Shelton’s view of Facebook and teachers aligns with that of Rockwood.
The Rockwood Human Resources department is currently putting together a list of guidelines for student and teacher interaction on Facebook, fearing possible problems.
“Yes, there’s potential for a problem,” Kelvin McMillin, Assistant Superintendant for Human Resources, said. “The relationship is not professional. We’d prefer students be communicating with teachers in a professional manner.”
Judi Greene, theatre teacher, is friends with many students and alumni on Facebook.
“Facebook is a great tool to stay in contact with alumni and to communicate with my students about changed rehearsal dates and upcoming events.”
Greene said she wasn’t aware of any discouragement by the district regarding students being friends with teacher on Facebook, but said that if the district made a policy prohibiting the practice, she would adjust her actions accordingly.
“Setting guidelines helps people make the right decision,” McMillin said. “Some of the things that go wrong may not be intentional, but harmful nonetheless.”
Some students, however, argue that there is no harm in friending teachers whatsoever.
“I come across them randomly,” Zhang said. “I don’t talk to them or anything, I just do it out of knowing them.”
The Facebook guidelines will be sent out in the coming months
“We are working on finalizing the guidelines,” McMillin said. “They are for all the staff, including all teachers, administrators and support staff.”
There is a possibility the guidelines will become policy, in accordance with the already established Acceptable User policy, setting rules for student and teacher interactions.
“The new policy and guidelines will have to do with social networking,” McMillin said. “It will relate closely with existing policy.”
