FB + Teachers + Comments about school/parents/students = :P

Our last class and the extended discussion got me thinking about Facebook and educators. Clearly, teachers (and members of every other profession) have every right to be members of social networking sites. I can honestly say that having a Facebook account has been of benefit to me both personally (I am able to keep in good touch with distant friends and family) and professionally (I am able to network with colleagues and keep up with news and information that is pertinent to my interests). I don't believe I could give up Facebook at this point – I would literally be removing myself from an information environment that I have come to heavily rely on.

So why do so many teachers seem to get themselves into hot water with their Facebook accounts? A recent Google search yielded the following examples of teachers whose profiles have put their careers in serious jeopardy:

Girl's mom sues Chicago teacher over Facebook hairdo flap
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504083_162-20051341-504083.html

This teacher posted a photo of the hairstyle of one of her young students. According to reports, each of the child's braids contained Jolly Rancher candies at the end. The caption on her Facebook post read “Right! This was for picture day.”

Teacher suspended for Facebook post: called kids future criminals, parents say

http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Education/2011/0401/Teacher-suspended-for-Facebook-post-called-kids-future-criminals-parents-say

A first grade teacher in New Jersey posted about feeling like a warden and referred to her students as “future criminals” in her status updates.

Teachers Fired for Flirting on Facebook with Students
http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2010/10/18/teachers-fired-flirting-facebook-students/

Three educators in New York are fired for having inappropriate contact with their students on Facebook – with at least one of those individuals bringing the interaction into real life by engaging in a sexual relationship with an 18 year old former student. In each case, inappropriate comments were made on the students' walls and photos as well as within the individuals' profiles.

Teacher Fired for Posting Picture of Herself Holding Beer on Facebook
http://www.gadailynews.com/news/61845-teacher-ashley-payne-fired-for-posting-picture-of-herself-holding-beer-on-facebook.html

In what is probably the most controversial teacher firing, Ashley Payne – a third grade teacher in Georgia – was fired after administrators received an anonymous email from a concerned parent who cited Ms. Payne's drinking and foul language on her Facebook profile as upsetting for her and her daughter. Ms. Payne is currently suing to be reinstated.

Teacher Loses Job After Commenting About Students, Parents on Facebook
http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/facebook-firing-teacher-loses-job-commenting-students-parents/story?id=11437248

Stressed out and on her third round of antibiotics, June Talvitie-Siple posted about not looking forward to another year at her school, called her students “germ bags”, and referred to the parents in her district as “snobby” and “arrogant”. Unfortuately, Ms. Talvitie-Siple did not make her Wall private and outraged parents called for her resignation. She acknowledged that her “stupid mistake” cost her her career.

ESU professor suspended for comments made on Facebook page
http://www.poconorecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100226/NEWS/2260344/-1/NEWSLETTER100

Though this sociology professor believed that her profile was only visible to friends and family, Gloria Gadsden was allegedly turned in to university officials by a student after she wondered “"Does anyone know where I can find a very discrete hitman? Yes, it's been that kind of day.".

Teacher may lose job after derogatory comments about her students on Facebook
http://www.news-record.com/content/2010/02/15/article/teacher_may_lose_job_after_derogatory_comments_about_her_students_on_face

In North Carolina, Melissa Hussein was disciplined after she used her Facebook page to discuss the harassment her students were subjecting her to during school hours. Believing that their teacher was not Christian (her religious affliation – if she has one – is not noted in the article or on her Facebook page), students would sing “Jesus Loves Me” and read the Bible during her science classes. When a student left a Bible on her desk with a Christmas card inside (with added emphasis on “Christ” in the word “Christmas”), Hussein posted a status update that ellicted comments from friends that called her students “ignorant Southern rednecks”. She also indicated that the Bible incident would “not go unpunished”.

Charlotte teachers face action because of Facebook postings
http://www.heraldonline.com/2008/11/12/950992/charlotte-teachers-face-action.html

Another North Carolina teacher was fired when the school district's investigator (!) found that she “listed 'teaching chitlins in the ghetto of Charlotte' as one of her activities and drinking as one of her hobbies”. The school district acknowledged that they use an investigator who looks into accusations of inappropriate posts by both students and teachers.

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Every one of these teachers made a mistake that calls their own media literacy into question. I believe that by following five simple rules, most educators keep themselves and their jobs safe while still being able to participate in social networking.

1. Understand privacy settings and know how to use them.

In at least one of the cases above, the teacher did not understand that posts can be seen by all members of Facebook when the profile's Wall is not made private. Teachers with Facebook profiles should make every effort to make sure that their profiles are hidden from public view.

2. Control the content of your profile.

A “friend” tagged you in a picture and you're holding a beer?
Remove the tag.

A “friend” posted a response to one of the links you shared and used offensive language? Delete the comment.

A “friend” sends you a survey to find out “What sexy actress are you?”
If you must take the survey, don't click “Publish” when you get your results!

Be vigilent about the content that is shared on your Wall!

3. Beware of your “Friends”.

Two of the cases listed above involved anonymous tips about profiles that the owners thought were private. Is it possible that one of their own “friends” was actually a foe? Teachers should very carefully consider who they “friend” on Facebook – though most of us seemed to agree that “friending” current students was a bad idea, we might also want to consider whether or not to “friend” co-workers and parents (past, present, and future).

4. Resist the rant.

Four of the examples given were a result of a rant. If you have a bad day at work, consider sharing that with a spouse or trusted friend over dinner. You'll get the same benefit of having someone say “I hear ya!” without the electronic paper trail.

5. Assume that everyone can see what you're saying.

If all teachers in the example above had believed that everyone in the world could see their pictures, Walls, and information, they may have been more thoughtful before they allowed themselves (or others) to post on Facebook. Protect yourself by assuming that there is no protection.