I’m lucky, like finding a four-leaf clover or gold at the end of the rainbow kind of lucky.

I really am. I can’t say enough how lucky I am.

Want to know why?

Here’s it is: I have incredible kids and support from them. Additionally, my administration is incredible. I have a principal who makes a conscious effort to check in with my kids; he also came to convention last year to see what scholastic journalism was all about, met with JEA president Mark Newton to discuss issues related to student media, and he presented on relationships with me. My assistant principal of curriculum and instruction pushes me to be innovative in my approaches to my curriculum, and helps me to develop new courses and initiatives to give authentic experiences for media students. My department chair is just awesome. She constantly supports not only me, but also my kids. She works diligently to give new opportunities for our students; she helps develop long-term plans and objectives to build my program; she works with my kids individually to improve themselves ethically and legally; and she tries to provide a team environment for all four of the media advisers at my school..

Like I said, I’m lucky.

Here’s why and here’s how:

1. Be open and honest. My administration knows there aren’t going to be surprises. They won’t censor me, but I also find it incredibly important to give them a heads up when things get tough.
2. Communication is key. We talk. We talk a lot. I mean, seriously, we talk a lot.
3. Relationships are foundational to success. I’m pretty sure most of why my program works is because of relationships. Not only are my relationships with parents and students important, but also my relationships with administration are critical. Show them you care. We give them t-shirts, bags, and more.
4. Emphasize a positive culture. My program is constantly enriched with celebration and recognition because of the relationships I have with my administration. Find opportunities not only to have your students recognized, but also to recognize your administration and other teachers for what they do for you. We’ve recently distributed pennants and window clings to teachers and administration that included thank you notes to recognize what they’ve done for us.

It may seem like there isn’t a lot to be successful, but the little things are what matter most in your relationships with administration.

• Invite them to conferences and into your media lab.
• Encourage them to meet with your editor-in-chief one-on-one monthly to keep communication channels open.
• Provide them with opportunities to critique and view your media.
• Give them your staff t-shirt and let them promote you.
• Invite them to staff breakfasts and dinners.
• Just be open with them and avoid the surprises.
• Most importantly, have fun.

Oh, yeah, and be lucky, too.

Patrick Johnson, CJE,  is the news magazine adviser at Antioch Community High School in Illinois.  He is a member of the KEMPA board and director of the KEMPA Summer Journalism Workshop.  His blog focuses on issues affecting new journalism advisers.