In a yearbook utopia, the new teacher would have a journalism degree, take photos like a pro, be able to manage a group of teenagers with aplomb and truly understand the importance of deadlines in the production of any publication. In reality, though, the yearbook adviser many times has little or no publishing experience and only lasts an average of two years. Following these tips can lead to happier advisers who stick with the job.
Below is list of common excuses you might hear from yearbook reporters, after they’ve had a bad interview and they return with bad information. Fortunately, good interviewing skills can be taught to help counter each of these excuses and help every student on yearbook staff – even the shy, quiet ones – become more confident interviewers.
Halloween week is only a couple days away and the fall holiday should be a festive time for your yearbook staff. Take time to bring in some food and candy. If your school allows it, even have fun getting into costumes for a staff party. Along with all the Halloween fun, you can still be taking care of some important …
Several years ago, I attended the ASNE Reynolds High School Journalism Institute and came away with a plan to expand and grow our journalism program. At that time, I was the yearbook adviser and wanted to not only improve the yearbook, but revamp our struggling journalism program that includes newspaper, yearbook and literary magazine, as well as start a broadcasting …
That first deadline can be one of the most intimidating parts of an adviser’s first year. Follow this advice, including words of wisdom from a few experienced advisers, to successfully meet it. Make it a priority Take deadlines seriously – especially this first one. Start planning right away, if you have not already begun. Talk to your rep about exactly …
In a professional development class called “Universal Design for Learning” (UDL), I was introduced to many new strategies to make learning accessible to all my students regardless of ability. One of the strategies is called “synectics,” which derives from the Greek “syn” and “ektos,” and refers to the fusion of diverse ideas. In practice, students are shown a series of …
If you’ve never done it before, distribution day can be stressful – but it doesn’t have to be. With all the hard work put into the yearbook, you don’t want anything to go wrong the first time the student population gets a look. If you take anything away from this post, let it be this: PLAN AHEAD. Preparation is the …
Many freshmen walk into high school on the first day without that one class, teacher or group that provides a sense of belonging. Besides creating an amazing yearbook our school can be proud of, my goal as a yearbook adviser has always been to give my students a place to belong in junior high. Another goal of mine has been …
As we get closer to the holidays, here’s another fun story to remind you just how special yearbooks can be. The 2016 yearbook staff at Walsworth Yearbooks school Windsor High School in Windsor, California, had a braille version of their book printed for blind student Maycie Vorreiter. Vorreiter had always ordered a yearbook, but needed her brother to read it …
As the year progresses, your staff may get stressed during deadlines; tension may even appear in the classroom. That’s why students need to continue to work on team building to keep relationships strong. Also, games and activities relieve stress and foster comradery while bringing fun into the yearbook room. Try “Get to Know You Bingo.” Create a Bingo sheet with …