Despite being turned away from her high school yearbook staff, Crystal Kazmierski went on to become a legendary yearbook adviser. In her 24 years advising the Wings yearbook at Arrowhead Christian Academy in Redlands, California, Kazmierski and her staff amassed 22 Pacemakers, one Pacemaker finalist, 19 CSPA Gold Crowns and 5 CSPA Silver Crowns. In the latest episode of Yearbook …
While working with schools at the Kansas City Elite Weekend this September, Ask Mike host Mike Taylor, CJE, was really impressed by four students. So he interviewed them. These four young women are exceptional leaders, and their conversations with Taylor show how capable student leaders can be. Taylor chats with them about their roles in producing the great writing their …
We know that grading a yearbook class isn’t always straightforward. There’s so much to consider and many factors you don’t have in other classes. We’re here to help with our newest resource for yearbook advisers, Sooo… How am I supposed to grade a yearbook class? Download your copy to learn from four experienced advisers who have found the system that …
The 2018 school year was a reminder that things can and will go wrong. From hurricanes, to devastating fires, to school shootings, to the more common but still tragic occurrences like losing a beloved teacher and student deaths, yearbook staffs across the country faced difficult editorial decisions. While nothing can prepare a school for tragedy, having an editorial policy in …
The images slid past as the Trello demonstration continued. As it came to a close, my editor-in-chief, Katie, and I made eye contact. We both had furrowed brows and scrunched noses. Finally, Katie said what I was thinking. “I still don’t get it.” Katie and I are both pen-and-paper kind of girls. We like jotting down our notes so we …
Being a yearbook editor is a big deal. It’s a lot of responsibility, but also a rewarding role that reaps benefits down the road (like college applications). In a newly-released episode of the Ask Mike podcast, host Mike Taylor, CJE, is tackling all the questions yearbook editors may have. “What do you miss?” He starts the episode by interviewing former …
To develop your yearbook editors and managers into leaders, begin in the spring and continue the training and bonding through the summer. A number of processes and resources are available for you to use. This article touches on just a few.
Quality yearbook content is reflective of the school population… So shouldn’t the staff be as well? At the front of the room, surrounded by boxes of yearbooks, Faith Pagan addressed the class. For many high school sophomores, speaking to a room full of peers would instantly incite an anxiety attack, but Pagan had no problem commanding the attention of more …
“A young girl was walking along a beach upon which thousands of starfish had been washed up during a terrible storm. When she came to each starfish, she would pick it up, and throw it back into the ocean. People watched her with amusement. She had been doing this for some time when a man approached her and said, ‘Little …
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.