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  • 120. Running a School in the Crisis Era: Messaging, Mission, and Survival in the Fourth Turning with Jesse Meadow

    120. Running a School in the Crisis Era: Messaging, Mission, and Survival in the Fourth Turning with Jesse Meadow
    2025/11/05
    In this episode, we’re joined by Jesse Meadow, co-founder and Managing Director of Schoolcraft Digital, where he helps independent schools across the country plan and implement marketing strategies that truly connect with today’s parents. Jesse shares how the idea of The Fourth Turning can help school leaders understand the times we’re in and lead with purpose. We explore what it means to run a school during a crisis era, how to communicate with clarity when everything feels uncertain, and how to ground your marketing in mission and trust. Key Takeaways from This Episode How the Fourth Turning explains the era of crisis schools are facing today Why clarity over complexity is the principle every school should prioritize Ways to stay mission-focused and build community trust in uncertain times How data and calm leadership can help schools navigate ongoing change
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    45 分
  • 119. Episcopal Schools Today: Leadership, Challenges, and Opportunities in Independent and Faith-Based Education with David Madison

    119. Episcopal Schools Today: Leadership, Challenges, and Opportunities in Independent and Faith-Based Education with David Madison
    2025/10/22
    In this episode, we sit down with David Madison, Executive Director of the National Association of Episcopal Schools (NAES). David shares how Episcopal schools define their identity and communicate their mission in ways that serve both their faith-based roots and their wider communities. He offers insights that every independent school leader can apply when clarifying values, strengthening culture, and building trust with families. Key Takeaways from This Episode The four pillars of Episcopal identity and how they shape school culture and leadership Why clarity and transparency are essential in admissions and marketing communications Common challenges facing independent and faith-based schools today How strong leaders use mission to guide hiring, retention, and community building Practical ways to differentiate your school and articulate what makes it unique How to balance faith traditions with inclusivity and belonging
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    37 分
  • 118. Upholding Your School’s Mission Through Inclusive Communication with Jan Abernathy

    118. Upholding Your School’s Mission Through Inclusive Communication with Jan Abernathy
    2025/10/08
    As school communicators, we know how complex it can be to navigate today’s conversations around diversity, equity, and inclusion. In this episode, we sit down with Jan Abernathy, Chief Communications Officer at The Browning School and principal at Jan Abernathy Strategic Communications, to explore how schools can stay grounded in their mission while addressing sensitive topics in ways that truly build community. Jan shares why language matters, how schools can balance different stakeholder perspectives, and why it’s crucial to not only “talk the talk” but also “walk the walk.” We dig into practical strategies for creating inclusive messaging that supports both students and families, and we also touch on how AI tools can help schools strengthen communications with greater awareness and clarity. In This Episode, We Cover: How today’s political climate is influencing DEI conversations in schools Why grounding communication in your school’s mission builds consensus Practical examples of inclusive communication that benefit all families Ways to address differing stakeholder perspectives without losing credibility The role of listening and market research in understanding parent language How AI can be used to test and refine school communications
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    36 分
  • 117. The Microschool Movement: Growth, Impact, and What’s Next with Whitney Retzer

    117. The Microschool Movement: Growth, Impact, and What’s Next with Whitney Retzer
    2025/09/24
    The microschool movement is gaining momentum worldwide, reshaping how families and educators think about learning. In this episode, we sit down with Whitney Retzer of the Microschools Network to explore how these intentionally small learning environments are redefining education. From pandemic-driven shifts to global innovation, Whitney shares what’s fueling their rapid growth and why so many families are drawn to them. You’ll hear how microschools create community, flexibility, and a sense of belonging that traditional models often lack. Whitney also discusses how independent schools can collaborate with microschools, the challenges of visibility and marketing, and where this educational movement is headed next. In This Episode What defines a microschool and how it differs from traditional and independent schools Why families are increasingly choosing microschools for their children The pandemic’s role in accelerating growth in alternative learning models How microschools are thriving globally, from digital nomad hubs to refugee camps Marketing and visibility challenges microschools face (and how they overcome them) Ways independent and private schools can collaborate with microschools
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    34 分
  • 116. Intentional Enrollment and Inclusivity with Dr. Tiffany Bridgewater

    116. Intentional Enrollment and Inclusivity with Dr. Tiffany Bridgewater
    2025/09/10
    Enrollment growth and student diversity do not happen by chance. They require clear messaging, intentional strategy, and authentic community engagement. In this episode, we talk with Dr. Tiffany Bridgewater about the practices that helped her school increase enrollment and boost student diversity, and how you can apply the same principles in your own community. Tiffany shares what worked in her decade at Louisville Collegiate School and now as a consultant guiding schools nationwide. From involving faculty in admissions to tailoring tours to family needs, she emphasizes relationship building as the key to long-term success. Episode Highlights Branding strategies that helped a lower school grow enrollment Practical ways to involve faculty in the admissions process Using data to personalize tours and family conversations Moving from transactional admissions to relationship-driven community building Retaining students of color and supporting belonging Red flags schools should avoid when presenting themselves to families How mindfulness informs Tiffany’s leadership and coaching
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    35 分
  • 115. Turning Conflict Into Collaboration: Practical Tools for School Leaders with Bridget Johnson

    115. Turning Conflict Into Collaboration: Practical Tools for School Leaders with Bridget Johnson
    2025/08/27
    Conflict is an everyday reality in schools, whether it’s navigating project delays, managing stretched teams, or finding common ground across departments. In this episode of Mindful School Marketing, we’re joined by Bridget Johnson, founder of the Dean’s Round Table and Bridget Johnson Coaching and Consulting. Bridget specializes in professional development for student life professionals, and she shares actionable tools that help leaders manage conflict with clarity, empathy, and intention. From proactive communication strategies to building relationships before conflicts arise, Bridget highlights practical steps any school leader can take to create healthier, more collaborative working environments. If you’ve ever felt stuck waiting on decisions, caught between competing priorities, or pulled into emotionally charged situations, you’ll find this conversation full of strategies you can put into practice right away. In This Episode: How to set clear timelines and create respectful follow-up systems Using active listening and shared interests to solve interdepartmental conflicts Practical ways to stay calm and fact-based when emotions run high Why building relationships before conflict is key to resolving challenges Establishing clear expectations and professional conduct standards across teams How mindfulness can help leaders pause, reframe, and respond with intention
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    30 分
  • 114: Rethinking Fundraising: Smarter Strategist for School Advancement with Barbara Barron

    114: Rethinking Fundraising: Smarter Strategist for School Advancement with Barbara Barron
    2025/08/13
    In this episode of Mindful School Marketing, we sit down with Barbara Barron, a seasoned consultant in independent school advancement, to challenge outdated fundraising tactics and explore more effective ways to engage school communities. From reimagining galas to building mission-driven collaboration between marketing and development, Barbara shares fresh, realistic insights for today's school landscape. We also discuss why alumni giving is often misunderstood, how over-asking impacts donor fatigue, and why thoughtful timing and communication matter more than ever. Barbara’s approach is both strategic and compassionate, offering a path forward that respects the time, energy, and values of families and school staff alike. In This Episode, You’ll Hear: Why marketing and development teams should collaborate closely A smarter alternative to galas and auctions (and why the ROI matters) What schools often get wrong about alumni fundraising How to reduce “ask fatigue” and sequence requests more effectively Tips for breaking through inbox noise with authentic communication How mindfulness and presence can transform fundraising conversations
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    39 分
  • 113: Unpacking the Latest Enrollment Trends in Independent Schools with Christina Dotchin of EMA

    113: Unpacking the Latest Enrollment Trends in Independent Schools with Christina Dotchin of EMA
    2025/07/30
    In this episode of Mindful School Marketing, we’re joined by Christina Dotchin, Vice President of Member Relations at the Enrollment Management Association (EMA). Christina shares a behind-the-scenes look at EMA’s pivotal role in supporting over 1,200 independent schools and 20,000 members through research, enrollment tools, and professional development. We dive into the latest enrollment trends emerging from EMA’s recent reports, including the State of the Independent School Enrollment Industry, Ride to Independent Schools, and their newest study on Family Perceptions of Value and Affordability. Christina reveals what families really care about when choosing a school, and the data might surprise you. From rising waitlists to the continued importance of college outcomes, this episode will help school leaders and marketing teams understand what’s shifting and how to respond. In This Episode: What EMA’s recent merger with ERB means for schools Key takeaways from three major enrollment reports What families say they value most and what they won’t compromise on How to use data to make strategic decisions instead of relying on gut feelings Rethinking the ROI of open houses The surprising factor that still drives high school enrollment decisions Why being mindful and present matters in enrollment conversations Mentioned in the episode: https://www.enrollment.org/professional-development/enrollment-management-spectrum
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    1分未満