Responsibility and Ethical Use of Technology:
Electronic communication with students and parents
Historically, many teachers have given out their personal phone numbers so that parents and/or students could reach them if they needed extra help at home. For many educators, this is a quick and easy way to get information to their students and parents, but this can lead into a potential ethical violation. The ethical educator needs to consider all the ramifications for using direct communication via technology. By staying abreast of current technological communication tools that are designed for open, transparent communication, educators can still have the ease of use.
In Tennessee, since 2018, 6 teachers had a formal reprimand, 44 teachers had their license suspended, and 36 teachers had their license revoked for inappropriate communication with students for both explicit and non- explicit messages. When looking at the message history, it is noted that many of these violations started out as an innocent professional conversation which turned into a more personal conversation. Even if your intent is to have a professional conversation with your student, it could be perceived in a different light. Keep your communication to your districts approved communication avenues.