Musings...

 One of my biggest fears is having someone misinterpret my written words.  Has that happened to you? Texting is probably the hardest to decipher at times. I remember having the conversation with my mother a few years ago that all caps signifies yelling in text. She had no idea what I was talking about, so we talked about how authors use exclamation points, capital letters and bold print to show emphasis to their readers.   I am happy to report she no longer uses all caps in her texting, and has even removed her "signature" from her texts! 

Putting this out there is putting trust in myself and others.  I mentioned in my bio that I am a laid back, relaxed and sarcastic person.  What I didn't mention was that while I am laid back and relaxed I am also anxiety ridden at the same time, it really depends on the topic.  Miscommunication is one of the things that gives me major anxiety. When you post on the internet, it is there for-ev-er.

I will forever use this clip to emphasize the word! 

So, what happens when you inevitably screw up? If you take it down or delete your Facebook post is it gone? According to Facebook, it is gone, but never assume your misstep is truly gone. Screenshots. Everyone has the capability to screenshot what you put on the internet, or send in a text, or an email. People can (and do) take photos of everything. 

Here are some ways to help you preserve your digital reputation:

1. Proofread. 
2. If you wouldn't say it to your grandma, don't say it. 
3. If it needs to be said to someone, say it to them, do not take to social media to bash another person. If you need to sit behind a screen and get people to bolster your confidence, it probably shouldn't be said.
4. Know your audience. The internet is not private, your words and actions can be shared. 
5. Never post when you're angry. Sleep on it, then if it is something you truly feel you need to share, then share it, but see above.
6. Don't be fake. People are smarter than that. Give people the real you, and if you can't be honest with yourself and your followers, don't post it.
   And probably the most important of all...
7. When in doubt, don't post!

I mentioned before about screenshots. People have long memories when they feel they have been wronged, or if you have crossed someone, people become bold and do things they wouldn't usually do. Like crucify you in the comments. 

If you don't want repercussions of your actions, then don't post.  If your words can be misconstrued, don't post. 

Protect yourself and your students. 

This is not just for Facebook. The same rings true for Snapchat, BeReal, Instagram, X, etc. As educators, we are put to a higher standard.  Do we have lives? Yes, but do you want to discuss your life at your next parent-teacher conference when your families ask why you were taking shots and dancing on the bar last Saturday? If you want to keep your personal life private, don't share it. We are role models for our youth, we give our students a positive person to look up to, please do what you must to protect that.

I mentioned that we are humans and we do have personal lives, however we are also viewed as leaders in our communities.   When I was growing up my parents had several friends who were teachers.  These ladies lived in our community, but did not teach in the district, they taught in neighboring districts.  At that time in 1980-something, if they were to go out in the community they could only be seen at the community country club, as it was considered a high class establishment, if they were seen in the local bar in their district it was grounds for contract termination. My aunt is a retired teacher, my parents had friends who were teachers, I grew up around teachers, I idolized them and wanted to be them when I grew up but I also knew they were people who had personal lives, jobs and kids. Not everyone saw teachers outside of the school, but I did.  I knew that teachers were real people just like my parents, but other didn't always see it this way. Even today forty years later, people still put teachers on pedestals as leaders in our communities and we are treated differently. I don't think it is unwarranted, but it does require educators to use discretion and make good choices.

Today I will leave you with these words that I tell my students, "Make good choices." 🤍

-SW