This document discusses appropriate and inappropriate electronic communication between teachers and students. It identifies common electronic communication sources like email, texting, and social media. While these tools can be used responsibly in the classroom, teachers must be aware that electronic interactions pose risks if not properly monitored and controlled. The document advises teachers to follow school district policy, avoid private or sexually explicit discussions, and make sure all electronic communication is open and accessible to parents and administrators. Teachers are warned that inappropriate electronic relationships have led to criminal charges like improper relationships and child pornography.

1. Inappropriate Teacher-
Student Relationships
STANDARD 3.9
TEACHER-STUDENT ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION

2. Electronic Communication Sources
 Cell phone
 Text Messaging
 Email
 Instant Messaging
 Blogging
 Social Network Communication

3. Does Electronic Communication Pose a Threat
to the Student
 The educator should refrain from inappropriate communication with their
students.
 Can interactions on electronic sources be controlled?
 Educators should be aware of district policy on electronic communication between
students and educators
 Should teachers keep personal information separate from classroom material and
information provided to students?
 Teachers should be mindful that students do look for things to use against the
instructor
 Should also realize that it is never okay to discuss personal information about their
students on social media outlets

4. Social Media and the Educator
 Is social media an appropriate tool for an educator to use to communicate with
students?
 Social media has been used to develop inappropriate relationships with students,
but only minimally.
 These types of situations can be avoided if social media is utilized in a responsible
way.
 Being aware of district policy
 Being mindful of conversation, ensuring for example no sexually explicit communication
 Making sure that anyone can read and be privy to communication between the
educator and the student

5. Electronic
communication
and the educator
Teachers should keep parents involved
when utilizing social media and other
forms of electronic communication in the
classroom.
• Remember that anyone should be
able to access anything that you send
to your students
• Remember that anything you post
may be visible and accessible for
years to come
• Never disclose any confidential
information about your student or
yourself on electronic
communication sources
• Be aware of your school district’s
policy on electronic communication.

6. Examples of teachers fired or arrested for inappropriate
communication with students

7. Charges Teachers Face for Inappropriate
Communication
 Second degree felony improper
relationship between student and
educator – Texas Penal Code 21.12
 Online solicitation of a minor – Texas
Penal Code 33.021
 Possession or Promotion of Child
Pornography – Texas Penal Code 43.26