Challenges will naturally arise from having social media accounts whilst on placement in schools, and eventually when we become teachers. It is essential that as we progress through this course, and as teachers, we remain professional when on any form of social media, as there is a very detailed GTCS code of conduct for teaching.

As most of us are aware, it is so easy to post or tweet anything online, from our political beliefs, values or religion, to what we’re having for lunch. It is all too tempting to publish our thoughts, that would once have been written in a diary, to now the whole world. Even if it’s later deleted, it can be found out there somewhere. As trainee teachers, it’s vital that we filter what we write, and question whether it’s would be considered appropriate if read by others in the work place, parents or indeed pupils.

I personally believe that our personal and professional presence on social media should be kept separate. With the increasing amount of primary school aged children on social networking sites, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, it’s easier than ever for them to find our accounts/profiles or in fact ‘stumble across them’.

There have been too many stories of inappropriate behaviour and conduct online, by teachers, who have gone on to lose their jobs, are unable to work in any establishment involving children, and in some cases, criminal convictions and prison sentences. These are examples and warnings of what can happen if the code of conduct is not taken seriously. We are not being restrained by the guidelines of the code of conduct, just instructed how to remain professional. Privacy settings on social media are evidently important and recommended for teachers, allowing us to still have a place to write, blog, share photos without the prying eyes of pupils and parents. Despite the advantage of privacy settings, it’s still extremely important that we follow the code of conduct.

Having a separate account on social media, specifically for professional views relating education, can be exceptionally beneficial for the pupils and teacher.  With the landscape of teaching continually changing, the old established boundaries and relationships between teachers and pupils are not just classroom based. When I attended primary school, the only time I saw my teacher, or was able to ask questions was in the classroom, during lessons. Now, with the advancements in technology many pupils are able to get in contact with their teachers and enquire about homework, get extra support, and consolidate information they have learned, through websites like Glow, Edmodo etc.

Communication with pupils outside of the classroom will be so beneficial in the development of their learning, however it’s important to remember as teachers that we need to keep a professional stance. When the children walk back into the classroom, there still needs to be the consistent level of respect from the pupils, and discipline from the teachers. The pupils need the teacher in you predominantly, before the friendship.