As education marketers plan for 2026 amid tighter budgets and higher scrutiny, this episode explores the signals shaping the year ahead, the growing importance of efficacy, and how to think clearly about where limited marketing dollars and energy should be invested.

Kate Busby shares a practical perspective on how EdTech teams can separate early excitement from real readiness. Together, we explore what validation looks like in practice and why it matters before going to market.

December in K-12 is two weeks of chaos wrapped in out-of-office replies. Elana breaks down what December really looks like for teachers and decision makers, how to show up with human first marketing, and why your smartest plays now are relationship building, evergreen content, and getting January ready before you log off.

Fractional marketing leader Allison Maudlin breaks down what education companies get wrong about lead generation, landing pages, and RFP strategy. This episode offers a clear path to quick wins, smarter systems, and more effective decision making in lean times.

November is short, loud, and full of opportunity. In this solo episode, Elana Leoni breaks down how to show real gratitude to educators, stay visible in a noisy month, and adapt your social strategy across Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook. She also shares two quick mindset shifts from LinkedIn leaders that will help you rethink connection and focus before the year ends.

Email strategist Liz Wilcox shares how education brands can simplify their email strategy, build real trust through consistency, and stop overcomplicating the one channel they truly own.

October is the only full month left before holidays and year-end chaos. In this special solo episode, Elana shares why it’s a pivotal time for educators, districts, and EdTech partners. From adoption and customer success to budgets, list-building, and conferences, she offers practical strategies you can act on now.

BetterLesson’s Matt Kennard unpacks why K–12 must move beyond features and usage stats to focus on resilient systems and measurable outcomes.

Email strategist Kelly Cline shares actionable tips for EdTech brands to build trust, grow their lists, and write emails educators actually want to open.

From what’s working in content marketing to the influence teachers actually have in purchasing decisions, Melissa Heyeck breaks down where most marketers go wrong, and how to shift toward a more data-informed, audience-centered approach.