Educators are under more scrutiny than ever before. The stakes can be even higher for teachers in California due to the strict oversight exercised over their teaching certificates.
Therefore, it’s vital that all teaching certificate holders use caution when publicly sharing any ideas or beliefs via social media. If you hold a California teaching credential or an administrative services credential from the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, here are some things you need to know about using social media.
Does Your Social Media Activity Matter?
Absolutely. As a teaching or administrative services credential holder, you are responsible for conducting yourself in a professional manner. Posting inappropriate content or engaging in unethical behavior online could result in a license suspension or revocation.
Social Media Activities That Could Lead to Disciplinary Actions
Missteps on social media can lead to disciplinary action, up to and including a revocation of your teaching certificate. Some of the most common social-media-related violations include the following:
Inappropriate Interactions With Students
Teaching certificate holders should not engage in personal conversations with students on social media. Simply sending private messages on a digital messaging platform can be construed as inappropriate, even if the context of the messages is school-focused. Sharing non-educational content with students is especially likely to raise red flags.
Unprofessional Conduct
Posting offensive language or controversial content that conflicts with school policies can spark an investigation by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Teachers who post offensive content could face a suspension or a license revocation.
You should keep in mind that the commission’s standards for what is appropriate may differ from your own. Try to put yourself in the shoes of a parent or student when considering whether your posts are professional or not.
Violation of Privacy Laws
Sharing student information, photos, or confidential classroom incidents online without permission may violate state or federal law. These violations can include severe consequences, such as license revocation and potentially a lawsuit.
Is Social Media Activity Protected Speech?
The answer isn’t as clear as you might expect. On June 28, 2024, the First Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that a public school teacher’s social media activities are not constitutionally protected speech.
You are accountable for everything you say or post on social media platforms. The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing can take action against you for your online activities. Therefore, it’s important to be cautious when posting on social media or voicing your opinions about possibly controversial topics.
How You Can Protect Your Certificate When Using Social Media
Using social media can be a fun way of staying connected with friends and family members. It’s also a great way to share your love of teaching and demonstrate pride in the meaningful work you do every day.
However, it’s important that you use this digital social tool wisely. Here are some tips to protect your teaching certificate while on social media platforms:
Adjust Your Privacy Settings
You should review the privacy settings on your account and determine whether you want to limit your audience to friends only. You can also adjust the audience on a post-by-post basis. Use this feature to limit who sees your content.
Separate Personal and Professional Accounts
If you want to share class content and publish materials affiliated with the school that employs you, consider creating a separate professional account. You don’t want to blur the lines between your personal and professional lives.
Think Before Posting
Avoid sharing controversial opinions or airing out workplace grievances on social media. Choose your words wisely and do your best to stick to positive or inclusive content.
Review school and district policies regarding social media use. Make sure you adhere to the ethical guidelines laid out by your school. If you want to post class or student activities online, ensure that you have permission from your school’s administration and your student’s parents.
Seek Legal Guidance if Facing Disciplinary Action
If you are facing a license suspension or revocation, it’s time to speak to a teaching certificate license defense lawyer. An experienced attorney can work to protect your right to teach and help you appeal any disciplinary actions that you are facing.
Book a Consultation With a Teaching Certificate License Defense Attorney
As an experienced teaching certificate license defense attorney, S J Harris has the subject matter expertise necessary to stand up for your rights. He will fight back against penalties you incur due to social media activity.
You’ve worked hard to earn your teaching certificate in California. Don’t let it be unjustly taken from you. Contact S J Harris Law to schedule a consultation. Let’s protect your right to teach.
