Below are the positions available this semester for the Journalism 120 class. They include the online school newspaper, podcasting and sometimes yearbook.- Read through each of the positions carefully and decide on TWO positions.
- You will write ONE letter of application that you will share with the teacher on Google Drive.
- In the letter you will include any experiences or qualifications that are relevant to the position. Because you are not submitting a resume, ensure that you state in the letter what makes you the right person for both positions. Consider what talents and experiences you can bring to your desired position.
- Check out this link for information on how to write your letter.
- For an example of a letter, click here.
- When you have finished your letter, share it on Google Drive with at least one other student who can proofread it and then make any final revisions.
THE TALON STAFF
Social Media and Photo Management Coordinator – The Talon
This position handles all aspects of promoting the content of the online school newspaper, The Blackville Talon. Currently, the newspaper has Instagram and Twitter accounts. This person will also be responsible to maintain the photo database that will be used by both the online newspaper and yearbook staff. They will be responsible for the online archiving of photos from previous years and ensuring that the new photos are placed in appropriate folders that are clearly titled. They will also ensure that photos contain descriptions of the event and/or names for easy reference. Additionally, this person is responsible to maintain up to date links on the the school newspaper site to current photo albums.
- Background knowledge of layout and design or the willingness and desire to learn
- Experience with the Internet and using web design online sites is preferred (or the ability to learn)
- Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
Photographers and Reporters – The Talon (and Yearbook)
These people will work within the school, and when necessary the community, to gather news and information that is of interest to The Talon readership and the larger Internet community. They will gather information, do interviews, take photos, and write articles. They will also be responsible for posting their work online for The Talon readership. Sometimes the reporters may do video features where they will report in front of the camera. While some of this work will be done in the Journalism 120 class, covering some events or interviewing some people may occur outside classroom time. These people will work closely with The Talon editor. The work these people do (from articles to photos) may be used for the yearbook.
When applying for this position, please specify where your primary interest is: news, sports, entertainment, Kids Corner or another section you think the The Talon should have.
- Good writing skills with the ability to edit and revise your own work
- Competent knowledge of photography or the willingness and desire to learn
- Strong interpersonal skills
- A willingness to work, if necessary, after school and during lunch periods
Videographers – The Talon
This person will be responsible for video taping any events that are being reported and will be used as video features on the online school newspaper. This person will work closely with the The Talon reporters and the editor to script a story idea and then videotape and edit it. They will be responsible for posting the final approved work onto the online school newspaper. While some of this work will be done in the Journalism 120 class, sometimes it will be required for videotaping and editing to occur after school or during lunch.
- Working knowledge of video scripting, video taping and editing or the willingness to learn
- Ability to work well with other people in a team environment
- A willingness to work, if necessary, after school or during lunch periods
Please Note: Depending on the response, this position may be shared with another person.
OTHER MEDIA STAFF
Podcaster
This person will be responsible for writing stories and hosting interview features for a podcast that will be available on The Talon (they will be responsible to upload the podcast to The Talon). This person will work closely with The Talon staff for news, sports and features that can be shared with the listening audience. The person will also edit their work before submitting it for broadcast.
- Strong writing and editing skills
- An effective and professional voice for radio
- Some knowledge of editing using podcast software is preferred or the willingness to learn
Please Note: Depending on the response, this position may be shared with another person.
Please Note: Depending on the response, this position may be shared with another person as co-managers.
Daily Video Announcement Coordinator
This person will be responsible for obtaining and organizing the daily announcements in partnership with the school. These are the announcements that are presented each day (usually in the morning) to the school community. Each week the coordinator will organize a schedule of students from across school grade levels who will perform the morning report. This person will coach the students to help prepare them to read the report. In some instances, this person will also have to act as the video announcer for the morning report. If possible, the person in this role may continue their work into the second semester.
- Strong writing and editing skills
- Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
- Knowledge of video camera and microphone operation or the willingness to learn
- A willingness, if necessary, to work after school or during lunch periods
Please Note: This position may be shared with another person.
YEARBOOK
Yearbook Business Manager
The yearbook business manager will be responsible for promoting the yearbook throughout the school. They will be responsible for the collection of yearbook orders and money, as well as the maintenance of the online database for both book and ad orders. This person will work closely with the yearbook editor and the rest of the yearbook team. Aside from the yearbook sales, this person will also be responsible for generating advertising revenue for the yearbook. Another responsibility of this position is to organize any fundraising events for the yearbook. While some of this work will be done in the Journalism 120 class, a good portion of the work will also occur outside the classroom and into second semester.Please Note: Depending on the response, this position may be shared with another person as co-managers.
- Experience working with money and budgets or a willingness to learn
- Strong organizational skills
- Strong social skills and willing to contact local businesses (advertising)
- Ability to write letters to businesses, school staff, etc
- A willingness to sometimes work after school
