Do you think teachers should be facebook friends with their students or the pare

1. 96

   Glimmer Twin Fanposted 11 years ago

   Do you think teachers should be facebook friends with their students or the parents of students?
   
   I've noticed more and more comments on other people's facebook posts from teachers who work at my child's school.  I'm not sure if I would be comfortable being facebook friends with my child's teacher or with my child being her teacher's facebook friend.

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2. 64

   WritingPromptsposted 11 years ago

   I don't think there is anything wrong with being friends with your student/teacher or the parents of your students.  Probably this happens in real life from time to time, so why not on Facebook?  I would not think it was required though, and particularly if I were a teacher I might feel a need for some space away from "work".

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   1. 96

      Glimmer Twin Fanposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I would definitely agree that it should not be a requirement.  I also agree that a teacher would definitely want some space away from work.  Thanks.

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3. 73

   lburmasterposted 11 years ago

   Not at all. I would honestly try to sue the teacher. But of course, my kids wouldn't be in a school in the first place. I'm all for homeschooling.

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   1. 96

      Glimmer Twin Fanposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks.  I can understand your feelings.

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      Georgiakevinposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      As a teacher who has home schooled one of my children and had my other children go through public school i can say that public school is not for every student and neither is home school.

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   3. 58

      kmaskreationsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Yay Iburmaster!   Never, ever, ever, ever would my kids go to school outside the home.  I wish there had been an option when my children were growing up.

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4. 77

   chrissieklingerposted 11 years ago

   If you know how to use all the settings correctly on facebook you can control who sees what. However, as a teacher I would recommend first friending a parent AFTER the student has left for the school year and then friend the student later down the road, but still controlling what they see.

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   1. 96

      Glimmer Twin Fanposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      The important thing here is if they know how to use all the settings...I don't know about that.  I'm not even sure what all the settings are, but I like the idea of friending a parent first.  Thanks.

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5. 61

   First Colonyposted 11 years ago

   I think it depends on the age of your child.  For instance, I am "friends" with my child's pre-school teacher, and I find this is a good way to stay in touch as well as find out what is going on in the class. 
   
   As the chiuldren get older and want to become friends with their teacher it could cause problems.  For instance, one of the schools where I taught was a progessinve school where the students called the teachers by their first names.  This caused some issues because the students often felt that we were equals and this manifested itself in some interesting ways.  For instance, some students wanted to come in, plop down and tell you all about their week-end.  I would have to stop them and say, "If you tell me anything else, I'm going to have to tell someone."  This was before Facebook, but I can see that if a child is a friend with their teacher, the teacher may know some things and be obligated to report them.  Also, the saying "familiarity breeds contempt" is applicable here.  I think there needs to be a dividing line.

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   1. 96

      Glimmer Twin Fanposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Interesting  thoughts and really interesting that you taught in a progressive school.  I went to an alternative middle school back in the mid seventies and we called the teachers by their first names.  It was not a good fit for me.  Thanks.

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      blacknwhitecookieposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I understand your feelings. There's a fine line & unmonitored it can become chaos.  I don't think having a friendship with students & parents is a good idea.  It's only used as another line of communication about assignments, projects or conc

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6. 53

   whonunuwhoposted 11 years ago

   Friends, yes, Facebook friends, no. There should be a separation and respect of privacy from parents, pupils, and teachers. What is carried on at school and represented as school activities, should remain separate.

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   1. 96

      Glimmer Twin Fanposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Very good points.  Thanks.

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7. 60

   TangoDancerposted 11 years ago

   I feel it may be somewhat unethical. It may cause a conflict of interest or create biases on the part of the teacher. This is also risky because one questionable photo or comment (even with good intentions) could quickly blow out of proportion....and with so many cases lately regarding student/teacher romantic relationships, I feel it is in the best interest of both the teach and student to keep the relationship strictly professional.

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   1. 96

      Glimmer Twin Fanposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Good point about the photos or comments.  There is so much in the news about that these days.  Thanks.

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8. 61

   fpherj48posted 11 years ago

   I most definitely do not.  IMO, the place for teachers to interact in any way with students and/or their parents is within the safety and appropriateness of the school, whether during school hours or school related activities and meetings aside from the school day.
   It is important to keep the lines of communication open between teacher and student...and teacher-student-&-parents.....but the subject matter of exchange should be school/education related.   There is no need to become "friends on a social media site!"   In fact, I find this to be seriously inappropriate.

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      Glimmer Twin Fanposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks.  I agree with you but think that it will become more common as social media sites become more and more pervasive.

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   Craig Hartranftposted 11 years ago

   Students, absolutely not. If they want 'face' time, it should be in the proper context of the classroom or official school sponsored activities like clubs or sports programs. As for parents, I'm inclined say the same. The only difference may be if they were already friends outside of school, like members of the same church or social organization.

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   1. 96

      Glimmer Twin Fanposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks.  I bet it's tough for people that are acquainted outside of school.   There definitely has to be a line.

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10. 61

    vjpenderposted 11 years ago

    I do not think teachers should be Facebook friends with their students. As a teacher, I do not want my students reading my status on Facebook. As a Parent, I do not want my children to Facebook friend some of their teachers. This is just one way to protect students and teachers from things that happen on Facebook. I understand this is very controversial, and I do realize that there will be some instances where teachers will be Facebook friends with their students and parents. One example is our Ag Teacher is also the Youth Minister for a local church. He will of course have students who belong to his Youth Group as Facebook friends. Another example is some of our Teachers are parents, and require their children to have them as a Facebook friend so they can monitor their child's activity. These teachers will possibly become friends with some of their child's friends, who are also students.
    
    Ultimately, it is up to the Parent to make the decision as to who can be their child's Facebook friend, but the truth is, it is really difficult to monitor and prevent. From a Teacher's perspective I do not suggest being friends with your students or your students parents because this can be used against you, weather you do something bad or not. Your students will try to be your friends, but I suggest that you stay away from it, unless you have somehow incorporated Facebook into some form of communication regarding school. Even with that, I would think twice.

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    1. 96

       Glimmer Twin Fanposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Great points here and I have to agree with them.  It seems to be the general consensus in the answers here.

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11. 77

    Enigmatic Meposted 11 years ago

    Glimmer Twin Fan,
    This is a good question, however, as you can see can have a myriad of perspectives to consider.
    I am sure in this day and age the schools the teachers are employed by have code of conducts, moral and ethical requirements, and general rules to abide by. So, given that, there isn't much more to the answer.
    That said, in a world where 'instant' communication is the Expectation and not the rule, facebook could be a very good avenue to explore the ideals of what being a teacher is, where the moral divide is and should be, and how to connect with the youth and parents in a way that enhances the learning of the child.
    I have worked with youth for the past decade. I am forbidden by my work to engage in any form of relationship (even when the intention is as support to the youth I no longer serve). With this, I cannot have facebook friends with them or their parents or other guardian type person in their life. I abide by this rule, however, feel that there are some youth who I've worked with who would have benefitted from a continued therapeutic relationship with those they worked with.
    In the parameters of being a teacher, whereby we cannot reach all students in the same manner in a classroom setting, the less structured outside world may give youth (and maybe I'm speaking of youth 14 and up as they will have waded in the waters of moral reasoning etc by that time) a more comfortable manner in which to connect. The youth I served often opened up while outside of the normal environment - during excursions, life skills programming outside of the residence/facility etc. The formal, clinical feel to the environment often hinders connectivity.
    So, while my career isn't a structured teaching position, teaching youth about life skills, sexual health, moral reasoning, respecting yourself and others etc, I feel that if given the right structure a facebook page that's accessible to those you serve could be a benefit to them.
    Now, if it were permissible by my employer I would have to think long and hard about Why Not? I would however not have the youth/parents connected to a personal webpage where I share personal pics/stories etc that I deem unnecessary for students to see, I would consider makings a 'school only' facebook page - todays youth have access to other media type assessment tools already where they grade their teachers....I don't see a school endorsed webpage as straying far from that.
    So as you can see, plenty of sides to consider.

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    1. 96

       Glimmer Twin Fanposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Interesting response with a both sides approach and really well thought out.  Interesting approach of having a "school only" page.  Thanks.

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12. 60

    Georgiakevinposted 11 years ago

    I am a teacher. With all the things students can do to ruin your career it is never a good idea to be facebook friends with students and not wise to be facebook friends with students who have recently been in your class.

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    1. 96

       Glimmer Twin Fanposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Well said.  There are all kinds of stories in the news these days about facebook.

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13. 65

    JanTutorposted 11 years ago

    My organisation the APT provides training for existing tutors and those considering a career in the tuition industry. One of our modules is 'Projecting a Positive Image' and while we don't say NEVER engage with your students using social media - we do offer pointers on how to avoid the pitfalls that the following educators would have done well to heed.
    
    If you ever need proof that boundaries are absolutely essential, read the story of Leonora Rustamova who was sacked after being found on the internet promoting a book she’d written involving underage drinking, hints of drug use and "pupil fantasies http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/west … 071857.stm 
    
    And Elizabeth Scarlett’s career was put at jeopardy because of Facebook comments http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-sout … s-16929442
    
    Nyanza Roberts also found out the danger of Facebook in-etiquette http://www.thisishullandeastriding.co.u … story.html
    
    My advice would be to set up a specific profile if the need warranted and keep it specifically for 'proper' educator/learner exchanges. Anything else, and you could become a headline!

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    1. 96

       Glimmer Twin Fanposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       You see headlines about facebook all the time these days.  I think it's better for everyone to just not do it.

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    blacknwhitecookieposted 11 years ago

    I taught for several years and I found that it was best to have two separate accounts: one personal and one professional.  My professional account was open to current/past students, co-workers and parents so that information, questions and forums could be set up without blurring the lines or decorum.  My personal account was private and never allowed current students or parents access.  It worked quite well and encourage having a professional Facebook as an educator.  In the age of social media, having various forms of open communication is essential.  I attended several workshops on the subject and it's the wave of the future especially for secondary education.

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15. 84

    MomsTreasureChestposted 11 years ago

    Definitely not, no good can come of this!

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16. 0

    Courtney Burkeposted 11 years ago

    I think it depends. If we are talking about college students, a private primary or secondary school with a close-knit community, or a special case in which the teacher and student had another age-appropriate relationship (relatives, neighbors, family friends, coaches, private tutors, etc.) outside of school before the teacher-student relationship existed, then I think it is fine. However, I do not believe it is okay for a school-related conversation to make its way into that personal relationship. If possible, the two should remain entirely separate. I also think it is fine for them to converse without being "friends" in a public forum.
    
    Missouri had a short-lived law that was changed after an overwhelming protest from the public banning all teacher-student relationships AND former teacher-former student relationships on social media. I feel that such a law takes things a little too far. There was no provision made for the age of the student, or the teacher for that matter. Some students work as tutors, teaching aids, etc. while they are still minors, which defined them as "teachers" under the vague interpretation of the law. Students grow up, in which case a friendship with a former teacher is no longer inappropriate. Also, there was not special case exception in the law as I described above.
    
    Overall, I think that the school, and therefore agents of the school, should not be aware of what students do with social media because it tempts them to try to regulate that which is outside of the jurisdiction. And of course, there is that risk of relationships that are not age-appropriate developing if teachers and students have increased access to each other.

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17. 0

    mynameisstefanposted 11 years ago

    I would say, as a student myself, that it very much depends on the student and the teacher. I dont think you can make an overall statement that teachers or students should or shouldn't be friends on Facebook. My math teacher and I talk together a lot because we both find mathematics very interesting and I feel, he's got a lot to teach me and from his point of view, I believe, he thinks I have something to contribute as well. However, this doesn't mean that he acts any differently with me than anyone else in my class and in my opinion it shouldn't, because that would be unfair - and I'm pretty sure, he would say the exact same thing if you asked me.
    On the other hand, I have a riot against my Danish teacher, who I dislike very much because of her attitude, and I would never befriend her on Facebook. So, as I said, I believe it depends very much on the teacher and the student but mostly, I would agree that being friends on Facebook or any other social media sites for that matter is out of the question.

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    1. 96

       Glimmer Twin Fanposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Interesting from the students point of view.  Thanks.

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    Glenda Franklinposted 11 years ago

    I wanted to try to answer this question for I have experience with this subject. First, one of the previous commenter’s made my point for me when they said, “I find this is a good way to stay in touch as well as find out what is going on in the class". No matter how this issue is rationalized it remains inappropriate for your child's teacher to be your friend on or off a social media site.  This is one of the top problems that I have experienced at an elementary or junior high school. Some, not all, moms and dads seem to need or crave acknowledgement from their child’s teacher and pursue it to no end. By staying in contact with your child’s teacher for a 'way' to gain information puts that parent on a level separate from the other parents. What I'm hearing is that this is the way to gain gossip and learn about drama long before anyone else. I don’t like to be the one to say it but teachers are human too and when teachers or parents become too comfortable with each other it leads the conversation off that child’s education and into other areas that have no bearing on the relationship. If a teacher needs to relate information he/she can send a letter home or send a group email to all the parents. Parent conferences are also a great way for teachers and parents to connect about that child’s education and school experiences. I also wanted to say that there is no exception for students or parents to have a special or private contact arrangement with the teacher. I also don’t agree with teachers and parents going to lunches, meeting up at zumba, or inviting each other to their homes for dinners or parties; even if the party is for Candlelite or Pampered Chef. As a parent, if I need to contact my child’s teacher, I feel I can go through the front desk at my child’s school or I can send the teacher an email to their dedicated staff email address.

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    1. 96

       Glimmer Twin Fanposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Wow - This is an awesome answer and I have to agree with you.

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    kmaskreationsposted 11 years ago

    Absolutely not!  I've seen too much on FB where young teachers are friends with their students and the sexual innuendos are numerous.

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20. 0

    Panzer Kumarposted 11 years ago

    I am not sure for most part. But if teachers get to Facebook then students probably wont stay there.. For we don't want our classes to continue all the back home on Facebook and but teachers adding parents as friends will really be good for parents to get updates about the progress of their children.

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21. 0

    falloffthegridposted 11 years ago

    If they have a different facebook for students and their parents to ask questions and for the teachers to post different homework assignments then that is a different story, but if it is their personal facebook, then no. I personally would never want to be friends with one of my teachers on facebook, that means that they can see everything you post, and that is weird because that is your teacher.

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