Social Media Concerns and Solutions
Err on the side of caution.
It could be a very conservative outlook, but when you are in the educational arena, keeping it safe can save your job. The general rule of thumb is: Don't mix business with pleasure and use "proper decorum" - model digital citizenship for students.
It could be a very conservative outlook, but when you are in the educational arena, keeping it safe can save your job. The general rule of thumb is: Don't mix business with pleasure and use "proper decorum" - model digital citizenship for students.
Tips for Personal Usage of Social Media
- Students and "Friends" Don't Mix - If you use social media for personal use, keep it personal only. Don't connect with students or parents with your personal account. Tip - Change your name to an alias to stay private and distant .
- Utilize Privacy Settings - Many privacy settings allow very limited information to be viewed or allow your account to be locked to those who are not followers or friends.
- Avoid Incriminating Photos - Avoid any pictures that could be embarrassing, incriminating, or the center of gossip.
- Stay Professional - Keep school comments off the grid. Don't mention school issues or circumstances with students or parents - at all.
- Abide by State Laws - There are state laws regarding electronic communications with students. Know them and follow them to be sure to "maintain proper decorum in the on-line, digital world as well as in person....and conduct (yourself) in ways that do not distract from or disrupt the educational process."
Cases in Point - Lost Jobs
Some extreme cases....
6 Lost Jobs
Social Networking Nightmares
However, innocent comments can results in a lost job as well.....
-Don't reference the slightest comment regarding administrators, teachers or students.
-Don't reference past indiscretions.
-Don't correspond to students independently (emails, texts, social media) - comments should be for all.
6 Lost Jobs
Social Networking Nightmares
However, innocent comments can results in a lost job as well.....
-Don't reference the slightest comment regarding administrators, teachers or students.
-Don't reference past indiscretions.
-Don't correspond to students independently (emails, texts, social media) - comments should be for all.