As advisers, every time we change something about our yearbook operations, there is bound to be some resistance. I saw the need for one significant change: go from a May to an August delivery to include spring coverage. To make that significant of a change, though, I had to first change the class from an editor-centered to a student-centered class.
Few things are available for free, but new journalism teachers in more states can get assistance for free from the Journalism Education Association’s Mentor Program.
Keep your staff motivated and feeling good about their work. Do that by telling them and telling others. Reminding them of the good job they are doing will help overcome those challenging times when things are not going right, or a deadline is approaching and there is too much work.
Photographers who consistently capture good, storytelling images for the yearbook do so in part because, like great journalistic writers, they rely on the strategies of great reporting.
Before the yearbook staff can get down to business creating the yearbook, it’s important to create the right atmosphere in the yearbook room. Developing the right culture will set the proper tone for the year.
Using correct interview techniques will lead to better information from sources and therefore, better stories.
When you paint a room, the first thing you do is the prep work. Creating a yearbook is like painting a room. You and your staff need to do the prep work: plan, think what look you want to achieve; and check your tools. Then create. If all of those things have been done, you should have the book you envisioned.
About halfway through my first year teaching yearbook at a small private school in Lawrence, Kan., my students’ motivation was waning. The problem? The staff wanted yearbooks to matter, but they weren’t sure that they did. Enter Hollywood.
Everyone likes to work in a fun environment. Creating that for your yearbook staff at the beginning of the year will be one of your most important jobs.
Dear Applicant and Parent/Guardian,
Welcome to Olympia High School Publications. As we finish up the 2004 Torch yearbook and continue working on the next edition of The Oracle newspaper, I am excited about selecting the 2004-2005 publications staffs.
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