Public Relations and The Professional School Counselor

What Is School Public Relations? Establishing and promoting partnerships in the community Conveying information about effective school practices NW Regional Educational Laboratory

Functions Of School Public Relations Promotes community input Anticipates image problems and provide solutions Acts as key contacts for the media Designs objective, informational materials for budget and bond issue campaigns NW Regional Educational Laboratory

Functions Of School Public Relations Designs all levels of communications Conducts public relations research Interprets survey results for management Creates avenues for student/staff recognition NW Regional Educational Laboratory

Public Relations For School Counselors Determine how you will position yourself Make your students, parents, and community promises that you can keep Build your image on positive ideas School Promotion, Publicity, and Public Relations

Designing A School Public Relations Plan Find out what the public is saying Develop a strategic school counselor plan and program Form a public relations committee Use data to develop a PR plan

School Public Relations Strategies Should address parent feelings Should provide knowledge and information Determine need and provide value for stakeholders

Successful School Public Relations Leadership All school staff School facility Communications Parents Business Voters with no children NW Regional Educational Laboratory

Obstacles Convincing administration and teachers Cost Lack of active participation Unrealistic goals

School PR Benefits Explains the real functions of educators Helps provide direction for a student centered school Has a cumulative effect School Promotion, Publicity, and Public Relations

Benefits Of School Public Relations Establishes objectives, procedures, and practices to meet the needs of the school Explains facts about the school that might not be known School Promotion, Publicity, and Public Relations

School Counseling Program Image Shaped by public perception Image depends on the different subjective experiences of the people who interact with the services Good image is critical Public Relations Toolbox