How does one creator engage with and understand their audience in order to amplify the voices within their school community?

Amplifying individual stories aims to create collective understanding within the school district.

Yeah, so that’s exploration. I’m trying to figure it out. I think that the local school community— maybe the first step is to raise the question: Where can all of us find like-minded people in our local school community? And if you are able to find someone that believes the same thing— […] If it’s possible to get together, and to talk about this and then to say: Hey you know, we are not a PTA member, and we’re in the public schools. What can we do to come together and to have our voice heard?

~ Jessica Zou (12:44)

The conversation explores how the podcast, “Duck Tape Rocket Ship,” addresses the challenge of amplifying parent voices within the public school system. One central topic is the feeling among parents that their opinions and concerns are undervalued in the education system. By sharing individual stories and experiences, the podcast seeks to motivate community members to recognize their collective voice and engage more deeply with the schools.

Another focus is the strategy of targeting specific audiences, such as parents and educators, and understanding their needs. The podcast also interacts with the broader education system, including its bureaucratic and social challenges, aiming to build bridges between parents and the school administration. Jessica reflects on the complexities of public education and how focusing on singular objectives can bring about meaningful change.

Takeaways

Audience understanding — The podcast creator is unsure who exactly listens but recognizes teachers as an engaged part of the audience.

Amplifying voices — The podcast serves as a platform for parents to feel heard and validated within their community.

Systemic challenges — Public education’s complexity often sidelines individual voices, which the podcast aims to address.

Complementary efforts — The podcast is one of several tools used by the creator in their school leadership work.

Specific focus — The creator believes concentrating on one aspect of the system is more impactful than addressing multiple issues simultaneously.

Resources

Duct Tape Rocket Ship Podcast — Jessica’s podcast aiming to amplify parent voices within public education.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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