Facebook, Teachers & Students: Blurring the Boundaries

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by Fox Charlotte

Story Created: May 5, 2011 at 11:10 PM EDT

Story Updated: May 6, 2011 at 7:30 AM EDT

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Myers Park teacher Caitlin Cornwell looks on as her theater students rehearse after school.  When she directs a production, she often gives kids her cell phone number so they can get in touch if they're running late or sick.  But Cornwell sets boundaries, like no phone calls after 9 PM.  She says, "I set those parameters and I let them know that if they abuse that, if they start calling me for any reason other than the play, I will block their phone number."

On occasion, students do try to "friend" Cornwell on Facebook.  That's where she draws the line.  "I let them know up front that they are not going to be my "friend" on Facebook."

That hard line stance is easy to understand.  The Internet has forever changed the landscape of teacher/student dynamics.  For example, a teacher in Georgia was forced to resign this winter after posting a picture of her holding two beverages on her private Facebook page.

Her bosses felt it was "inappropriate," despite the teacher taking care not to "friend" students.

CMS middle school principal Pam Espinosa says she's never had an issue with teachers, students and Facebook.  But she has this advice for educators: "I think anytime you're a public figure, and teachers are definitely public figures to our children, then you have to always be aware that you are a role model."

Espinosa says her teachers give their cell phone numbers to students for homework help but offers this warning.  "Any type of communication with a student, or anyone that makes you feel uncomfortable, then you need to bring that to someones attention," says Espinosa.

Back at Myers Park High, Cornwell keeps a watchful eye over the students she is guiding through their education, not their social life.  She says, "Facebook is primarily a social networking site, so I'm not here to be a social source or resource for my students, I'm here to be an educational resource."

Cornwell says she is OK with "friending" students after they've graduated.  CMS does not have a policy on how teachers can interact with students on Facebook.
 

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