It’s a given that teachers are active on social media. We recently reported educator-related social media trends in our Digital Trends in the Education Market Report, previously showed you the top posts they engaged with, and have provided tips for social media marketing in this webinar. We often survey teachers about their media preferences. Here are a few responses about social media that challenged our assumptions. We thought you might be surprised as well.
The Data Sample
We conducted an online survey* to 732 teachers. Here’s what the group looked like:
- 91% teach in public schools
- 39% teach in elementary schools, 21% in middle schools, and 38% in high schools
- 34% teach in urban schools, 41% in suburban schools, and 24% in small towns/rural areas
Surprise #1: Social media and teacher tenure
Millennials and social media. Social media and millennials. It seems that joining the two terms together is practically required by law. I have to admit, I was certain that nearly all the survey respondents would skew toward early career. As it turns out, while there was a significant millennial presence among respondents, with 41% reporting 1-10 years of experience, the majority – 59% – have been teaching more than 11 years. In fact, a whopping 42% have been teaching 16 or more years!
What it means for marketers
Teachers of all experience levels are using social media, and veteran teachers appear to be heavier users than those who are new to the profession. The lesson for marketers is not to ignore more senior level teachers. Rather, craft your content with your target audience and their experience level in mind.
Surprise #2: Teacher favorites
Not surprisingly, teachers report heavy use of Facebook. In fact, 83% of our respondents said they use Facebook, followed by 72% who use Pinterest, 54% who use Instagram, and 48% who use Twitter. However, when it comes to the channels they favor for work, 74% of respondents said their number 1 social media channel is Pinterest. Facebook was next (39%), followed by Twitter (30%), and Instagram (17%).
And what are teachers actually looking for on social media? Here’s what they told us.
- 81% Get inspired with new teaching ideas
- 80% Find resources for my classroom
- 57% Stay on top of trends and news
- 54% Connect with other educators
- 53% Find teacher discounts and deals
- 38% Follow education companies and organizations
- 33% Participate in an online community
What it means for marketers
Educators hunt for ideas, information and deals on social media. And they’re not only on Facebook! It’s crucial to understand how each social channel works and share content that is germane to each. Post creative ideas that teachers can use in their classrooms like lesson plans, demonstration videos, classroom decorating ideas, downloadable activities and posters. Run sweepstakes and contests. Provide professional development opportunities that they can take part in online. And remember, teachers spend a lot of their own money for their students – offer them discounts and deals that help them save their hard-earned money.
Surprise #3: They don't wait around
Teachers don’t just sit back and wait for marketers to dazzle them. They are scouring the web and social for the products, services, content and resources they need. Growing your brand’s presence online will enable them to find you. Teaming with trusted partners in an established community will help you win their confidence. A brand can establish themselves as teacher advocates by sharing valuable content within a brand-neutral ecosystem.
Conclusion
Teachers of all ages and experience levels are active on social media. Their use of social is not limited to Facebook – they love Pinterest, and are active on Twitter and Instagram as well. Teachers search social media to find content and resources for their classrooms, interact with other educators, enhance their own skills, and shop for deals. It’s important for marketers to know which social platforms teachers are using, for which purposes, and create content that is appropriate to the platform.
To help you better engage and interact with teachers on social media, download our FREE Social Media Marketing Best Practices Checklist.
*Source: MDR Teachers and Social Media Survey, 2018
With 6.8 million page views each month, WeAreTeachers is one of the largest and fastest growing web destinations for teachers. WeAreTeachers features practical classroom ideas, freebies and giveaways, teacher-to-teacher advice and humor. Teachers look to WeAreTeachers for advocacy, insight into top issues affecting educators, uplifting and humorous posts, support from their peers, and resources shared by corporate partners. Contact us to learn more about how your brand can be featured on the #1 media brand for educators.
