This week was an interesting week to discuss. While the workload was slightly less than usually expected, facebook and the interaction between students and other social media is a big issue in our country. Simple innocent comments, political perspectives and other ideas can lead to mayhem when a teacher posts them on her social media site. For whatever reason, public school teachers are held to incredibly high standard of morality and humility. Any type of interaction that identifies them as having a life outside of the classroom, often is a detriment. Whether this is fair or not, it is often the truth.
Reading about the teacher that posted about "the ghetto" this week was interesting. It was not too long ago that I was reprimanded for a similar incidence. And needless to say I was humiliated.
Our district had received a mandate from the state department indicating that we display measures of achievement to encourage student success. Our principals went to a workshop at one of the "successful" schools in MS and adopted an idea that they had implemented successfully. Basically we were asked to use the last four identifying numbers of a kids permanent record number, and write it on a card. We were given a grading scale (95-100 Advanced, 81-94 Average 71-80 Below Average 70 and below- at risk of failing) We were asked to average students grades once a week and move their card to a triangle with four different colors on it. Blue was advanced, Green Average, Yellow Below and Red at risk.
The very thought of publicly displaying the kids that were failing on a weekly basis was despicable to me. Out of frustration, hoping to get some insight from some veteran teachers I posted " I feel like I can't win. Our kids have been reduced to numbers. I don't know what to do." In hinds sight, I should have just kept it to myself, but the administration in my school did not take kindly to it. Fortunately I was given a warning. I learned a quick lesson however. Facebook is not for student/teacher interaction and it should be discouraged. Facebook and other social media should not be used to discuss political opinions or educational perspectives or the quality of education where you are employed. Look at all these cases:
Teacher in trouble over Facebook post - This teacher jokingly stated she wanted to "kill her students"
NJ Teacher in Trouble -This teacher posted his feelings about gay/lesbian rights.
Rules about Social Media This is an overview of some of the things that are happening around the country regarding social media.
The fact of the matter is facebook is an incredible networking tool and a resource for finding new and interesting ways to incorporate teaching practices but keep it between colleagues, old friends and family. Adding students, and parents and reflections on your job will only reflect poorly on professionalism as a teacher, no matter how right or wrong it may be.
