About the store
Welcome to Bylines & Beyond! I am a retired educator with over 20 years of experience specializing in Secondary English (ELA) and Scholastic Journalism. As a former daily newspaper reporter and editor, I provide professional-grade, standards-aligned resources designed to save you time and engage your students.
During my tenure at Smithson Valley High School, I advised nationally recognized, award-winning Yearbook and Newspaper programs (NSPA All-American, ILPC Star Awards). I am a recipient of the Edith Fox King Award for my leadership in journalism education.
My store specializes in no-prep Journalism curriculum, Media Literacy escape rooms, AP Style practice, and Yearbook design activities. Whether you're a new advisor or a veteran ELA teacher, my mission is to help your students master the art of storytelling and critical thinking.
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FREEBIE Yearbook Post-Deadline End-of-the Year Activity
Is your staff's theme idea too trendy? Will it matter in 10 years? Use these two professional-grade worksheets from an award-winning advisor to stress-test your staff's concepts. Included:The 'So What?' Test (Relevance across all sections)The 10-Year Time Capsule Checklist (Future-proofing the legacy)This is a sample from my Complete Yearbook Post-Deadline Survival Kit. Download this for free, and if it saves your afternoon, check out the full 6-week bundle! Common Core State Standards (CCSS)C
7th - 12th
Other (ELA), Writing
Complete Yearbook Post-Deadline Survival Kit
The book is at the plant... now what? You’ve survived the late nights, the missing captions, and the "final final" proofing sessions. Now, you’re left with a room full of yearbook students and several weeks of school left. Reclaim your prep period and your sanity with this comprehensive Post-Deadline Survival Kit.This bundle is specifically designed to transition your staff from "deadline mode" to meaningful, independent learning without adding more grading to your plate. What’s Inside the Kit:
7th - 12th
Graphic Arts, Other (ELA), Writing
Yearbook Final Project: Post-Deadline Theme Proposal & Portfolio | Journalism
Stop the 'Post-Deadline Slump.' This 5-6 week Journalism Final Project guides students through a professional Yearbook Theme Proposal, keeping your staff engaged after the final deadline. Perfect For:High School Yearbook AdvisorsDigital Media & Graphic Design TeachersJournalism 1 & Advanced Journalism ClassesCTE Arts, A/V Technology, and Communications pathwaysThe Problem it Solves: This project eliminates the post-deadline slump by giving students a high-stakes, professional task: pitching th
9th - 12th
Graphic Arts, Other (ELA), Writing
Also included in:Â Complete Yearbook Post-Deadline Survival Kit
Journalism Escape Room: Media Literacy, Fact-Checking & News Writing - Sub Plan
Engage your students with this Journalism Escape Room focused on media literacy, fact-checking, and source verification. Perfect as a no-prep journalism sub plan or a back-to-school team builder, this "Breaking News" challenge tasks students with verifying rumors and beating the deadline. This interactive activity works for Secondary ELA, Yearbook, and Mass Media classes. YEARBOOK FINISHED? Check out my Post-Deadline Project here! This activity supports Common Core State Standards for E
7th - 12th
Grammar, Informational Text, Writing-Expository
CCSS
RI.11-12.1
, W.11-12.2
, W.11-12.4
 +5
Also included in:Â Complete Yearbook Post-Deadline Survival Kit
Journalism Headline Writing & Design Unit: Complete Curriculum Bundle
Master Journalism headline writing and graphic design with this comprehensive no-prep curriculum bundle. Perfect for Secondary ELA, Media Literacy, and Yearbook classes, this unit covers essential rules, structure, and visual literacy. Students move from theory to real-world practice with exercises designed to meet Texas TEKS and Common Core standards. Perfect for Emergency Sub Plans!Stuck at home or need a break from the front of the classroom? This resource is designed to be 100% Prep
7th - 12th
Informational Text, Other (ELA), Writing
CCSS
RI.11-12.2
, RI.11-12.7
, W.11-12.2a
 +3
Advanced Headline Design & Visual Literacy: Yearbook & Journalism Lesson
Take your students beyond the text with this advanced journalism lesson focused on the verbal-visual connection. Perfect for Yearbook advisors and Media Arts teachers, this resource teaches students how to use graphic design elements and placement for maximum impact. Help your student journalists create professional, award-winning layouts that command attention. Perfect for Emergency Sub Plans!Stuck at home or need a break from the front of the classroom? This resource is designed to be 10
7th - 12th
Creative Writing, Other (ELA), Writing
CCSS
RI.11-12.7
, W.11-12.2a
Also included in:Â Journalism Headline Writing & Design Unit: Complete Curriculum Bundle
Journalism Headline Writing Rules & Practice: Secondary ELA Writing Lessons
Teach Journalism headline writing rules with this engaging Secondary ELA lesson and activity. This resource provides a clear framework for writing news headlines, featuring real-world examples and practice exercises that make the "basics" stick. Perfect for student publications, Newspaper, or Yearbook advisors looking for a standards-aligned writing unit. Texas Essential and Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) Journalism §110.62.(b)(2)(B): Analyze the style and structure of journalistic writing.
7th - 12th
Other (ELA), Reading, Writing-Expository
CCSS
RI.9-10.2
, W.9-10.2
, W.9-10.4
 +1
Also included in:Â Journalism Headline Writing & Design Unit: Complete Curriculum Bundle
Interview Skills Stations: Journalism, Yearbook & Speech Prep - No-Prep Sub Plan
Help your students master the art of the interview with these 5 No-Prep Interview Skills Stations. Designed for Journalism, Yearbook, Speech, and Secondary ELA, these stations guide students through active listening, follow-up questions, and non-verbal communication. This interactive activity is perfect for a high-engagement sub plan or a career readiness unit. Perfect for Emergency Sub Plans!Stuck at home or need a break from the front of the classroom? This resource is designed to be
7th - 12th
Other (ELA)
CCSS
W.9-10.4
, W.9-10.7
, W.9-10.8
 +15
Lead Writing Challenge Stations
Help your journalism students write stronger, clearer, and more engaging leads with this hands-on, station-based classroom activity! Designed for both middle and high school journalism, this lesson gets students up, moving, analyzing real writing, and practicing the skills they need to start strong in any news or feature story. Students will rotate through five interactive learning stations focused on identifying lead types, revising weak leads, and crafting their own original leads from quot
7th - 12th
Informational Text, Other (ELA), Writing
CCSS
W.9-10.3
, W.9-10.4
, W.9-10.5
 +9
18 Weeks of Journalism Bell Ringers: A Full Semester of Daily Warm-Ups
Stop the "What are we doing today?" questions before they even start.This comprehensive Journalism Bell Ringers Bundle provides 18 weeks of engaging, high-interest daily activities designed specifically for the scholastic journalism classroom. Whether you teach Newspaper, Yearbook, or Media Literacy, these prompts transition your students into a "newsroom mindset" the moment they sit down. Created by a veteran advisor and former daily newspaper editor, these prompts go beyond "fluff"—they ch
8th - 12th
Other (ELA), Writing
CCSS, TEKS
RI.9-10.1
, RI.9-10.5
, RI.9-10.7
 +21
Journalism Bell Ringers II: Lead Writing, Copy Editing & Yearbook Activities
This Journalism Bell Ringers Bundle provides a full semester of daily warm-ups covering lead writing, copy editing, photography, and press freedoms. Designed for secondary English (ELA) and Yearbook classes, these activities foster critical thinking and spark creativity every day. Each lesson includes a Google Link for easy digital integration in your journalism curriculum.
8th - 12th
Other (ELA), Writing
CCSS, TEKS
RI.9-10.1
, RI.9-10.5
, RI.9-10.7
 +23
Also included in:Â 18 Weeks of Journalism Bell Ringers: A Full Semester of Daily Warm-Ups
Journalism Bell Ringers: Lead Writing, Copy Editing & Yearbook Activities
Here are nine weeks of bell ringers for journalism classes covering lead writing, headline writing, copy editing, photography and press freedoms and responsibilities. These daily warm-ups will spark classroom discussions, foster critical thinking and spark creativity. (PDF comes with Google Link.)
8th - 12th
Other (ELA), Writing
CCSS, TEKS
RI.9-10.1
, RI.9-10.5
, RI.9-10.7
 +24
Also included in:Â 18 Weeks of Journalism Bell Ringers: A Full Semester of Daily Warm-Ups
Journalism Publication Syllabus - Newspaper, Yearbook, or Media Arts Course
Get your journalism class off to a running start with this fillable and flexible journalism syllabus that fits any student publication. Use the Google Document or download as a Word document to create your own syllabus for the school year. YEARBOOK FINISHED? Check out my Post-Deadline Project here!
8th - 12th
Other (ELA)
CCSS
RI.9-10.1
, RI.9-10.5
, RI.9-10.7
 +29
STEAL Your Character Analysis
Teach young readers to STEAL their character analyses with this interactive Google Slide deck that focuses on speech, thoughts, effects on others, actions, and looks. The activity includes a writing assessment and a rubric for feedback and grading.
7th - 10th
Close Reading, Literature, Writing-Expository
CCSS
RL.9-10.1
, RL.9-10.3
, RL.9-10.4
 +5
Journalism Escape Room: AP Style, Ethics & Caption Writing - Journalism Sub Plan
Looking for an engaging Journalism Escape Room to practice AP Style, media ethics, and caption writing? This "Deadline Disaster" activity works perfectly as a Journalism sub plan, team builder, or a fun assessment for your secondary ELA or Yearbook students. Help your student journalists master the "deadline grind" with this interactive, no-prep challenge. Perfect for Emergency Sub Plans!Stuck at home or need a break from the front of the classroom? This resource is designed to be 100% P
8th - 12th
Grammar, Informational Text, Writing
CCSS
RI.9-10.8
, RI.11-12.8
, W.9-10.2
 +7
History Primary Source Analysis: Famous Photography Moments - Art History & ELA
Engage your students with this Primary Source Analysis project focused on Famous Photography Moments that changed the world. Perfect for High School History, Art History, and Secondary ELA, this research activity teaches visual literacy and historical context. Students will analyze 7 iconic images, exploring the stories behind the lens and their impact on global events. Perfect for Emergency Sub Plans!Stuck at home or need a break from the front of the classroom? This resource is designed
9th - 12th
Other (ELA), Other (Social Studies), Visual Arts
CCSS
RI.9-10.1
, W.9-10.4
Digital Journalism Interactive Notebook
Help students keep track of their notes and their learning with this digital interactive notebook designed for journalism classes, including yearbook, newspaper, and photography. Slides also are provided for extra notes, reflection and brainstorming in the Google Slide deck.
9th - 12th
Other (ELA), Writing, Writing-Expository
CCSS
RI.11-12.7
, RI.11-12.8
, RI.11-12.9
 +9
Julius Caesar & Cult of Personalty - Characterization, Literary Devices, Writing
Enhance understanding of Julius Caesar in this analysis of Caesar as a cult of personality based on the Living Colour 1988 Grammy-winning song "Cult of Personality." Students will analyze the concept of cult of personality, literary devices in the song lyrics, and Caesar's power and character traits. Includes lesson plans for three days, video and song lyric links, handouts, and a quiz.
9th - 10th
Literature, Poetry, Writing
CCSS
RL.9-10.1
, RL.9-10.2
, RL.9-10.4
 +11
Sports Caption Writing Activity
"Tackle difficult sports caption writing with this targeted journalism lesson. Students learn to read box scores and gather background info to write championship-level captions for yearbook or newspaper sports spreads." Perfect for Emergency Sub Plans!Stuck at home or need a break from the front of the classroom? This resource is designed to be 100% Prep-Free. Whether you have a long-term sub or an emergency guest teacher, your journalism students will stay engaged and on-task without needin
7th - 12th
Creative Writing, Other (ELA), Writing
CCSS
W.11-12.2
, W.11-12.4
, W.11-12.8
 +3
The Odyssey in Emails - Characterization and Writing
Dig deeper into characters from The Odyssey as students take on roles from the epic and write emails to other characters, Students will practice narrative and summary writing while also making calls to action in this two-day character analysis and writing activity. Handouts are included along with a rubric for self-assessment or grading.
8th - 10th
Close Reading, Other (ELA), Writing
CCSS
W.6.3
, W.6.3a
, W.6.3b
 +2
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About the store
Experience
Welcome to Bylines & Beyond! I am a retired educator with over 20 years of experience specializing in Secondary English (ELA) and Scholastic Journalism. As a former daily newspaper reporter and editor, I provide professional-grade, standards-aligned resources designed to save you time and engage your students.
During my tenure at Smithson Valley High School, I advised nationally recognized, award-winning Yearbook and Newspaper programs (NSPA All-American, ILPC Star Awards). I am a recipient of the Edith Fox King Award for my leadership in journalism education.
My store specializes in no-prep Journalism curriculum, Media Literacy escape rooms, AP Style practice, and Yearbook design activities. Whether you're a new advisor or a veteran ELA teacher, my mission is to help your students master the art of storytelling and critical thinking.
Teaching style
I specialize in creating engaging, standards-aligned resources that foster critical thinking and authentic communication. My materials are designed to support educators in delivering impactful language arts and journalism instruction, encouraging students to analyze, discuss, and write with purpose.
Awards & shining teacher moments
Over my 20-year tenure in journalism education, I've been honored with the Edith Fox King Award by the Interscholastic League Press Conference, recognizing my leadership and dedication to scholastic journalism. My students' publications have consistently earned top honors, including Star Awards from ILPC, All-American recognition from the National Scholastic Press Association, and features in the Jostens LookBook. Additionally, I've been privileged to serve as a teaching ambassador for the Emerging Journalists Program and hold leadership roles within the Texas Association of Journalism Educators. These experiences underscore my commitment to fostering excellence in student journalism.
My own education history
I earned my Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Urban and Community Studies from Texas Tech University, graduating summa cum laude. I worked as a general assignments reporter and editor for two daily newspapers for 13 years before I spent more than two decades teaching English and journalism at the secondary level.
Additional biographical information
I believe in fostering critical thinking and authentic communication. My resources are designed to engage students actively, encouraging them to analyze, discuss, and write with purpose.
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