Younger teachers have always had email and are comfortable with social media sites. This can cause problems in your professional life because you are used to saying and doing what you like on your own sites. However, there are a growing number of cases of teachers being fired for unwise or inappropriate material on their sites. In some cases they have been fired for completely unjustifiable reasons. If they sue, they may eventually get their jobs back or at least get restitution. Even if this happens, however, several years of income can be lost and the publicity may keep them from ever teaching again. It's best to avoid getting into a mess like this in the first place.
The advent of Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, and YouTube have changed our perceptions of privacy and private life vs. public life. I am astounded at the things people will write about themselves for the entire world to see. Many of these are things they would never admit to people in person.Teachers need to think twice before posting.
The following are potential danger spots:
YouTube: This is one that you have little control over. Teacher baiting has become a great game for kids. Kids will intentionally get a teacher worked up and then video the teacher responding. Substitutes are often the victims but it can be regular teachers as well. All it takes is a couple of kids who don't like you, or who are just bored. Don't believe me? Go to YouTube and type in "angry teachers." The best solution is to make sure that students don't have cell phones out. But because they are so small this is difficult to police. Yet another good reason to keep moving around in the room.
Your Facebook page: Teachers have been fired because of the content on their Facebook pages, even when those pages are not accessible to students or parents.
Flickr or other photo sites: If you post a photo that your school deems inappropriate you may be fired. Tops in this list include pictures of you drunk, in disarray, kissing someone, doing anything illegal.
Blogs: In blogs if you say negative things about your school, district or students you may be fired. Yes, this is probably illegal, but it is happening. As far as the world is concerned you love your job and want to work there forever. Keep complaints to friends, and never write them down.
Private Behavior: Yes, outside the school building you have a right to behave as you wish, within the law. But understand that if students, parents, fellow teachers or administrators see you vomiting outside a bar on Friday night it can cause big problems for you. Use your head!
Doing controversial things in class: Clear it with your administrator first. This often happens with social studies teachers who are trying to re-enact a particular time period. There are some terrific activities that kids can learn a great deal from. But none of them are worth losing your job over. Do something else.
Showing all or parts of R-rated movies. There are many R-rated movies that are excellent teaching tools. The beginning segment of Saving Private Ryan is a good example. However, no matter how valid your reason for showing it, no administrator is going to support you if a parent comes unglued about it. I did show portions of R-rated films on occasion, but I certainly would not do it in our current anti-public school environment. Find another way to get your point across. It's simply not worth taking the risk of losing your job.
Remember that teachers are considered to be public figures and are open to public scrutiny. Most teacher contracts still contain a morals clause. While it may grate on you, it's best to keep your personal activities off line. Teachers are under enough fire and criticism as it is. Don't allow yourself to be caught up in a situation you could have avoided.
For additional protection I recommended joining your teachers' association. You will be provided legal counsel if something does happen.
The advent of Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, and YouTube have changed our perceptions of privacy and private life vs. public life. I am astounded at the things people will write about themselves for the entire world to see. Many of these are things they would never admit to people in person.Teachers need to think twice before posting.
The following are potential danger spots:
YouTube: This is one that you have little control over. Teacher baiting has become a great game for kids. Kids will intentionally get a teacher worked up and then video the teacher responding. Substitutes are often the victims but it can be regular teachers as well. All it takes is a couple of kids who don't like you, or who are just bored. Don't believe me? Go to YouTube and type in "angry teachers." The best solution is to make sure that students don't have cell phones out. But because they are so small this is difficult to police. Yet another good reason to keep moving around in the room.
Your Facebook page: Teachers have been fired because of the content on their Facebook pages, even when those pages are not accessible to students or parents.
Flickr or other photo sites: If you post a photo that your school deems inappropriate you may be fired. Tops in this list include pictures of you drunk, in disarray, kissing someone, doing anything illegal.
Blogs: In blogs if you say negative things about your school, district or students you may be fired. Yes, this is probably illegal, but it is happening. As far as the world is concerned you love your job and want to work there forever. Keep complaints to friends, and never write them down.
Private Behavior: Yes, outside the school building you have a right to behave as you wish, within the law. But understand that if students, parents, fellow teachers or administrators see you vomiting outside a bar on Friday night it can cause big problems for you. Use your head!
Doing controversial things in class: Clear it with your administrator first. This often happens with social studies teachers who are trying to re-enact a particular time period. There are some terrific activities that kids can learn a great deal from. But none of them are worth losing your job over. Do something else.
Showing all or parts of R-rated movies. There are many R-rated movies that are excellent teaching tools. The beginning segment of Saving Private Ryan is a good example. However, no matter how valid your reason for showing it, no administrator is going to support you if a parent comes unglued about it. I did show portions of R-rated films on occasion, but I certainly would not do it in our current anti-public school environment. Find another way to get your point across. It's simply not worth taking the risk of losing your job.
Remember that teachers are considered to be public figures and are open to public scrutiny. Most teacher contracts still contain a morals clause. While it may grate on you, it's best to keep your personal activities off line. Teachers are under enough fire and criticism as it is. Don't allow yourself to be caught up in a situation you could have avoided.
For additional protection I recommended joining your teachers' association. You will be provided legal counsel if something does happen.
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