By now just about everyone has heard about the Pennsylvania teacher who vented on her personal blog about the troubles she was having with student motivation and student behavior in general. The story got me thinking about how vulnerable a teacher who uses social media such as personal blogs, Facebook, Twitter, etc. can be. Like it or not teachers are held to a higher standard. Putting yourself out there and expressing yourself can get you in hot water if your not careful.
Have you had any issues in using social media? Are you cognizant of the fact that you are somewhat in the public spotlight? Do you have any rules about using social media to prevent yourself from getting in trouble
Comments
Although I am not a teacher, I am a Master’s level Social Worker who also happens to work for the Federal Government. My Facebook profile is set-up as both for ‘friends’ and ‘networking’; however, I NEVER discuss any form of business, particularly as a post or ‘rant’ concerning the occupation I work in. Person service ‘work’ (i.e. teaching, social work, law enforcement, nursing, etc) must stay aware of any of their words that go out into the web world…that’s just common/career sense, to me. Yes, she had a personal right of free speech, but when one chooses to act on this ‘right’, one better be prepared to deal with the consequences and scrutiny that can come with it. Agreed, many districts want teachers to have more contact w/students and their family’s; hence, talking so negatively as she did certainly wouldn’t help her cause to positively engage with a student or family. Undoubtedly, that relationship was strained or devalued…making the teacher’s training far less appreciated and valued for a ‘resolve’ to her frustration with her student. Perhaps a teacher could post her suggestion/view on better study skills, time management, the payoff of personal drive, etc. These concepts are simular to her frustrations; however, she came across far to slanderous of her students and their parents–definitely not good for ‘business’. Just my thoughts…
When using a social media website I always mentally think to put something positive if I choose to make a post.
The comments regarding this PA story really disappoints me. Did we forget about common sense? Why again is social media taking the brunt of this bashing? Professionals are suppose to avoid social media? “how vulnerable a teacher who uses social media” and “Person service ‘work’ (i.e. teaching, social work, law enforcement, nursing, etc) must stay aware of any of their words that go out into the web world”
I would think it is common sense for professionals and all of mankind, to never say the things this teacher did to anyone in any situation. Way too often I overhear the same types of negative comments at the water-cooler in my office. It doesn’t make it right just because your aren’t getting caught. If anything, we should be praising social media for allowing these types of people to expose themselves. Plus, to expand on how beneficial social media can be, there are some very excellent sites that promote positive collaboration. My wife who is a teacher uses the Anonymous Apple, heres a link http://www.AnonymousApple.com. She is constantly sharing ideas with other teacher all over US and finding new ways to present her material to her students. It is really fascinating to see. Social media is the wave of the future.