Walsworth is thrilled to introduce you to your new go-to expert and journalism champion, Sabrina Schmitz, CJE.
If you’ve ever joined a Walsworth podcast, watched a training video or attended a national convention, chances are you already know Sabrina. She’s been a trusted voice in the yearbook community for years, first as an award-winning adviser and most recently as a Walsworth Yearbooks Sales Representative. Now, she brings all that experience with her as she steps into a new role designed to help you and your staff create stronger, more journalistic yearbooks.
“Sabrina has an extraordinary gift for igniting advisers’ and students’ passion for storytelling,” Walsworth Executive Vice President of Yearbook Sales Jeff Bell said. “Elevating her to Journalism Education Strategist lets her share that spark on a national scale through workshops, seminars and one-on-one coaching that empowers programs to create award-winning yearbooks. Building on the strong foundation Mike Taylor established, Sabrina will help the next generation of yearbook staffs turn great ideas into unforgettable yearbooks.”
So, what does that mean for you? More support. More strategy. More journalistic excellence.
As Walsworth’s new Journalism Education Strategist, Sabrina will do what she does best: support advisers, strengthen programs and share her deep knowledge of scholastic journalism.
Sabrina’s new role is all about helping schools create yearbooks that are not only beautiful but also rooted in strong journalistic principles. She works directly with advisers and staffs across the country to help them raise their journalistic game. She reviews yearbooks, offers constructive feedback and provides hands-on guidance on theme development, design, photography, writing and editing to help them take their skills to the next level.
Sabrina will continue to co-host That Yearbook Podcast and Walsworth Training Videos, as well as host The Mike Taylor Elite Weekend Experience and other various workshops and training sessions for staffers and advisers throughout the country. This allows her to continue building connections across the adviser community for years to come.
Whether you’re just getting started or looking to take your program to the next level, Sabrina brings a balance of creativity, encouragement and real-world know-how to every interaction.
“There’s nothing more exciting than helping students find their voice and advisers find their confidence,” Schmitz said. “No one can ever fill the shoes of Mike Taylor, but I’m so excited to carry on his legacy and thrilled to continue working with schools to help students tell their stories with authenticity, style and purpose.”
A Proven Journalism Leader
Before joining Walsworth, Sabrina advised the national award-winning Stampede yearbook at J.W. Mitchell High School in Trinity, Florida. Under her leadership, the staff earned multiple CSPA Crowns, an NSPA Pacemaker, and Design of the Year Finalist honors. She was named her school’s Teacher of the Year and was a District Teacher of the Year finalist.
“We want yearbook to be something students and advisers fall in love with. It was the best part of my day when I was in the classroom, and I want every staff to feel that same joy – to see yearbook not just as a product, but as a chance to tell the stories that make their school special,” Schmitz said.
She also routinely presents at the National High School Journalism Convention, CSPA convention and many regional workshops, making her one of the most recognizable and respected educators in yearbook journalism today.
Here for You and Your Students
Sabrina’s role deepens Walsworth’s support for yearbook advisers and champions scholastic journalism.
“Sabrina brings a fresh, educator-first perspective to everything she touches,” Walsworth Vice President of Marketing and Communications Kristin Mateski, CJE, said. “With her in this role, it’s a game-changer for schools looking to raise the bar on storytelling, design and creativity. We’re thrilled to share her voice even more and help journalism students across the country.”
Whether helping a new adviser find their footing or challenging a veteran staff to raise the bar, Sabrina’s goal remains the same, to elevate storytelling, design and leadership in student publications.
From launching a theme to hitting the final deadline, yearbook creation takes strategy, creativity and teamwork. Sabrina is here to help make that process easier, smarter and more rewarding for everyone involved.
“I always say you can do anything with hard work and enthusiasm,” Schmitz said. “That mindset has guided me for years. Yearbook is no different. If you bring passion and effort, everything else can be learned. We’re here to help you keep learning, keep evolving and keep making your best book yet.”
Her passion for scholastic journalism paired with her hands-on experience in both the classroom and the field makes her a one-of-a-kind resource for Walsworth schools.
Want to connect with Sabrina or invite her to work with your program? Reach out to your Walsworth Yearbooks Sales Representative to get started.
