Omaha South High School English and yearbook teacher Jacob Andersen discussed how teaching yearbook and English require two different skill sets.
Andersen described how English is more focused on skills and being flexible, while, on the other hand, yearbook focuses on a single product and has very rigid deadlines. “I’d also say that running the yearbook feels more like a team effort and like I am part of the process. In English classes, I’m just helping the kids meet the goals of a given unit,” Andersen said.
When asked what he enjoyed most about teaching English versus yearbook, Andersen touched on enjoying the pre-made structure of an English class.
“The district gives teachers a roadmap,” Andersen said. On the flip side, he described liking the chaos of yearbook. “We start fresh every year, and getting to the published book has looked different each time I’ve done it.”
During Andersen’s interview, he expressed how time management is the biggest challenge he faces when balancing both roles. Andersen also said that the best way to overcome that challenge is dedicating set time periods to each group. It is not always easy, but over time it has gotten better.
The advice Andersen would give to a teacher considering taking on both English and yearbook was to simply be prepared to be overwhelmed.
“Personally, I like having both on my schedule, but a new teacher will have to learn to love the chaos of that first year or two.”
When asked what he thinks students like most about yearbook, he simply said the independence of the class. It’s not a typical class. He gives the students an assignment, and as long as they get it done by the deadline, it’s fine.
“It’s supposed to be more fun than a class where you sit in a desk and just take notes.”
