Should teachers post photos of their students online? This is a debate that’s been around for a while, but in this time of pandemic, it’s taken on renewed urgency. On Twitter, the topic is trending after a user posted photos of a Zoom dance party where student names could be seen. Here’s what teachers are saying.
Kids aren’t props
Unpopular opinion:
Some of you use kids as props on social level up to educeleb
Kids did not sign up to come to school to build your follow count. I'm not talking highlighting special moments -talking constant streams not designed for training but for 15 min of Fame projects https://t.co/x356uQkS68
— jennthetutor 🎓 👩🏾🏫 🐧 #TestFree (she/her) (@jennthetutor) September 20, 2020
One perspective to keep in mind is that even if you’re not consciously posting pictures of your students to get social media likes and follows, it could be perceived that way. Intention often means very little on social media.
You need to know your district’s policies
The main advice I share with new Ts in our district is know your own school board policies. In my district there is a big difference between district approved vs personal social media. Twitter is a mix of these accts & is great for perspectives. But know your local policies too.
— Mark Nechanicky (@MarkNechanicky) September 21, 2020
Even if your students’ parents have signed media releases, it might not include your personal social media accounts. Also keep in mind that parents often sign these releases at the beginning of the year, amidst a flurry of other paperwork, without fully realizing what they are consenting to.
Sharing any information about students, even just first names, could be a FERPA violation
We also need to discuss you all calling out kids first names on tik tok. I can tell you if you don't have written consent for that EXACT purpose you should not be doing it. Not consent for social for school. Consent to disclose their name & responses on personal social platforms
ADVERTISEMENT— jennthetutor 🎓 👩🏾🏫 🐧 #TestFree (she/her) (@jennthetutor) September 20, 2020
In many ways, our classrooms and teaching are more public than ever before. Families can now observe what typically went on behind classroom doors. That’s a huge privacy issue in and of itself. Teachers need to tread carefully to protect their students and their careers.
Bottom line, proceed with caution
Posting photos to your class’s private Seesaw or Class Dojo account is probably okay, but even then you’ll want to be sensitive to families’ individual privacy preferences. In today’s day and age, it’s too easy for people to take screenshots thus allowing “private” photos to become “public.”
What are your thoughts on whether or not teachers should post photos of their students online? Come and share in our WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.
