The way we process information in a crisis – like, you know, an ongoing pandemic and wartime – is different. Right now, our attention spans are shorter, and we’re more forgetful, too.
This means that to best serve our audiences, we need to focus on delivering information as clearly as possible.
The key to this clarity? Breaking it up!
Read MoreI recently chatted with a central office staff member who was headed to one of her district’s elementary schools…to teach for the day. She shared that in the past year, everyone from the superintendent to school nutrition workers have filled in in the classroom.
As the national teacher shortage rages on, more and more districts are struggling to hire talented team members. As a matter of fact, a recent Gallup poll showed that 61 percent of superintendents strongly agree that recruiting talented teachers is a major challenge.
That’s why today, we’re sharing tips to help your district market your open positions so you can hire the right teachers for your district.
Read MoreBy showing your community how you’re spending the federal funds and how you’re helping students learn during uncertain times, you can build trust and important relationships in your district. Here are four easy ideas.
Read MoreThrough her work with district Public Information Officers throughout the pandemic, Forthright senior advisor Lauren knows the challenges districts are facing. Today, she’s sharing a few key tips for how to reach parents amidst the chaos, with the end goal of increasing your enrollment numbers.
Read MoreWe, as the smart, amazing people who work on behalf of families and children, are no longer going to spend our precious time on projects that don’t have a proven return on that time investment.
Instead, we’re going to ruthlessly prioritize, and that begins by deciding what we’re going to say no to.
To make saying no as easy as possible, the Forthright team created a new quiz tool to help nonprofit professionals like you figure out what to take off their list.
Read MoreWhen we were thinking about what school leaders like you could use for the holidays, the first thing that came to mind was a big belly laugh.
You’ve endured a doozy during the past two years, and beyond napping, endless hot chocolate and a break from scrolling Twitter, we figured you could use a little bit of lolz.
And what’s sillier than ugly holiday sweaters?
Read MoreThe massive influx of federal funds meant to help schools recover from COVID-19’s effects—known as ESSER funding—is a lifeline for districts. But, as any seasoned public employee knows…there’s no such thing as free money. The ESSER III funds come with a few strings attached.
Read MoreNow more than ever, it’s time to invest in our principals, our assistant principals, our front desk staff and everyone in a school who communicates with parents. Our school-based communicators deserve thoughtful leadership from our district offices, clear expectations about communications and the tools they need to do a good job.
Read MoreIn many communications initiatives, you just KNOW your target audience is going to find fault with your campaign. They are going to have questions, concerns or downright oppose your work.
Once you explain your vision, they’ll say “what I’m worried about is...” and launch into why they don’t support you. What comes after the “what I’m worried about...” is the concern—in other words, the challenge you need to overcome to gain your opposition’s support.
Read MoreAmericans are quitting their jobs at a record rate. Korn Ferry calls it an “unprecedented string of walkouts”. News headlines nicknamed it “the great resignation.” However you describe it, the employee turnover in every industry, including ours, is so real right now.
Read MoreAs the seasons change, we’re all craving a bit of new. Here are a few things to think about as you hit refresh on your social media marketing plan for the rest of the year.
Read MoreAs communicators, our job is to get really great at both push and pull communications, because our audiences need and deserve both.
Read MoreWe asked a few members of our team what they imagine when they hear the phrase “hold your horses.” The results were nothing short of hysterical.
Here’s a brief 101 on Communications Audits to get you started…
Read MoreOne of the things I’ve missed most in the past year is meeting with partners, clients, and fellow school communicators in person. As I look at the conference lineup—from sessions about bond campaigns to equity in leadership—I’m filled with excitement to learn from one another as we work together to serve students.
Read MorePlummeting public school enrollment numbers are keeping educators up at night nationwide. That’s why Forthright Senior Advisor Ashley Peterson-DeLuca is sharing strategies for how to build strong relationships with families all year-round.
Read MoreIf you’ve ever been a Forthright client, you’ve probably heard us say this a million times: “You don’t talk TO the media, you talk THROUGH the media!” While we value journalists for all they do, a simple conversation with an individual reporter rarely accomplishes an organization's end goal. That’s why we’re sharing our favorite rule for successful media relations!
Read MoreThe good news is, tracking engagement (and building measurable goals) doesn’t have to be hard. That’s why today, we’re sharing our tips for the two key metrics you should always track on social media.
Read MoreWe share actionable tips and tricks for how to build trust with families and with school staff, talk about the long-term need for meaningful community engagement, and reflect on what the future holds.
As we approach graduation season, I know many of you are planning speeches, from drafting your own to ghostwriting for your district’s leadership. We’re sharing a few tips to help you along the way!
Read More
