Teacher Autonomy Online: We have a right to post what we feel, within reason

Teacher Autonomy in the Digital World:

In today’s digital age, the line between our personal and professional lives is becoming more gray, especially for teachers. Social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok and Instagram offer teachers an opportunity to share their thoughts, experiences, and personal lives in ways that were never possible before. But with this freedom comes a set of questions: Should teachers have the right to post whatever they feel on their private accounts? How much autonomy should they have in expressing themselves online? And where should we draw the line between personal expression and professional responsibility?

Why Teachers Deserve Autonomy 

Personal Growth

Social media can be a tool for personal development. Teachers may use it to reflect on their lives, discuss their interests, or even challenge their own biases. This kind of self-reflection is important for growth, both as an individual and as an educator. Teachers who can be true to themselves are better equipped to create inclusive, empathetic, and relatable learning environments for their students.

Work-Life Balance

Teachers often have to balance their personal and professional lives for the sake of maintaining healthy boundaries. However, social media should not be another place where they are expected to maintain this divide. Teachers should be allowed to have a place to vent, or share without worrying about their profession becoming the forefront of their identity.

Freedom of Expression

Teachers, like anyone else, should have the right to express themselves. Social media accounts, when kept private, should be a space where they can engage in personal conversations, share political views, voice opinions, and connect with friends and family. Teachers are citizens and their rights to free speech shouldn’t be taken away because of their profession.

Building Connections 

Social media offers a space for teachers to connect with like-minded professionals and share resources, lesson ideas, and strategies. It allows teachers to build relationships outside of their work environments, which can provide much-needed support in an often challenging job.