The use of technology has increased dramatically in recent years, but the standards of professionalism have not changed. Remember, nothing is truly private when you communicate digitally. When you use school board equipment and networks, your employer has access to all your messages and any sites you have browsed.
Know Your Rights and Responsibilities
Activities that can result in disciplinary action against a teacher:
- Engaging in personal email exchange with students.
- Engaging in inappropriate conversations about fellow colleagues through email or social networking sites.
- Criticizing principals, teachers, superintendents, school trustees or school boards - personally or professionally - online.
- Sharing confidential school board information through the board email system or a social networking site.
- Visiting inappropriate websites.
- Sending or forwarding offensive jokes and pictures via email.
- Downloading audio, video or text-based materials in violation of copyright laws.
- Using the employer's equipment to engage in activities related to a second occupation.
- Constant text messaging and/or emailing during school time.
- Web browsing to sites not related to the curriculum.
- Posting pictures of yourself, especially if they are suggestive or inappropriate.
- Posting comments about students, parents, colleagues or administration.
