I think that as a teacher it is imperative to maintain a professional persona, digital or otherwise. As teachers we are role models for America’s youth. As difficult as it may seem at times, we need to act appropriately inside and outside of school. To me this means do not do anything illegal or unethical. You always hear stories about the crazy science teacher smoking pot during their break, teachers drinking, driving, and getting DUIs, and more recently teachers posting inappropriate things on social networking sites. The question is do you want to be that teacher? I don’t and I hope that everyone else reading this blog doesn’t either. Therefore, we should always err on the side of caution. If you think something may get you in trouble, don’t do it. It’s as simple as that. However, I’m not saying that teachers cannot have lives of their own. If you are going to go to a bar and get sloshed, maybe go somewhere outside of your school district so the chances of running into a parent are less and have a designated driver. If you smoke pot, legally or otherwise, do it in the privacy of your own home on your own time. Lastly, if you are a member of a social networking site, Facebook for example, set your page to private and add only true friends. If you feel the need to add coworkers, create a second Facebook for your school self and one for your personal life.
Social networking sites could be great teaching tools. In fact, one project that I would like my students to do is to create a Facebook page for someone in history. It would not be on Facebook, I have a template that they would use with Microsoft PowerPoint, but it is inspired by Facebook. Also, a teacher’s Facebook that would be open to all students would be a great way to keep in contact with the class outside of school. You could post information about sporting events or any other extracurricular activity. All social networking sites are not bad. They could be great teaching tools. It is all in how it is used.
I agree with you that we have to always maintain a professional persona in all we do. Being a teacher means that you are responsible for being a role model to others in all facets of life. I also love your idea of creating a facebook page for someone in history. I can see the kids really getting into a project like that. Using something they are already familiar with and turning it into a teaching tool is great! I may borrow this idea. :)
ReplyDeleteIt is really important to keep a clean online image, especially if your students can see it. I don't know why anyone would not have their privacy settings set but it is important to look professional. Also, I think it is a really good idea to have a professional facebook and a personal one, preferably one that cannot be searched.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you about being professional! We are choosing to not only have a career but to be serious role models for our future. Be responsible. It is not hard to follow the laws. I think it is harder for us to remember to not do things that seem harmless but are taken the wrong way by children and parents such as going to the bar and getting drunk on our free time. BE RESPONSIBLE!
ReplyDeleteI'm on the same wavelength as well. If you want to be a teacher, act like it. It's not simply about hiding your behaviors on the Internet, but as role models we need to live like we encourage our students to live, avoiding those negative behaviors in general.
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