Technology and social media have linked our world together more than ever before. We are able to communicate with those around us within seconds, being able to share any thought we have with the press of a button. While this communication allows us to quickly spread ideas, communicate, and share our lives, this constant connectivity can have major downfalls, especially in the realm of professional employment. It is important that educators understand the dangers of technology, as there have been many teachers who have jeopardized their careers due to interactions and postings on social media. Social media raises the question: how truly private are lives in the technological world of 2020?
Teacher Loses Job Over Instagram Bathtub Post
In December of 2019, Caitlin Cunningham, a 6th-grade teacher at Gentry Middle School in Columbia, Missouri found herself tied in a scandal due to a post on her Instagram. The post involved a video where she and a friend sat naked in a bathtub with the caption “2B*tchezinaBathtub” and spoke about current events. The account was public, and although Cunnigham had been using the name “Katy” instead of “Caitlin” it did not stop her students from finding the video. The students began to comment on the post, saying things such as “aren’t you a teacher?” and “we’re going to get you fired.” Even though Cunnigham had made her account private and deleted the post after the student’s discovery, the damage had been done. She was placed on administrative leave until further notice. Cunnigham had previously placed in her resignation a month prior on November 18, however, it would not go into effect until January 3 of 2020, so at the time of the posting she was still an employee at the school. It is important educators are aware of what they are posting and of what their school’s social media policy is, beings every school is required to have a written social media policy to keep up with the growing digital world. One bad post is a quick way to unemployment, no matter how good your previous track record was. Cunnigham was a teacher at the school for 9 years and helped start the Jaguar PAWS (People Accepting Whole Selves), the school’s Gender and Sexuality Alliance club and was an active agent in facilitating club activities since its beginnings. Her good past was not enough to stop the school from moving foward with her suspension. When looking at the school’s staff conduct policy, it reads as follows:
The Board of Education expects every employee to act professionally, ethically and responsibly; use good judgment, and do what is necessary to maintain a safe learning environment and positive relations with students, parents/guardians, coworkers, and the public.
Columbia Public Schools
Cunnigham’s actions were seen as a violation of this policy, leading to the schoolboard feeling just in her removal. No matter how private and secure we may feel online, the internet is a place where what we say and do is on full display and we never truly know who is looking. As a teacher, especially middles school, your student could be trying to find you online. A good rule of thumb is if you have to think twice, don’t post.
Snapchat Mistake Leaves Teacher Suspended
While Cunnigham may have intentionally posted her video to Instagram, what happens when a teacher accidentally posts intimae stories to their Snapchat? This is the case for a 7th-grade teacher from Ewing Halsell Middle School in Vinita, Oklahoma. The teacher had meant to send an intimate photo to her boyfriend, however, it was placed on her Snapchat story instead, where all her followers could view. It had taken her 30 minutes to realize her mistake, however, it was too late. Her students had seen the photo and began to circulate the image around the school. Since it was an accident she will not be facing legal trouble, but the school has decided to suspend the teacher while they weigh their options. This opens the question, should we have our students on our social media platforms? Although the situation would have been embarrassing regardless, the mistake would not have reached this magnitude if she had her social media set to where only selected friends could view her account. Teachers must put in extra precautions when it comes to social media privacy — the more private the better. Personally, I find having students on any social media platform to be unprofessional and should be avoided. This is a prime example of why we all must think twice about how we interact online. No silly mistake like this is worth losing your career.
Innaportaite Communication Leads to Legal Action
While it may seem obvious we should not interact with our students outside of the classroom, some teacher’s still cross the line. Social media and smartphones make it even easier for adults to take advantage of children and adolescents. Communication is more accessible and there are many avenues and apps predators can use to get in touch with vulnerable youths. 16-year-old girl, Kelsey Garber, from Greeneville, Tennesee is currently seeking legal options after her former biology teacher, Rowdy Jones, began to send her sexually explicit and inappropriate messages over Snapchat. In these messages, Jones stated that he was intoxicated, missed the student, asked her if she wanted to have sex with him, and that he knew what he was saying and doing was wrong. It has also been reported Garber is not the first girl he has messaged.
It just made me feel nasty even though I didn’t do anything wrong because there’s no reason he, as a grown man, should have been texting students like that.
Kelsey Garber
The night Garber got the messages her mother, Jamie Greene, called the Greene County Sheriff’s Department to report the event. Jones had resigned the following day, listing in the report “inappropriate communications with a student that is non-explicit.” When asked about the situation Jones stated that “I will not be returning to teaching, and as for my next steps I am currently in therapy and cooperating with officials.” Legal action is currently being taken.
The behavior of Jones is inexcusable. Teachers are supposed to be protectors and educators, keeping our students safe. While Snapchat is not to blame for the incorporate behavior performed by Jones, it did make his communication with Garber more accessible. He clearly did not think she would report the incident, but I am glad she did. Jones used social media to take advantage of his students and should by no means be allowed back into the teaching profession.
Social media opens the door for communication, however, this seems to be one teacher should keep locked and shut. We should not have our students viewing our personal lives and we most definitely should not have them be a part of it. Outside of the classroom, you are not your student’s best friend and should not treat them as such.
Social media has lasting effects on the world around us. Even when these three cases fade into history, the educators in these scenarios will forever be held accountable for their misuse of social media. It will be harder for them to get a job after this due to the power of Google alone. The search of their name will come up with every news article and report written about how they created an unsafe environment for their students, something no hiring manager will look beyond, especially in a school district. Save yourself the trouble and stay safe online. Look over your workplace’s social media policy and stay smart online. No post, tweet, or Snapchat is worth losing your job, pride, and reputation.
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In addition, one of the best 21st century skills that we can teach students With an increase in handheld devices, does the social network .Teaching, Studying and Working in Journalism in the 21st Century .