Pictures will always be the #1 element of any yearbook - but what KINDS of pictures? Just random snapshots, or those that tell a story just by looking at them?

From our TYR archives we went back to a great interview with Mike McLean, a professional freelance photographer and trainer from Texas who has been helping yearbook staffs for many years. 

Listen as Mike goes through some basic steps to improve your photo shooting, along with in-depth information on lens usage, better lighting and more. Get some great advice for rookie photogs and also students/advisers who really want to up their picture taking game.

Advisers and staffs can't just do anything with their yearbook - some legal issues come into play. We run down the legal world and student journalism with Mike Hiestand, Sr. Legal Counsel for the Student Press Law Center in Washington, DC. What can be used from other sources? What is prior review and prior restraint? And a school got nailed for a $10,000 penalty? Yes, watch this rundown for things to try - and avoid...

Every yearbooking effort has a staff, even solo acts. Especially for student staffs, how to organize them to produce a great book every year? How to establish student leaders so advisers lower their stress without making every decision? We talked to Mike Simons of Corning-Painted Post HS in NY, one of the top advisers in the country, who shared great ideas and advice from his 20+ years at the helm. You'll be taking notes here... 

We start a new school year by looking at the state of yearbooking and student journalism in general today with a conversation with Gary Lundgren, associate director of the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) and a longtime student journalism pro. How are things right now around the country? What makes a great yearbook, any level? How to use AI as part of a modern effort? Enjoy a great conversation for any adviser...

We discuss the future of yearbooking with one of the best, former award winning adviser Ava Butzu. Now a Jostens education specialist, Ava discusses some top yearbook issues as well as what to do in the final months of the school year.

And then we pull out the crystal ball to think about yearbook in the future - no book? Using Social Media. What about AI and how to use it right now and later. We dream some dreams for any level of yearbook, for rookie advisers to veterans. Great listening anytime but especially into summer break...

It's an issue that plagues too many schools today - poor climate and culture, which then leads to problems like low morale, bullying, lack of relationships and poor performance. What is climate and culture anyway?

We talked with a Jostens Renaissance legend, Stand Tall Steve Bollar, who has been a leader on climate and culture for over two decades. A Renaissance Hall of Famer, Steve gets clinical in breaking down what school climate and culture really are, how to change them, how the Renaissance 6 R's formula can make that change, and other ideas to improve any school, any level. More from Steve at https://www.standtallsteve.com/.

Call this MUST HEAR PODCASTING if your school is struggling with these issues. Stand Tall Steve is one of the best, a great conversation...

What's it like to start using Jostens Renaissance ideas at a school? How to get that ball rolling? What's the impact on both students and staffulty (faculty and staff) to improve a school? What are ideas to use? We talked with Principal Eric Underhill of Carl Sandburg Middle School in Alexandria, VA - his school just began using Renaissance ideas in the 2024-25 school year and it immediately made a BIG difference in the life of their building, a very diverse community. Eric gives us the full rundown, all aspects - and what about Renaissance ideas at a MIDDLE school? How has that age group (and their teachers) reacted? HINT - really well actually, listen for the full story...

Teachers and students are interested in using Jostens Renaissance ideas - but what does this look like from the superintendent level, the top office?

We talked to superintendent Dr. Michelle CarneyRay-Yoder of Central Regional School District in New Jersey about that view. She's also a Jostens Renaissance Hall of Famer and the Renaissance Champion for the northeastern corner of the U.S. She's been using Renaissance ideas since her days as a special education teacher. 

Proof? Got that. Ideas? Have those too. Motivation? You won't get a better story than Michelle's. Listen in and see how Jostens Renaissance can be a district wide strategy to benefit ALL students...

For any school looking to improve their climate, culture and morale, the Jostens Renaissance School of Distinction Award offers a template of activities to help meet that goal.

And the Platinum School of Distinction Award is the ultimate. State College High School in State College, PA decided to make that their target for 2023-24. They nailed it and it's made a real impact on the life of their building, a large school in central PA. Students AND adults.

Renaissance/PBIS leaders Jennifer Evans and Danielle Ambrosia sat down for a chat with us about their diverse school, why Renaissance, ideas they've used to reach the Platinum level and much more. They went for it and crushed it - and your school can too...

Student leadership is often overlooked at many schools. And even more at middle schools. Teaching good student leadership is something that our guest this episode has excelled at.

Listen as we talk to veteran educator Christina Onuskanich from Mill Hall, PA. Christina was a 2023 Jostens Renaissance National Educator of the Year and a national leader in using the Renaissance student leadership curriculum. Her kids LOVE their student leadership class.

She also talks about using Renaissance at the middle school level, those unique ages when students begin to assert themselves. Watch and note the many ideas that Christina's school has used over the last several years.