Raise your hand if you didn’t plan to work in education, but you’re here anyway. Raise your hand if you’ve ever said, “This will be a quick update,” and it turned into a multi-channel communication plan. And raise your hand if your job description did NOT include wearing at least five hats and being on call 24/7.

If your arm feels a bit tired, you’re not alone, and that’s where PenSPRA really shines. Working in school communications means that your colleagues might not understand the key strategic role you play in the district’s initiatives, crises, and public perception. How many times has someone said, “Just put it up on social media,” when more targeted messaging is needed, or “That’s an easy fix, right,” when their task requires a more layered, time-consuming approach? It can feel isolating, like no one truly understands, but the folks at PenSPRA hear you. PenSPRA sees you, and PenSPRA wants to celebrate you because working in school communications isn’t an easy feat.

When I joined PenSPRA four years ago, I was a young communications professional who was two years into a career at a K–12 charter school. I was learning to advocate for myself, and the resources provided by PenSPRA guided me to expand my department and helped me position my role as a strategic arm of the organization that was vital to the decision-making process, and not just there to disseminate information. It took time, but eventually, my one-stop shop turned into a department of two that went on to positively impact procedures and reframe the value of school communications within our district. PenSPRA was there for me through it all.

Today, I am back to a one-stop communications shop at the Franklin Regional School District, and as I adjust to this new but old reality, PenSPRA is still here for me. PenSPRA connects us to a network of diverse experts, various educational models, and a community of like-minded individuals trying to support student success. In a role that thrives through strong relationship building, make sure that PenSPRA is at the top of your list.

Stepping into the member at large position on PenSPRA’s board, I look forward to giving back to an organization that has always been in my corner, and I’m excited to continue to build relationships with you.