Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Young Teachers Finding Big Trouble Online

Facebook, MySpace pages test boundaries between public, private

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 28, 2008 12:30 PM CDT

(Newser) – Questionable postings and photos on social-networking web pages are becoming an issue with younger US teachers, the Washington Post reports, raising questions about where to draw a line between private expression and standards for public employees. A case in point is a substitute special-education teacher whose page includes a so-called "bumper sticker" reading, "you're a retard, but i love you."

“These Web sites are the bars and restaurants of our new era,” said one parent whose complaint got another teacher dismissed. “It's like running into your teacher in a restaurant and seeing them not act appropriately.” One teacher said she realizes the page could haunt her. “I need to be more careful,” she says. “I just feel they shouldn't take it seriously.”

Many young teachers have gotten in trouble for their Facebook pages.
Many young teachers have gotten in trouble for their Facebook pages.   (Getty Images)
When young teachers join regional networks, their college shenanigans become highly visible.
When young teachers join regional networks, their college shenanigans become highly visible.   (Shutterstock)
I hate to think of what's out there, said Ken Blackstone, a Prince William schools spokesman. But as public employees, we all understand the importance of living a public life above reproach.
"I hate to think of what's out there," said Ken Blackstone, a Prince William schools spokesman. "But as public employees, we all understand the importance of living a public life above reproach."   (Shutterstock)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Kids on Facebook Get Worse Grades

MySpace Creator: We Had Video Chat Years Ago

Teacher Mocks 7-Year-Old Student's Hair on Facebook

Cops Using Facebook to Bust Dumb Criminals

MySpace 'Mashup' Marks Surrender to Facebook


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne