The Mike Taylor Back-To-School Checklist

STEP THREE: CLAIM YOUR SPACE Before the school year begins, try to spend a day or two just getting to know your classroom. This is an important step. Once the halls fill with students, you’ll be glad you did it. CHECK FOR A FEW NECESSITIES: 1. A phone 2. Lockable cabinets for camera equipment 3. Enough electrical outlets for computers, printers, chargers and more 4. A separate office or space for you and your editors 5. Separate work space and teaching space Make the space your own, but keep in mind that it will need to be comfortable for your staff. This is a great time to go through the “New Advisers Field Guide to Yearbook” from Walsworth. Pay close attention to Section 2: Preparing your Classroom. Locate the Yearbook Suite curriculum. If there is not one in the classroom, pick up the phone, call your Walsworth rep and order one. You can also go to the website and download individual units. I would suggest reading the “New Advisers Field Guide to Yearbook” first. What if the yearbook staff is extra-curricular? If your yearbook program meets as a club, you will need to set a standard of goals and expectations that is even stronger than the typical every day classroom activity. Why? You have a great deal to accomplish and precious time to not waste. There should be a set of guidelines for members to meet. Use the information garnered from your first several meetings and the “New Advisers Field Guide to Yearbook.” This information will fall under Section Three: Preparing your students. Whether it’s a class or a club, stress the guidelines from day one. Establish a set of consequences for failure to follow the guidelines. And whether yearbook is a class or a club, you may want to include a student contract and a parent contract, so students and parents have expectations in writing. STEP FOUR: SET GUIDELINES

Photo by Olivia Caulder

4