The challenges of being a yearbook advisor, and how the school administration can be more supportive.
Burn-out is something that everyone can relate to. Some of us can hold on longer than others, but there comes a time when the work is just too much, or too stressful. While this may happen in any position, school yearbook advisors experience it on another level.
Starting the year off by facilitating a welcoming atmosphere, open to creativity and understanding will lead to the progress of the yearbook.
Yearbook advisors handle multiple tasks that involve more than just putting the pieces of the yearbook together. While they advise their class, and the students on staff, there are multiple facets that create added time and stress on their part. It’s crucial to have a staff that is joyful about creating the yearbook and works together as a team. Starting the year off by facilitating a welcoming atmosphere, open to creativity and understanding will lead to the progress of the yearbook. This will also inspire the students to do well in every aspect of its creation, not only for them, but for the advisor, and the school’s overall spirit.
Delegating tasks to the students will also help advisors relax during the process and enjoy it.
Something else that may lead to burn-out as an advisor is how much responsibility is held on to within the yearbook process. Yearbooks are “for students,” and “by students.” As an advisor, one must give up some control to allow the staff to create their own work, and explore their talents. Delegating tasks to the students will also help advisors relax during the process and enjoy it. This will teach the students to take ownership of their work. As an advisor, giving up some control to the students, as well as asking the school administration for help, goes a long way in getting through the year.
The school administration can assist the advisors in this by promoting the yearbook earlier on, possibly at registration, to develop excitement among students...
The school administration can assist the advisors in this by promoting the yearbook earlier on, possibly at registration, to develop excitement among students, and take some of the burden off of the advisor. They can also be involved in approving pages of the yearbook and checking portrait names and spelling. The amount of work put into the yearbook is often unrecognized. Going the extra mile to recognize the hard work of the advisors and students can make them feel fulfilled and proud of their work. Administration can work with advisors to ease their stress and put more heart into the yearbook.
United Yearbook supports yearbook advisors, as well as the school administration by creating a clear curriculum that advisors can follow throughout the school year. Our customization allows for a personal touch to be added to each yearbook. Our goal is to transform your yearbook ideas into reality to create a yearbook that you and your students love.
Going the extra mile to recognize the hard work of the advisors and students can make them feel fulfilled and proud of their work.
By using our curriculum, administration can help the process flourish.
As seen, both the yearbook advisors and school administration have a lot of responsibility. They must work together to make a successful yearbook catered to their school. By using our curriculum, this process can go smoothly, making the yearbook fun and personal for the students, and memorable for years to come!
Co-Writer: Jessica Carrera holds a B.A. in English with a concentration in writing and a minor in Biblical Studies from Biola University. She aspires to touch the lives of others through her words.
Co-Writer: Alexis Anderson is an intern as a brand development managing editor at TSE Worldwide Press. She is a senior at Biola University, studying English with an emphasis in writing, along with a minor in Biblical Studies. Alexis aims to inspire others through her words and character.