The merits of being antisocial

SOCIAL MEDIA. I dread hearing those words. I’m not against social media per se, but as a staff officer in Teacher Employment Services who advises and represents teachers in difficult situations about incidents that occur on social media, I’ve seen the impact it can have on a teacher’s professional life.

Sometimes these difficult situations involve students who have found pictures of their teacher online and then shared them broadly. Sometimes they’re about a teacher who shared an unpopular opinion in a local chat group. Other times, they’re about a teacher who has criticized a colleague or their employer on their timeline, or a parent who posts details about something that happened in the classroom using thinly veiled subtext
(“I won’t say which teacher, but I will say that it was a Grade 4 teacher” — but there’s only one Grade 4 teacher at the school).

THE TEACHER HAT IS A SOMBRERO
Teachers are held in high esteem in the community, and as such, are held to a high standard of conduct, even while off duty. For this reason, teachers are advised to remain professional in all social media communication. Although it might be cathartic to “vent” online about a difficult situation that happened at work with a student, a parent, a colleague or even a decision of  your employer, those about whom you are venting may not appreciate that catharsis. Depending on the situation, such communication could lead to disciplinary action by your employer, and it could also constitute unprofessional conduct.

AN OPEN BOOK
Teachers should assume that it’s possible for anyone to access all of their social media posts. While privacy settings on social media create the illusion that shared content is kept inside a private bubble, remember that sometimes bubbles pop, meaning your social media posts are only as private as your friends/followers wish to keep them.

STAY ON THE RECORD
It is also common for parents and/or students to make “friend” requests of teachers on social media or to request their teacher’s personal cellphone number. While this might be a convenient way to communicate, it is not advisable to accept these requests, particularly from students. Doing so not only blurs the lines between your work and home life by giving them 24/7 access to you, but it also exposes you to the risks associated with communicating through an unmonitored and often informal medium. 

People often think of social media or text messaging in a more relaxed way, which may make it difficult to remain professional in such contexts. For your own protection, communicate with parents and students only on platforms owned and monitored by your employer.  

Help is available

Know that the ATA is here to help. Call Teacher Employment Services for advice if you experience any issues regarding electronic communication. As we always say, “dial before you dig!” The Association’s Teacher Employment Services program area can be reached at 780-447-9400 (Edmonton area) or toll free at 1-800-232-7208.