Each year, hundreds of teachers become the new yearbook adviser and are faced with the sometimes daunting task of creating a yearbook for their school. These new yearbook advisers often struggle with recruiting and training a staff, learning new software and meeting deadlines, but mostly they struggle with keeping the book moving forward when it feels like there are always a million things to do.
While the Walsworth Yearbooks sales representative is the frontline resource for the new adviser by helping with staff training, setting a budget and assisting with deadline submissions, sometimes turning to someone who is doing what you are doing, and has the advantage of having done it successfully, can be an encouraging shoulder to lean on.
To this end, we have developed our Adviser Mentor Program, now in its fourth year.
The Adviser Mentor Program is about matching experienced yearbook advisers (the Mentors) who have successfully created a yearbook over several years with yearbook adviser rookies (the Mentees) offering them camaraderie, wisdom and extra support.
Mentoring provides an experienced adviser an opportunity to “pay it forward” by helping guide a first- or second-year adviser with the expertise they have developed over time. The mentor can offer their unique perspective, experience and love for yearbooks on topics such as:
- Setting and meeting deadlines
- Working with the school’s administration
- Grading
- Working with parents
- Providing advising tips and tricks from your experience
- Offering monthly encouragement through every step of the process
Requirements to be a mentor:
- A current Walsworth Yearbooks customer
- Three years or more of yearbook advising experience
- Willing to make one contact each month with your mentee – a contact can be a telephone call, email, text message or a chat over coffee
- Commit to be a mentor for the entire school year
What you can expect from us:
- A monthly email from Jim Jordan, program ambassador, offering suggestions to share with your mentee
- Direct access to Jim Jordan at any time for advice, assistance and support
- Surveys and regular check-ins so we can help make your relationship with your mentee productive
- A commemorative pin celebrating your work as a mentor
If you are interested in becoming a mentor, contact your Walsworth Yearbooks sales rep. If you are a new adviser who needs support, click this button.
