Stacy Snyder, Aspiring Teacher
FIRED Stacy Snyder, “Drunken Pirate”
Tiffany Shepherd, Teacher
Tiffany Shepherd, Bikini Mate
FIRED!
Steven Murmer
An Artist at Work
AKA: Stan Murmur
Risks of Online Social Networking and Blogging Pressure to increase the size of one’s online social network Failure to understand visibility of online postings and extent of privacy settings Culture of hasty responses and pressure to post photos from group gatherings
General Misuse “Unbecoming” conduct Social drinking pictures Legal adult pornography Descriptions of unprofessional activities
Passive vs. Active Internet Postings Passive – when the teacher was not the person who posted the online content, yet becomes a subject of discipline as a result of the material Active – when the teacher him or herself authors or posts certain material online Examples of such material include pictures, poems, status messages, and videos Associated privacy concerns
The Blurred Line Between Teacher and Friend Many educators feel that online communications between teachers and students are more likely to lead to inappropriate and sexual relationships. Pamela Rogers, 28-yrs Former Elementary School Gym Teacher
Teachers as Role Models
Privacy Issues Blurred line between what is personal and public Many social network members do not enable privacy blocks Members who attempt to keep their profiles clean and monitor their online presence by googling themselves periodically may still be unable to ensure that unwanted material does not appear online
“How can I be safer on Facebook?” Don’t give your password to anyone Customize your privacy settings “Remember, unless you’re prepared to attach something in your profile to a resume or scholarship application, don’t post it.”
Nexus Between Conduct & Job Performance Whether the questionable conduct or website content will affect the employee’s ability to perform his or her job duties The Tinker standard is used to determine the conduct’s disruptive effect on the educational environment
First Amendment Rights Free Association Free Speech Protection afforded a public employee’s speech varies based on: Whether the speech warrants First Amendment protection, Whether the speech was expressed on or off campus, and Whether it concerned his or her official government duties.
Guidelines for Employee Use of Personal Electronic Communication Devices Off Campus Mindful that any Internet information is ultimately accessible to the world Familiarize yourself with online privacy protections Be aware that information posted online, despite privacy protections, is easily and often reported to administrators or exposed to District students
Additional Considerations Employees are encouraged to monitor their ‘online identity’ It is inadvisable to have online interactions with students on social networking sites outside of those forums dedicated to academic use When in doubt, begin by contacting the student’s parent(s) or legal guardian through their District registered phone number District requests that employees ask themselves before posting any information online whether they would be comfortable having this information printed in the newspaper alongside their photo
Thank You!