The Renaissance/Yearbooking Report Podcast

The Renaissance Report - Episode 4 - A Mental Health Story

You can't discuss education today without talking about mental health, for both students and adults. It's a real issue - and Jostens Renaissance ideas can help any school to improve the situation for all involved.

 

We talked with educator and administrator Mark Brown from Newburg HS in Oregon about mental health in schools and how to change the game for the future. Mark is a Renaissance Champion for the U.S Northwest, and also has a personal story which motivates him to improve mental health for anyone who asks. Get some ideas and insights for your own school situation.

The Renaissance Report - Episode 3 - A Leadership Story

How's the adult leadership in your school building? Stresses on administrators and teachers have never been higher. How to really LEAD your group to success this year? Listen for insights and ideas from former administrator Dr. Darrin Peppard, also a Jostens Renaissance Hall of Famer, on how to positively affect the climate, culture and morale of any school. Also check out his website at roadtoawesome.net !

The Renaissance Report - Episode 2 - An Elementary Story

Renaissance ideas are for any school at any level - so what about elementary school? Listen to the story of Robb Elementary School in Lock Haven, PA, a school that went all in for Renaissance and it's made a huge difference for their students and staff. School facilitator Brad McCloskey gave us the full story, from getting started to the acclaim they've received from parents, the media and even the PA Secretary of Education. And Brad shares a lot of ideas that his school has used in the last couple of years - take notes and see how they can help YOUR school.

The Renaissance Report - Episode 1 - A High School Story

Can a large school succeed with Jostens Renaissance ideas? YES and in this episode we talk to Laura Tobias, principal at State College High School in State College, PA. Her large school began using Renaissance ideas in the summer and fall 2023 and it's already made a HUGE difference in their building while also achieving the Renaissance Platinum School of Distinction award in just one year. Listen to their story, ideas they've used, reactions and proof that a change has been made. You can do it too!

The Yearbooking Report, Mid January 2024

It's roughly halfway through another school year - and for many schools ROUGH is a good term to use again this year. That goes with another key word, CULTURE. Schools everywhere - and many yearbook staffs - are struggling through another year.

One man who knows all about good yearbook and school culture is veteran adviser Mitch Eden. Now retired after 25+ years of teaching and advising, Mitch is a new Jostens Yearbooks Ambassador, working with schools across the country to improve their journalism and marketing efforts. 

Listen to this episode of the Report for insights and advice on not only improving yearbook culture but school culture as well during tougher times, and how your yearbook work could also boost the entire life of your school and everyone in it. This one's a keeper because every school out there can use some of Mitch's advice to have a better year - and have FUN doing this valuable work. 

The Yearbooking Report, Mid November 2023

We're back and talking about one subject that many yearbook staffs avoid - writing. Photos will always be the #1 element of the book, but writing is a close #2, filling in the information that the photos miss. And that's a LOT of information.

Listen for great ideas and advice from veteran adviser Sharon Kubicek from Texas as she shares the importance of writing in the yearbook, the different ways to do it, how school has gone in Texas this year, and sage advice for any adviser but especially for rookie folks. 

The Yearbooking Report, late August 2023

It's a new school year, new energy, but eventually one same struggle will rise again. That's page designing - GOOD designing, never random or haphazard. Is your staff designing or just decorating?

Listen to a great conversation with veteran adviser Brenda Field, a former JEA National Yearbook Adviser of the Year from Illinois, with ideas and advice on good page design. It's one of her favorite topics and Brenda offers wisdom for any yearbook staff.

And for teachers, hear Brenda's thoughts for everyone after 28 years of experience, including these last three tougher campaigns. 

The Yearbooking Report, Mid May 2023 - TRANSFORMATION

As we go into a much needed summer break, what about yearbook and next year's effort? Those who plan early often have a smoother time of it - but a lot of yearbook advisers and staffs had a struggle this year. It's time for a TRANSFORMATION.

 

Listen for tips and ideas from former top middle school adviser and current Jostens Education Specialist Kristen Scott. If you want or need to reset the table for yearbook - at any level, elementary to college - Kristen has some thoughts to share on how to transform your yearbooking effort into one you'll enjoy next year while making your best book ever. Take plenty of notes!

The Yearbooking Report, Late March 2023

For yearbookers it's time...for the BIG FINISH. The end of the school year is approaching and there's plenty to do, for both now and looking to the future. Distribution, organization, student leadership, planning for next year, etc. 

 

New Jostens Ambassador Marci Pieper, a recent JEA Lifetime Achievement Award winner, goes over many ideas and strategies she used during her decades long tenure in Missouri. Take notes, you'll get some new inspiration here!

The Yearbooking Report, Mid January 2023

Continuing our theme episodes this season we'll call this The Motivation Report. Many advisers report kids just not working hard this year, and in some cases it may be the adviser! What to do to get your group doing their best work?

Listen to a conversation with yearbooking legend Margaret Sorrows, now a Jostens Ambassador and the former 36-year multi award winning adviser at Bryant HS in Arkansas. Margaret shares her expertise on yearbook but also on motivating young people to tell the stories, take the photos and create a great yearbook THIS year. 

And even if your staff is doing fine the wisdom from Margaret is worth a listen for any adviser. Be ready to take notes from a master...