In the news, I often hear stories of how social media can get teachers and other professionals in trouble. This is one example from 2017:
In these digital days, it is very easy for private posts to spread like wildfire. This video discusses how a teacher’s aide from Mansfield was fired after posting a Snapchat picture of her student’s face with the caption “She devil”. The mother whose daughter’s pictures were used by the teacher’s aide says, “It is very disturbing to have your daughter’s photos be exploited on social media without your consent”.
Clearly, what this teacher’s aide did was wrong however, the case is not always that clear. Here are 3 tips for teachers to not get fired over social media or technology use.
1. Do Not Post Anything Inappropriate
Teachers often do not realize that even if you think something is private, once it’s online it can get into anyone’s hands. In 2018, a North Carolina teacher was suspended after videos of her pole dancing in her home were posted on Facebook and later leaked to school officials. The article states, “Teachers have faced professional consequences for posting about their personal lives on social media—even when their activity doesn’t have anything to do with their school or their students”.
As a general rule, whenever posting anything inappropriate online, even something that you think may disappear after 10 seconds on Snapchat, think to yourself if it is worth losing your job over.
2. Know Confidentiality Rules (FERPA)
Teachers need to be aware of privacy concerns relating to students and their parents. Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a legislation relevant to education agencies, institutions, and schools that receive funds from the U.S. Department of Education. Some key aspects of FERPA relating to technology and social media use I learned from this guide are:
- Only use technology that is pre-approved by your school. Do not use educational technology programs that your school does not have a contract for.
- Do not share student photos or information (Like what the teacher’s aide in the video did).
- Do not publically post student’s information online without a parent’s consent.
- Do not use social media to connect with students.
3. Do Not Post During School Hours
Teacher’s should be working while at work and socializing after school is let out. Teachers should also not be using social media on any school-owned computer or another electronic device, only on their own personal devices and on their own time.
As a teacher, if you ever think “Should I post this or not?” It is probably best not to post it. But always remember, technology and social media can enhance your career and learning when used properly.
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