Volume 47
This time of year always feels like a turning point. September marks the beginning of a big heads-down stretch before holidays and breaks shift the rhythm. For educators, that means being all-in with their students. For those of us supporting them, it means doing whatever we can to help. Listening. Learning. Finding ways to support while respecting their time.
I came across a Facebook post in a teacher group that stopped me mid-scroll. It said: If we want teachers to try new things, they need the time to do it, the resources and support to do it, and the freedom to fail. Simple words, but so true. It reminds us that our role in EdTech and education is not just about tools or timelines. It is about giving educators the space and support they need to thrive.
This season can feel like being pulled in ten million different directions. Educators are focused on their classrooms. EdTech and education organizations are working hard to support them, while also attempting to reach their goals for the year. At the same time, many schools are finalizing budgets, identifying their future needs, and exploring products and services for the 2025-2026 school year. It is a lot to hold at once, and it can feel full, but it's also an opportunity to focus on what matters most.
In moments like these, it is tempting to look for shortcuts. To rely on AI to move faster. To try to make everything efficient. But not everything that matters can be efficient. Relationships take time. Listening takes time. Creativity takes time. And sometimes the best work comes from letting things get a little messy. That is how trust is built. That is how authentic connections form.
So here is my encouragement: show up for educators in ways that help, not add noise. Respect their time. Support them in the work they care most about. And when you engage with schools and districts, focus less on volume and more on real partnership. The traction you build in this stretch not only shapes how you close out 2025, it also informs the budgets and strategies you will carry into 2026.
Even in this rush, I find hope and joy in this work. Scrolling through posts and pictures of educators, I see their faces light up in classrooms. I hear the pride when they talk about how many years they have been teaching. I read their reflections filled with gratitude. I smile at the stories of a teacher bestie showing up or an administrator doing what they can to support. These moments remind me why we do this and why it matters.
Until next time,
Your September Content Blueprint
September is a pivotal month for showing up with intention. Educators are building routines, and your content can either add stress or offer real support. Reply back to this email and we'll send you our free 2025 EdTech Planner to tap into timely calendar moments, from International Literacy Day to Hispanic Heritage Month, and keep your audience engaged all year long.
Just launched
Why Marketing in Education Isn’t Like Marketing Anywhere Else (podcast)
Why EdTech Companies Should Invest in LinkedIn (blog post)
Stop Sending Generic Emails: Email Marketing for the K–12 Buying Cycle (podcast)
[Popular] Using Storytelling to Make Your Education Marketing More Meaningful and Effective (podcast)
[Trending] What It Takes to Build District Relationships that Last (podcast)
[Sneak peek] An upcoming guest is about to share some refreshingly honest insights on email marketing, and I can’t wait for you to hear it.
EdTech Good News
“Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married 🧨.”
With just ten words and one emoji, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement announcement took over social media, but it also quietly elevated one of the most trusted professions. By framing themselves as teachers, Swift tapped into something familiar, respected, and real. It was more then just cute, it was a nod, intentional or not, to the everyday impact of educators and the roles they play in shaping the future.
Marketing & Education Must Reads
Marketing
CMX on Community Trends: Community roles are growing, but so are expectations. The report shows leaders are being asked to drive everything from engagement to revenue with limited support.
NP Digital on Marketing Trends: Brands are pulling back on paid and doubling down on organic. The August roundup shows a shift toward SEO, content, and community as ad costs rise.
Content Marketing Institute on Strategy Shifts: Content marketing is outpacing inbound. The focus now is on building brand and trust over time, not just capturing clicks in the moment.
Sprout Social on 2025 Social Impact: Social media isn’t just a brand awareness tool. New data shows it’s influencing purchasing decisions, customer loyalty, and long-term brand perception.
Education
Learning Policy Institute on Teacher Shortages: The numbers are still going in the wrong direction. Staffing gaps are growing widest in special education, STEM, and bilingual teaching, and hitting high-need districts hardest.
Edutopia on Purpose-Driven Projects: Teens engage more deeply when learning feels meaningful. Purpose-driven projects tap into motivation, curiosity, and a sense of real-world relevance.
U.S. News on College and AI: Students aren’t just choosing majors, they’re weighing the value of college itself. As AI reshapes the workforce, degrees from elite schools may not carry the same weight they used to.
Practical Theory on Supporting New Teachers: Survival shouldn't be the goal. New teachers thrive when they get time, mentorship, and a school culture that values growth over perfection.
Whiteboard Advisors on FY26 Budgets: State budgets are tight, but not frozen. Early signals point to cautious optimism, with some states investing in innovation despite fiscal pressure.
Reach Capital on Discovery Calls: The best sales conversations start with curiosity. This guide helps EdTech founders turn discovery calls into trust-building moments that lead to better-fit deals.
Bonus: Know an Inspiring District Leader? Nominate Them to Be a Leader to Learn From.
What phrases give education leaders the ick? 👀
😬 DEI
😬 Culturally responsive teaching
😬 Social justice
😬 Common Core
😬 Parent empowerment
But here’s the interesting part: the “ick factor” is fading.
Last year, 60% of leaders said DEI made them uneasy. This year, that number dropped to 45%. Similar dips showed up across the rest of the list too.
So while certain terms can still set off alarm bells, the overall discomfort seems to be easing up. Something to keep in mind as you plan how to frame your next campaign.