5 Blog Post Types for K-12 Schools

Fresh content can do wonders for your website for several reasons. First, we know that Google favors sites that regularly publish quality content. Second, when it comes time to send out a tweet, Facebook update, or email newsletter, you’ll have a rich source of ownable content at the ready.

But what exactly is a school supposed to write about on a regular basis? You can always jump in with a blank page — but as we see it, narrowing posts down to specific categories helps to tackle that daunting “what should I write about?” question.

This handy list of post types will help you and your faculty stop wondering what to write about, and start writing.

1. Research Summaries

Comb industry publications and mainstream media for recent peer-reviewed research that relates to your educational approach. Write a reader-friendly summary, then tie the piece back to school life by pulling in quotes, connections, and relevant anecdotes from faculty.

Sample Topics:

• Studies Show that Peer-Led Learning Works in STEM Classes (summary and response to this Education Week article)
• Do the Benefits of Preschool Really Wear Off? (summary and response to this New York Times article and referenced study)

2. Parent FAQs

Ask your faculty to provide a short list of the questions they hear from parents over and over again. Maybe it’s about how best to help their child with homework, or selecting the right books. With question selected, track down the right faculty member to answer the question and have them write a few paragraphs in response.

Sample Topics:

• Setting Up a Productive Space for Homework
• How to Select Books that Celebrate Diversity
• Why Does My Child Hate Math?

3. Meet the Faculty

Providing a closer look at your team can help your school recruit new staff and entice prospective families. After all, it’s only human to want to know a bit about the people you could be working with or sending your kids to learn from every day. To kick off your “Getting to Know Our Faculty” series, select one faculty member at a time. Sit down with your interviewee and ask a few questions, such as:

• What’s your favorite thing about your job?
• Tell me about a lesson you’re teaching right now.
• What’s unique about your classroom?

Transcribe your interview, pick out the best pieces, and publish it in Q&A format, along with a photo of your interviewee in action.

4. Classroom Highlights

What are the unique activities going on in your classrooms at any given moment? Whether robotics, conversations on current events, or a new approach to math, take a moment to document the intricacies of learning at your school. Check in with individual teachers and ask them to either write the post or provide the details and quotes you need to cover the topic.

Sample Topics:

• First Grade Meteorologists
• Structural Engineering in the Second Grade
• Exploring Robotics in Ms. Smith’s Class

5. Alumni Interviews

Many parents are concerned with knowing that their child will grow up to be successful, whether in secondary school or beyond. Show evidence of your school’s efficacy by publishing conversations with recent or not-so recent alumni. Tap into your alumni network, looking for former students of different ages, locations, and occupations. Depending on your interviewee’s preferences, run the interview over the phone or via email. Ask questions such as:

• What are you up to now?
• What was your experience like at [school name]?
• Are there any memories from your time at [school name] that stick out?

 

Use these post types to set up your editorial calendar, write, and finally publish fresh, quality content on your school’s site.