#edchat Archive
#Edchat is a hashtag, a movement—it is a weekly organized Twitter discussion of educators and people interested in education that meet virtually from all over the world. #Edchat serves as a conversation thread on Twitter and is also used for organized weekly discussions.
Tuesday April 19, 2016
WELCOME to Topic: Do teachers give up their constitutional right to free speech when they become educators?
Welcome to ! Topic: Do teachers give up their constitutional right to free speech when they become educators?
"Advancing American democracy demands a citizenry that is vigilant&informed...we needed a pathetic reminder" https://t.co/OlbYFcHkzZ
Of course not. But they should censor themselves judiciously in order to let their Ss' voices find free expression.
At what point does SkyNet take over?
I think no. There's always things you can and can't say. Can't say "bomb" in an airport, can't be inappropriate in a classroom.
Washington school district demonstrates how traditional public schools and charter schools can work together…https://t.co/Gli2wCCq3p
is now discussing: Do teachers give up their constitutional right to free speech when they become educators?
I think teachers do give up some amount of free speech because certain things aren't allowed to be said to students.
Now Topic: Do teachers give up their constitutional right to free speech when they become educators?
"Advancing American democracy demands a citizenry that is vigilant&informed."We needed a pathetic reminder" https://t.co/20OCkOVabV …
Thanks Eric... I'm listening, please say more...
Free speech doesn't mean what most think it means. There are legal, moral and ethical limits.
Good evening Nancy... hello Diane ... been awhile. Hope all okay with you.
If Ts' political views make some Ss feel unsafe in the classroom, then they can't be effective Ts.
Join Topic: Do teachers give up their constitutional right to free speech when they become educators?
There are some districts that prohibit their teachers from blogging.
I think that there are always situations where something is appropriate and when it's not, so i don't think they are giving it up.
What is the rationale for this?
No,but it's important to remember that students are looking uptous and some things are not appropriatefortheclassroom
I'm phoning it in while at my daughter's music recital. Please be patient:)
I would say fear- lack of ability to control a message scares some.
. Fear that they might say something to bring down the Wrath of the public I guess.
I posted this earlier this week. Teachers need to speak out against what isn't good for their students. https://t.co/9y2EalmK8A
Now in progress Topic: Do teachers give up their constitutional right to free speech when they become educators?
"Advancing American democracy demands a citizenry that is vigilant & informed."We needed a pathetic reminder https://t.co/OlbYFcHkzZ
so is it more of a moral issue?
. That seems to be the question.
Oh, and for any non-teacher followers of mine, you may want to mute tonight. I'll be tweeting a good bit the next hour.
DO the protections of the First Amendment of the Constitution empower TEACHERS to say whatever they want? Just asking..
Professional development is a great way for teachers to develop professionally.
I'm no lawyer, but I'm betting schools can't ban me from blogging on my own time
. I suppose it could depending on what the T included in the blog. That's the point, lack of ctrl.
Answer may depend upon whether you’re talking about “free speech” during the sch day w/students or after sch hours.
Key distinction: Is teacher speaking as a citizen or part of official job duties?
. nope, but free speech was never designed as a guarantee for trolling without consequences.
The issue then becomes overcoming the resistance to change
Can districts control what we say and write on our own time off district property?
There are incidents where some teachers have stupidly blogged about kids & parents in a negative way. You Can't Fix STUPID
I do not think so speaking for myself. for my school/district very supportive, encourage
Perhaps more in-school discussion on what's appropriate is necessary
I think so many EDU practices come out of fear or lack of knowledge.
Teachers have to always be thinking about what they say and how they word things, therefore slightly losing freedom of speech
Yes, I think it would have to be
I don't think that educators give up that right. I do think that they have to censor themselves more than other professions
Let's go deep! SO WHAT ARE YOU WILLING TO SPEAK UP FOR? Get fired for saying? Die for?
What if we educate staff on appropriate use, as we do kids?
Can they be separated? I got in trouble for a tweet that was my own opinion.
Isn't it time we stop referring to it as Digital Citizenship? How much do you interact with your device/day?
VERY key distinction. In one situation, you represent the system; in the other, you represent yourself. https://t.co/iNAUpoxQU1
Key distinction: Is teacher speaking as a citizen or part of official job duties?
They must abide by a code of conduct which means they can't bring their school in disrepute in Australia. https://t.co/2ElQVuYiVH
Now Topic: Do teachers give up their constitutional right to free speech when they become educators?
Teacher greatness is the positive impact on students and not test scores. Be awesome. Change lives.
although, at what point does it become a legal issue as well?
At least it might draw some attention to an apathetic, underfunded, ineffective system.Need sparks w change
or can we? Have we tried?
Think Ts must begin to speak up & reclaim their power. I know they're scared, but look at the alternative
Exactly. Students, not statistics https://t.co/EAg75fRyzV
Teacher greatness is the positive impact on students and not test scores. Be awesome. Change lives.
curious... when you 'got in trouble' did you push back? Defend yourself?
Great ?. You have to know where you stand. But when a job is on the line, people get quiet.
I live and teach in same small community. Separation can be an issue since I educate their kids.
. It has been my life experience that there are always some people who are their own worst enemies.
that could be interesting. We focus on educating our students but never completely on educating staff.
Interesting topic for teachers everywhere https://t.co/yk3FZLCAhP
is now discussing: Do teachers give up their constitutional right to free speech when they become educators?
I think teachers need to speak in a professional and nice way b/c the students pick up on that and they learn to talk in a nice way
I get that. I've been my own in some cases
I don't think we give up free speech, teachers just need to be aware of their audiences & the diverse backgrounds and beliefs
Yes but tweet was about standardized testing and opting out my daughter if it interfered with AP testing.
. I would like to be able to openly question any established practice w/o fear, e.g., HW.
I think it's important for us to always have a rationalization for our actions. If not why do them?
It is scary, because freedom of speech should be a rule, not an exception.
Teachers don't give up freedom of speech, but influence their students' opinions. So they should be careful sharing certain views.
Tonight's topic lines up perfectly with . If you think Ts should have 1st amendment right, speak up!
It's important to engage community leaders outside of education-esp. mayors-in planning process https://t.co/gn4WD9VHct
Doers free speech permit teachers to take a partisan position on political issues with their students?
Perhaps Ts speak through the accomplishments of their Ss; not just that school year, but the people they grow to be.
makes sense... aka be intentional... so what to do if falsely accused?
My HS civics teacher INSISTED I learn 2 push back, speak out, articulate & back up opinions. Was taught only way democracy can work
Is the constitution situational and location based? The language is pretty clear.
I can't really ask Ss to blog if I don't do so too. Great exploration and reflection in blogging
I think Ts have an obligation to help SS make informed choices & decisions using relevant information. https://t.co/qTXaUSwiDg
Doers free speech permit teachers to take a partisan position on political issues with their students?
In the UK that is very much frowned upon. https://t.co/1PBn7V3tkW
Doers free speech permit teachers to take a partisan position on political issues with their students?
. Rightly so, we all have to pay for things that relate to our own Malsow's hierarchy of needs.
well, i'd like for you to be able to do that too. After all we're professionals...
Hi Leonie Hastings NZ here- end Term break. I think as depends if youre speaking as T or private citizen
curious, has situation been resolved to your liking?
it's ok to share opinions. Campaigning is another issue
I agree but I see it as slightly giving up the freedm of speech while at school.Teachrs are the role modelsfor studnts
Q'ing like this helps us to get better. How we phrase it does matter tho.
Free speech must be understood in context of all of its connotations. Ts communications can be used against them
Thanks for making me think! I have to leave not but I appreciate the topic!
Not especially I just have to be careful about speaking out about standardized testing and opting out 1/2
thoughtful insights here... thanks!
2/2 Moot point now. Daughter heads to college next year.
Trouble is, I am allowed to tweet and blog, but I am being scrutinized the entire time.
Alongside of that it is about professionalism and respect for the privacy of those we work with https://t.co/JfwWXsxCaC
They must abide by a code of conduct which means they can't bring their school in disrepute in Australia. https://t.co/2ElQVuYiVH
Now Topic: Do teachers give up their constitutional right to free speech when they become educators?
Doesn't have 2B blogging. Regular, reflective writing (also voice & video) does the trick
The future is a mindset, not a skill set
Public school teachers are both individuals and employees of the state… freedom of speech depends on which role… splitting hairs?
Not fair not being able to speak as priv citizen BUT everyone always relates u 2 being a T.Hence "behaving" in public
gadzooks... sad commentary on state of discourse in education.
It's hard to see how indoctrinating Ss is helpful. Do our bias show? Always. Tight rope is planned for https://t.co/8eJdnVp80h
Doers free speech permit teachers to take a partisan position on political issues with their students?
Yes but should t be part of what we must teach Ss. Core language skills.
Blogging or any form of sharing the work of teaching must respect the importance and privilege of our work
Good morning 11.20am Wed here. Usually in the middle of Maths with 5/6 yr olds. Winter onset now with autumn break
Do schools have the right to limit any educator from commenting on social media?
Free speech was specifically created for the purpose of criticising the government. How often does that come in to play here?
I think u have to be neutral with your students so you don't influence their opinions. Let them take the lead on a topic
Congress shall make no law .... prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech.. Can dists make policies
Kids gravitate towards authenticity. Perhaps it's important then, even as teachers, to share our authentic selves (beliefs included)
indeed, apparently... what's you experience been with taking up?
I disagree. Great way to make them think and defend their side & make me defend mine. Civil discourse
.We have code of conducts (NZ) we have to sign with our Teacher contracts limiting what we say eg about sch /ed etc
if a teacher makes inappropriate comments through social media, then a school has the right to confront their employee
There will always be consequences to actions, positive or negative.Think before you write/speak or be willing to accept consequences
Allow students to surprise you
Agree David, tho my best Ts were able 2 take both sides & really help me think thru all aspects.
My role as a T of all Ss is different from my voice as a citizen. I want my Ss to think critically regardless of my personal views.
Not sure they have the right but schools & their staff have an opportunity to model & lead in this sphere https://t.co/XE7jh6kVBq
Do schools have the right to limit any educator from commenting on social media?
This sharing should never emerge as argument. We should only share to expand our students' thinking and to encourage free thought.
Teachers, we love to see how you use our programs to inspire classroom learning. Share your stories! https://t.co/xZwhJTt69V
. Sure is but you sign or you don't get a job.
"I used to hate writing. Now, I just use Mind Designs & it helps me get my thoughts down" Savannah using WWD https://t.co/MyiiOfb6dO
responsibility, not just right :)
I think it depends. As an employee and representative of the school though, shouldn't we abide by what they want?
. You can do that to question any position without giving away what you are personally for.
Not only how you’re speaking, but where you are speaking, too.
It wouldn't be a conference on education if I didn't have a chance to hear from :
So have any of you had your email monitored? Tweets checked?
I have my students take the opposite they believe in & write in favor of that opposite opin.
During school hours...on school resources? That seems entirely fair yet naively unsound. https://t.co/SHbvXMc7SL
Do schools have the right to limit any educator from commenting on social media?
. That would depend greatly on what was deemed inappropriate.
If you cannot defend your actions, then you really have no reason for doing them. Be intentional https://t.co/eRFuLt51M0
There will always be consequences to actions, positive or negative.Think before you write/speak or be willing to accept consequences
.Not sure how strictly code of conducts adhered to-may depend on sch or P.Ive been a gd girl!
I assume tweets are always monitored. We believe a former supt was monitoring emails.
Ss often see themselves as learning to solve problems on paper. But not as living with problems. . https://t.co/rQ2ZwkK5KO
Students need to know that they are part of a community of problem-solvers, living and learning in beta.
In the words of Aristotle, "It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it."
Bravo. I had to do that. Used to hate it, but taught me so much about myself & how others think.
if the school district does something illegal (stifling speech) they should absolutely be called out.
Also, when you are informed & have really understood both sides you are empowered. Priceless lesson
As a Social Studies teacher, I have a moral obligation to practice the civic ideals & dispositions I seek to nurture in my students
egads... when you say 'issue'... to what extent? Did you push back? Able to defend self?
but that speech has to fall into a very specific category to qualify.
Wouldn't supporting a just or good cause make us good role models or we could be considered biased...
.Yes not allowed to answer negative postseg Facebook about yr sch. Supposed to professionally ignore.Hard!
So we can tell Ss what we believe? Have 2 respectfully disagree. As long as we confirm they are our not dist.
very true! Which is why teachers should never post things that are even debatably inappropriate.
We call that period of time "The Dark Times".
I have been in education for almost 50 yrs and I have no clue why people think the way they do.
Should teachers befriend their students on their personal social media accounts?
so sad, sad...sad state of affairs...
that sounds like the monthly speech I give my students :)
They also have Youtube channels and several videos. We are trying everything. Why not?
Is there a difference between speaking out against education issues at large and speaking out against your specific school/district?
.Our emails aren't monitored but could be if they wanted to check or had an issue with you
Happening now! Teachers are writing collaborative musical poetry. Want me at your school? It's so fun! https://t.co/V5aUuT2QrA
I suspect U do.10 years in Japan taught me some points of view are engrained not even questioned
ultimately a persons SM 'life' reflects upon them as an individual & consequences are theirs alone
We are all biased by our beliefs. That is difficult to overcome. Every decision we make is biased by our beliefs.
One size fits none. I won't forget blogging if it's working for us, and it is! :)
do "people" snoop remotely on your computer hard drive?
Absolutely not. At least not until after graduation. Counselors/role models, sure. Friends crosses a line
the speech has to be protected constitutionally, and not all (or most) is.
I haven't knowingly experienced that
Jena, I don't understand this thread any more. What do you mean? Thanks.
Great article! Preparing Ss for problems not yet even imagined. Curiosity, resilience, humility... https://t.co/mGuOvuV092
Good advice for graduates: Here are the five critical skills every new college graduate should have https://t.co/9U1wMAV0BS
were you given opportunity to push back, defend, explain, and so on... any resolution? or just a whack...
Right people you have "X" days "X" hours "X" seconds before you....! A great count down resourc https://t.co/wLQkHAZzpQ
Wonder if any of us will get in trouble for participating in tonight. :-)
well.. I worked at companies where it was common practice...enough said.
I'd have to agree. They can find me in my classroom if they need moral support or a role mole.
. Doubt it all too busy working , small sch and we are not activists or subversive lol. Just tchng the Ss!!
Allows students to analyze and evaluate alternative points of view
did you have opportunity to face complaintant?
What worries me is the number of teachers with similar stories to me. And we're still talking out! How many aren't any more?
While they are still your students I don't think that is appropriate.After graduation is a different story.
I know teachers that have an account for students and a private account for personal use
Sorry. You said how things are phrased matters. Agree. We model I must teach phrasing=core lang skill
.Well they could look at mine.Have 3 email acc.1 personal, I use at sch one professional & random hardly use
'Falling in love with the future'? More like 'falling in love with as she's an awesome speaker!'
.If I wanted to say anything controversial it wouldn't be on my sch email that's for sure
Maybe one day we can all sit & eat cupcakes together & see we have more in common than we might think. https://t.co/HVDQJTU3Si
I've known teachers to do this -- use twitter for class assignments, etc. Can be useful.
That is a given. After the dark times we learned that.
The Topic being discussed: Do teachers give up their constitutional right to free speech when they become educators?
Generally a risky practice. It only takes one “inappropriate" post to create a firestorm of controversy.
No they are not interested .In Govt/sch eyes you are a T and seen as such. Not if a bus driver.Not fair
From : some inspiration about "leading with love,'' -- not a phrase I've heard much of today
To summarize my opinion. No one should willing give up any constitutionally guaranteed rights.
agreed! Choosing to "play it safe" in all questionable situations is best as a teacher!
Twitter is pretty much left alone eg edchats but probably cause they "don't follow" lol
tag is getting confusing and clogged with RT's and "ads"
My generation's culture and reward for SILENCE and OBEDIENCE was in the form of . The union was our VOICE.
Thanks out to today's team of moderators: & and all who participated in today's Chat
Truthfully, I wasn’t aware that was an actual “chat” any more.
thanks, another fun chat. :)
Starting in 10 minutes! Join me for an Edchat Webinar on Using Backchannels in the Classroom: https://t.co/eX0oSarmxK …
How outspoken one can be would depend on the culture of the school/district. Has little bearing on the Constitution.
Here's a list of free Radio Show podcasts covering the last 3 yrs. Try one, you might like it. https://t.co/XtzF5SnIZQ
My life is greatly enriched by you ->
Yes and it was a good one. Do teacher lose freedom of speech.
Finishing this debate conference so I can participate in the !
. This requires avoiding assumptions or assuming only positive intentions of others.
REMINDER: Transcripts for conversations can be found at https://t.co/GfLhZGKAOn (Thanks to ever-faithful archivist, )
Thank you all for this discussion! I think it was really an important topic!
constantly thinking about students and what we can do to prepare them for the world is only part of that overtime.
From 's : "Technology had leapt forward and now management was the LIMFAC." Is this your school?
.Thnks Glad was able to join.Sorry1st one was at 4am -NZ but this topic I voted
it might be beneficial to have two accounts. One for personal and one for professional
Just because we have the right under the First Amendment to say what we want doesn't mean that we should
Please, teachers: Freire. Kincheloe. McLaren. Apple. Giroux. Vygotsky. Portelli.
Thanks. That is all. https://t.co/Jykrg85rWy
but should teachers try to help with problems that their training doesn't prepare them for in college?
Sadly, isn't really . Dance to the music and pay to the piper. No FREE lunch.
To be fair most Ts are dedicated, hardworking They aren't in it for the pay (not in NZ!)
In the classroom we have a responsibility to protect our students and be role models so it may be important to monitor what we say
Only three weeks until the exam. Free practice test with analytics for teachers. Check out prepit.io
Eimy replied to Nuria Morgado's discussion BLOG #3---COLOMBIA-PERÚ-VENEZUELA-ECUADOR-BOLIVIA i... https://t.co/S61uxfwPIO
Eimy replied to Nuria Morgado's discussion BLOG #3---COLOMBIA-PERÚ-VENEZUELA-ECUADOR-BOLIVIA i... https://t.co/Rok2xZtHSI
If teachers had to deal only w. problems college prepared them for, our jobs would be a lot easier. Real life doesn't work that way.
Everything has consequences. Life’s mainly a question of deciding which consequences you’re willing to face.
Read the posts. Sadly, Ts must be willing to "pay the price" for outspokenness FREE speech is NOT really Free.
"Preparing for High-Quality Assessments" webinar
