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Maximizing Media Relations

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Seeing is believing.

  • Thomas Fuller

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Agenda

(HOW)

  • Demystify teachers in media
  • Explore media outreach how-to (and how-not-to) strategies
  • Practice a tight media pitch

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Together, we’ll:

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Objectives

(WHAT)

Teachers will :

  • Explore the role(s) of teachers in today’s media environment.

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  • Develop media outreach strategies informed by best practices from Education PR Experts.

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“If a tree falls…”

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Demystifying Teachers in Media

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Demystifying Teachers in Media

  • What common elements did the two clips highlight?

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  • What outreach strategies do you predict the two featured teachers used?

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The expanding definition of “media”

TV

Newspapers

Online

News

Social Media

Email LISTSERVs

Podcasts

Radio

Blogs

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Magazines

School & District Bulletins

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Pitch It: Newsworthy Events

The Setup:

Now What?

  • (Timely!) You’ve planned an amazing series of lessons for April’s FinLit Month festivities OR
  • You have a financial capability themed event for which you’d like some media coverage (parent FAFSA workshop, career expo, etc.)
  • To whom do you reach out?
  • Brief, transparent subject line that reveals the purpose of your message (no “clickbait”)
  • 2 intro sentences, 3 bullet points, 1 question / call to action.

bit.ly/mediapitch19

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  • Brief, transparent subject line
  • 2 intro sentences
  • 3 bullet points
  • 1 question / call to action

bit.ly/mediapitch19

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  • Feedback:

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    • 1 glow
    • 1 grow

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Final thoughts

  • Relationships are often more influential than content.

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  • The “right person” to contact may be someone in your school system who manages press outreach (esp. in larger districts).

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  • Lean on other teachers’ expertise!

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  • Students can be great advocates online!