Brands

When we first discussed creating a Brand in class, I really wasn’t sure about what that really meant in regards to education.  After the Forbes & Fast Company readings in Sheninger it makes so much more sense.  “Brands are based on building relationships, and Educators are always building, brokering and sustaining relationships” (Shenninger, 2014, p. 107).  By using social media to promote the school and communicate with community members, we are creating a brand for our school.

 What was really interesting to me was the concept of creating a professional brand for myself, as a leader/educator, and a school brand.  As I was reading the examples of professional brands, I began to think about how I could brand myself for the next school year.  It needs to be something that relates to who I am, an educator who strives to ensure that my students are successful, and how the staff and students see me as a person, kind and caring; and that encompasses my personality, scintillating.  Am I asking for too much?! I am not sure what it may be, but I will continue to ponder over it.

 The School brand needs to be much more than what we already brand our school with; it needs to “Go beyond a logo, mascot and typical educator mission statement” (Sheninger, 2014, p. 112).  We need to include members of the staff, students, former students and community to choose a brand that really fits the goal of the school and its image in the community.  It needs to make a statement that showcases the school, highlights the achievements and successes that occur there and inspires trust.  What an easy thing or us to do at Walker to create a positive image.  As Sheninger states, "If we do not tell our story, someone else will" (Sheninger, 2014, p. 98). And, unfortunately, they already have.