Recruiting Yearbook Staffs

“ Yearbook (and newspaper) students at First Flight High School have to take the Intro to Publications elective first, so recruiting for the production classes actually begins in eighth grade to make sure kids are interested in what they can do in high school. Each March before scheduling starts, I head over to the middle school and visit with the eighth-grade ELA teachers for about 15 minutes. I take my newspaper and yearbook EICs and we talk about how fun the classes are and how beneficial they are (being involved in the school, looking good on college apps, etc.). That leads a good crop to sign up for the prerequisite.” Steve Hanf

Adviser, First Flight High School Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina

“ We talk to English teachers, art teachers and InDesign/Photoshop teachers and have them recommend students they think would be successful in yearbook. We also talk to yearbook staff members and get recommendations from them. Then we send out cards that say, ‘Somebody’s been talking about you…’ Inside it says, ‘And it was all good.’ Then there is a note that talks about the benefits of being on staff and that it’s hard work, but that the satisfaction of an awesome product makes it worth the hard work, etc. The note is signed by one of the yearbook staff members. (Interesting note: students seem to be more excited about being recommended by a yearbook staff member than a teacher. Who knew?!)” Susan Massy Adviser, Shawnee Mission Northwest High School Shawnee, Kansas

“ Middle school students are invited to attend the (annual electives) fair to see what the campus has to offer. They can be helpful in recruiting students

and getting them excited to join journalism. However, we have had more luck actually going to the two schools and speaking with eighth graders. My students put a video together that shows the process and images from NSPA convention trips. It works because we have their attention and don’t have to compete with other programs. It gives my students something to do as a project after the yearbook is done. But electives fairs give future high school students something to think about when it comes to getting involved.” Pat Monroe Former adviser, Burges High School El Paso, Texas

Photo by Haley Dougherty

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