through—they’ll share their stories.
   
   
   
3. Done is Better Than Perfect – Vulnerability isn’t a weakness; it’s a superpower. Amanda encourages us to let go of perfection and embrace authentic storytelling.
   
   
   
4. Leverage LinkedIn Like a Pro – Her “HOPE” acronym offers a clear strategy for boosting your presence on LinkedIn and owning your professional story—no title change required.
   
   
   

✨ Bonus: Amanda’s AI Resource Board is linked in the show notes!

SPECIAL GUEST

Amanda Materre

Manager of Digital & Web Services

Alief ISD, Texas

Email: acmaterr@ga.aliefisd.net

Personal X: @amandamaterre

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandamaterre/

Website: https://www.aliefisd.net

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AliefISD/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alief_proud/

X: @aliefisd

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aliefisd/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AliefIndependentSchoolDistrict

USEFUL INFORMATION

• “Social Media for Schools” Summer 2025 Book Club - register for this free webinar series here!
• Bonus AI Tool sheet from Amanda
• Order your copy of my book Social Media for Schools: Proven Storytelling Strategies & Ideas to Celebrate Your Students & Staff - While Keeping Your Sanity now!
• Interested in our membership program? Learn more here: https://socialschool4edu.com/

MORE RESOURCES

Free Video Training: Learn the simple secrets behind social media for K12 schools!

Sign up for our free e-newsletter - click here