EP’s Tedmon named National School Communicator of the Year

Dirk Tedmon, executive director of marketing and communications for Eden Prairie Schools, has been named the first National School Communicator of the Year by the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA).

The newly created award recognizes outstanding leadership and contributions of an active, front-line school communicator. The winner was announced this month during the NSPRA 2024 National Seminar in Bellevue, Washington, and the award is presented in partnership with Finalsite, a community relationship management platform for K-12 schools.

Tedmon was one of four finalists selected from among 27 nominees from state and regional chapters of NSPRA, which represents more than 2,900 school communicators nationwide. Earlier this year, Tedmon had been named 2024 Minnesota School Communicator of the Year by MinnSPRA, NSPRA’s Minnesota chapter.

The award recognized Tedmon’s work at EP Schools, including community engagement, brand building, strategic planning, and crisis management. It also recognized his efforts to advance conversations about education among school public relations practitioners and education leaders, as well as his work on diversity and inclusion.

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“Dirk is a true leader in school communications,” said Trent Allen, NSPRA’s president, in a news release. “His dedication to strengthening the connection and engagement between schools and communities is driven by his passion for student success.”

Tedmon said, “I am beyond proud, very humbled, and so honored to represent Eden Prairie Schools and Minnesota as the very first School Communicator of the Year. This award validates the work of our entire team and reflects the belief our district and community share in the importance of strong, strategic communications.”

Eden Prairie Schools’ communications and marketing team and district leaders were present when Tedmon accepted his award.

“I have worked with quite a few communications leaders over several decades, and I can think of no one better to honor as the National School Communicator of the Year,” Superintendent Josh Swanson said. “Our district has a history and tradition of excellence, but this does not happen by chance. Communication and engagement are critical to our ongoing success.” 

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In addition to his EP Schools role, Tedmon is a MinnSPRA board member, serving as its president in 2023-24. He co-founded the chapter’s Good Trouble PR initiative, which trains school public relations professionals to disrupt systemic inequity and racial injustice.
 
Before joining EP Schools, Tedmon worked in communications for Minneapolis Public Schools and the University of Minnesota. He also worked in the Office of Presidential Correspondence for the White House during the Obama administration and was a White House representative for the U.S. Federal Government LGBT Appointee Caucus.