2026-2027

Communications Academy: The Roadmap to Success

Expert-led sessions, emerging topic coverage, practical tools, and personalized one-on-one strategy support.

Refreshed Content. Stronger Learning Experience.

Built for superintendents, district leaders, and communication staff, this nine-session series strengthens the fundamentals of effective communication and engagement.

Participants leave with practical tools, relevant insights, and the confidence to communicate clearly, consistently, and strategically.

$800*

Includes 9 live, expert-led sessions, a one-on-one strategy consultation, and full on-demand access to course materials.
*Members of our partnering associations receive a $300 discount on registration. Learn More.

Course Structure

Communications Academy: The Roadmap to Success is thoughtfully designed to build a strong foundation in communication and engagement through a consistent, high-quality learning experience. Each session is intentionally sequenced—starting with core principles and progressing to practical applications—so participants can build skills over time and apply what they learn in real-world settings.

Session Led By Experts & Experienced Education Leaders

Sessions are led by the Donovan Group team, along with invited experts and experienced education leaders who bring practical insight and real-world examples to each topic. This combination ensures participants receive relevant, actionable guidance grounded in the day-to-day realities of school communication.

Live Sessions Recorded for Flexible On-Demand Access

Each session is delivered live to encourage engagement and discussion, and all sessions are recorded for flexible, on-demand access. Recordings are shared promptly and hosted on our professional learning platform, making it easy to revisit content or catch up as needed.

One-On-One Strategy Consultation

Schedule a casual call with a Donovan Group partner for a personalized strategy session focused on your district’s priorities, challenges, and opportunities, with clear, actionable communication guidance.

Register at Any Time

To maximize accessibility, registration remains open on a rolling basis. Participants who join after the series begins receive full access to all previous sessions and materials. All content remains available through September of the following year, allowing ample time for learning, reflection, and implementation.

Learning Outcomes

By participating, learners will be able to:

Develop a strategic, long-term approach to district communication that aligns messaging with organizational goals and priorities.

Apply practical communication strategies across key areas, including crisis communication, enrollment marketing, stakeholder engagement, and internal alignment.

Strengthen leadership communication skills to improve clarity, consistency, and confidence across internal and external audiences.

Leverage emerging tools, including AI, storytelling, social media, and survey data, to enhance communication effectiveness and community trust.

Translate learning into action through a personalized one-on-one strategy consultation tailored to district-specific goals and initiatives.

Course Schedule

Guided by feedback from past participants, we've updated content and reorganized topics to better align with the challenges and opportunities school leaders face today.

Sessions meet live on the following Wednesdays at 1:00 pm CST:

September 9, 2026
Communications Planning: Building a 5-Year District & Board Strategy

Practical approaches for building a five-year district and board communication roadmap that drives alignment, consistency, and proactive stakeholder engagement.

*Recordings of each session are published and shared following each meeting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the time commitment for this program?

The academy includes nine sessions held monthly from September through April, each lasting approximately one hour. Participants can attend live or watch recordings at their convenience, making it manageable alongside busy schedules.

Exclusive Pricing for Participating State Association Members

We offer a discount to members of partnering associations for both Academies. If you hold a membership to any of the organizations below, contact us for the unique coupon code.

$500 for Member Districts

Thanks to our partnering associations:

  • Arizona, the Arizona School Administrators (AZSA)
  • Connecticut, the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents (CAPSS)
  • Indiana, the Central Indiana Education Services Center (CIESC)
  • Kentucky, the Kentucky Association for School Administrators (KASA)
  • Minnesota, the Minnesota Association of School Administrators (MASA)
  • Missouri, the Missouri Association of School Administrators (MASA)
  • North Dakota, the North Dakota Small Organized Schools (NDSOS)
  • Tennessee, the Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents (TOSS)
  • Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Association of School District Administrators (WASDA) and the Wisconsin School Public Relations Association (WSPRA)

Opportunity for Professional Learning Partnership

Through a strategic partnership with our firm, associations can offer a high-quality, virtual professional learning program focused on communication and public relations for education leaders.