Parents are more attuned to social media now than they have ever been in the past. They're active on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter. While your children may not always applaud your online interactions, we – like you – know that they can serve some very real purposes. So don’t miss out – here are five Instagram accounts every parent should follow:
Because this Instagram account is quite broad in content, it can be a useful resource for families. It's geared toward teachers and parents, and it focuses on ways to help students of various ages. Posts are uploaded to the account fairly regularly, and they strike a great balance between levity and usefulness.
This account is also wonderful for pointing out resources you may not know about, as well as highlighting educational solutions for the home.
The College Board is a must-follow account because it develops and administers some of the more popular standardized tests (think AP exams and the SAT). The account also contains an incredible variety of content. You’ll find everything from inspirational quotes, to trending hashtags, to upcoming educational dates of importance (like testing days). For parents, it is a great resource for helping your student plan. If your student is struggling with their test prep you may also want to consider a test prep tutor to help them.
You’ll see an occasional math problem or meme (which keeps the account light), but the lighter content is balanced by posts promoting serious matters like AP deadlines. You may also want to take a look at these free test prep resources!
The National Education Association (NEA) account is great because it reminds you, the parent, about things your students may not remember. If it’s Teacher Appreciation Week or Earth Day, you can be sure that NEA will post a colorful and friendly reminder. There’s plenty of other content too: quotations, artwork, and school spotlights, just to name a few.
In short, @neatoday is an Instagram every parent should follow because it’s inspiring and useful – the perfect combination.
Education Week, whose Instagram description promises to fill the space where photography and education meet, is a fantastic account for parents to follow. This account is perfect for staying up-to-date on changes in education policy, learning strategies, and the state of education. Each post provides a visual illustration of education across the country, or an important topic that you may or may not be aware of.
@whatever school(s) your child has applied to or attends
If your student is in college or is preparing to apply to college, it can be useful to follow the schools he or she is interested in. These accounts vary in consistency and quality, but they can provide insight into your child’s potential college. Some schools provide deadline reminders, and, if you are lucky, you may spot your student among those featured on the college’s Instagram account.
Following a school’s account is a great way for parents (and students) to get a feel for the type of culture present on campus. Often, these accounts are more informal than other types of social media, and they can show you a glimpse of what life is really like there.
While there are many ways to gather information, Instagram is one method of learning more about a potential campus, remembering upcoming test dates, or discovering new ways to help your child succeed in school. By taking note of these five Instagram accounts every parent should follow, you can better ensure that you are up to speed on the education issues affecting your student’s life. You may also want to consider following these 10 twitter accounts recommended to parents!
Though the title above reads "5 Instagram Accounts Every Parent Should Follow," Varsity Tutors is pleased to share a sixth – our very own Instagram! Visit this new account for help with college admissions, test prep, and more.
