Missouri State Teachers Association

Teachers and Social Networking - Again

     Several months ago, I saw two "investigative reports" on one or more local news stations regarding teachers and their MySpace or Facebook pages.  In a nutshell, teachers ambushed on parking lots after school were shown copies of their profiles and asked why content and pictures inappropriate for student viewing were posted for the public.  In some cases, the teacher was unaware the material was available to any and all. . .

     Educators have long been held to higher standards of behavior than parents and other community members.  I suppose this now extends to activity logged on social networking sites.  My advice still stands with members in my field area of the Missouri State Teachers Association:  don't go there!  MSTA Director of Development and Public Relations Todd Fuller is quoted in an article in the Washington Post about the matter.  (You may have to register in order to view the piece.)  I was able to access it without registering by linking through this blog.

     So what's the verdict?  Should social networking be off limits to educators?

A Drop for Your Bucket

      Recently, I received a "drop for my bucket" from a colleague.  Like me, he serves MSTA as a field service coordinator and hears many teacher stories.  A school in his area uses drops to foster positive relationships among staff members.  Of course, receiving a drop prompted me to read more about the idea's origins:  "How Full is Your Bucket?  Positive Strategies for Work and Life."  It reminds me of the random acts of kindness craze several years ago, so I am sure this will catch fire and then burn out.  But I am all for the ride!  If folks can be more than civil to one another, even for a short period of time. . . more power to the people!

Rewrite the History Books?

     Stanford University debuted an audio recording that predates what was known as the first by 17 years.  If not a fraud, this is big news and could replace Thomas Edison's references in history books.  Read more here.

     By the way. . . where has this recording been for the past 100 or more years?  I understand not having the appropriate technology to play back the audio.  But I've never heard of the existence of the "phonautograph."  Have I been under a rock?

     Interesting stuff nonetheless!

3rd Graders Plot Against Teacher

     You just have to watch the video for this story!