The Online World as a New Teacher

By -on

Last week, I talked about how to spend the summer before your first year. Today, I would like to talk about the digital world as an educator. Starting your teaching career is exciting, challenging, and full of learning curves, including navigating the digital world as an educator. In today’s tech-connected classrooms and communities, your online behavior and digital footprint matter more than ever. Whether you're posting classroom updates, emailing parents, or scrolling social media, practicing digital ethics and protecting your professional reputation is essential.

Here are a few thoughts to think about as you adventure in the digital world as an educator: 

1. Keep Professional and Personal Separate

It can be tempting to share your classroom successes on your personal social media or connect with students/families on social media, but resist the urge. Create a professional account for classroom communications and keep your private life private. Always use school-approved platforms for student or family contact.

🔒 Pro tip: Adjust privacy settings on personal accounts and be mindful of photos, comments, and likes—even what you post outside of school can impact how others perceive you. I created a new iCloud email to use for my school MacBook. I was still able to use different things on there, but I wasn't connected to my personal account. 

2. Protect Student Privacy

Never post photos of students online without proper consent. This includes sharing class photos on social media or your teaching blog. Even well-meaning updates can become problematic if privacy isn’t respected.

Follow your district’s policies on FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) and always ask when in doubt.

3. Build a Positive Digital Footprint

Your online presence is part of your professional identity. Google your name and see what you find. Clean up anything questionable, and think about ways to showcase your strengths instead. Consider sharing insights on educational trends, classroom ideas, or professional development you’ve attended.

5. Model Digital Citizenship for Students

Your actions speak louder than your words. By practicing responsible technology use, you teach students how to be good digital citizens too. Talk openly about online safety, respectful dialogue, and fact-checking information.


Next week's topic: Hopefully I will get to talking about: First week of school: What do I do?!?



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