This presentation will go over three important concepts that will help our schools engage with the media: Best Strategies for Contacting Newsrooms; What Makes for a Strong Story Pitch; and Interview Protocols Every School Should Know About. By educating the audience about why press coverage is an essential part of promoting their school, attendees will return the following academic year equipped with the knowledge to attract media outlets’ interest in their stories.
Other elements of the presentation include:
Why Media Coverage Matters
How To Identify Relevant Media Outlets
How Current State Of Media Landscape Will Impact Your School
James is Concept Schools' copywriter/editor and has been with the organization since 2024. Before arriving at Concept, James was a sports journalist who covered the WNBA and MLB for media outlets like the Chicago Tribune, Associated Press, Marquee Sports Network, and others.
This session, led by Mr. Zen from HSA Columbus High School, provides a detailed roadmap for schools aiming to achieve STEM designation. It outlines the pre-application process, including site visits to STEM schools, reading relevant literature, and initiating discussions with the administration to align STEM with the school culture. A strong emphasis is placed on PBLWorks training for both administrators and teachers to build foundational knowledge in project-based learning. The session also covers strategic planning elements such as assigning a STEM coordinator, adjusting schedules to allow for collaboration, and establishing incentives for teacher engagement. Communication strategies like staff meetings and parent letters are highlighted to ensure community support. Finally, the presentation reflects on the school’s journey through Cognia accreditation (2020) and obtaining ODE STEM Designation (2021), sharing insights into challenges faced and the importance of maintaining consistency and flexibility during the transition.
Ugur Zengince is an experienced school leader with a strong background in STEM education, Career Technical Education, and charter school development. As Principal of Horizon Science Academy Columbus High School, he has led initiatives that earned the school a STEM designation and... Read More →
