Educators hold a visible place in their communities—and that means what you post online matters. Today, more than ever, teachers find themselves under the microscope for everything they say, wear, or share, whether in the classroom or on social media. The choices you make, even well-intended ones, can affect your job, your family, and your profession.
Here are some tips to help you navigate social media responsibly, protect your privacy, and understand your rights.
→Know Your Rights
Educators do have First Amendment protections, but they’re not unlimited. Ask yourself:
- Am I speaking as a private citizen? Posts tied to your official duties may not be protected.
- Is my post about a matter of public concern? Topics like school funding or academic freedom often qualify.
- Could my post disrupt school operations? Even off-duty speech can be restricted if it causes significant workplace disruption.
→Be Smarter Than Your Smartphone
- Maintain good moral character online. Maine rules require educators to furnish evidence of good moral character when requested. Your personal social media activity can be part of that picture.
- Keep your work and personal accounts separate. Remove your employer’s name and add a disclaimer that views are your own.
- Review your workplace social media policy and reach out to your Association Representative or Local President about any questions you may have regarding it.
- The internet is forever. Privacy settings help, but screenshots and shares can make posts permanent.
→Crank Up Your Privacy Settings
- Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication. Consider a password manager like the one through Google and Apple or another service like Bit Warden.
- Review privacy settings regularly. Limit what others can see, including location and contact details.
- Monitor your online presence, delete old photos, adjust privacy settings, and untag yourself from posts you don’t want public.
- Verify friend requests and watch for phishing. Never share passwords or sensitive info.
→Prevent Doxing
Doxing—publishing private information online—can lead to harassment. Reduce your risk:
- Remove birthdays, phone numbers, and workplace details from public profiles.
- Make accounts private and limit searchability on platforms like LinkedIn.
→If You’re Targeted:
- Ensure physical safety and contact law enforcement if your address is exposed.
- Document threats and report harassment to platforms and your district.
- Reach out to your union for support.
For more on educator rights and advocacy, visit: nea.org/advocacy-rights for guidance on free speech, workplace protections, and social media policies.
NEA has a 30-minute online course available for members to sign up and take on the Protections and the Limits of Protections for Off Duty Speech.
Members need to:
1) Create an account at neapartnera.learnupon.com/users/sign_up
2) Go to the course (Social Media and The First Amendment: An NEA Training for Public School Employees)
neapartnera.learnupon.com/store
