An ed-tech CEO outlines three strategies that can build on business at the school level to take it to the district level.
Breaking Down Rewards and Risks for Ed. Companies Staging Product Ambassador Programs
Having Educators Talk Up Your Products Can Pay Dividends, But Ethics Must Be a High Priority

Having educators talk up your products and services can pay dividends, but lack of attention to ethical concerns could put educators and companies in a difficult spot.
A new report scrutinizes the growing practice among ed-tech companies of using teachers as brand ambassadors to spread the word about products.
The most-read EdWeek Market Brief articles in 2018 focused on what educators want from ed-tech products, Chinese investors’ interest in the U.S. education market, and K-12 sales strategy.
What were the biggest news stories about the K-12 market in 2018? Check out Marketplace K-12’s 10 most popular blog posts over the past year.
In Judging Instructional Products, Educators Have This Message: Show Us Your Evidence
District Leaders and Teachers Look for Resources With a Research Base Behind Them, Survey Finds

Evidence of effectiveness is by far educators’ number 1 priority when it comes to the instructional products marketed to their districts and schools, new survey shows.
The New Skills Education Companies Want in Top Executives
The Ability to Analyze Data and Set Sales and Marketing Strategy in the Digital Age Are in Demand

The ability to analyze data and set sales and marketing strategies in the digital age are in high demand as the pace of change in the K-12 market quickens.
Tips for Meeting the ELL Curriculum and PD Needs of a Large School District
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg System Is Looking for Better Content for Its Diverse Population

Charlotte “Nadja” Trez, executive director of English learner services for the 147,000-student Charlotte- Mecklenburg schools, says districts like hers need demanding content for ELLs, scaffolded to different language levels.
Sales Strategy Experts Lay Out Successful Paths to K-12 District Connections
Steer Away from In-Your-Face Tactics: 'Aggressive Sales People Will Fail in This Business'

Too many salespeople in the K-12 market are overly aggressive and fail to recognize the benefits of softer-touch approaches to working with districts.
Why Pilot Tests of K-12 Products Go Off the Rails in Districts
Don't Shy Away From Discussing Product Costs and Make Sure to Provide Robust PD and Technical Support

Both established companies and startups can help themselves in pilot tests by providing cost estimates, offering excellent technical support, and building buy-in across a district.