Baker's Facebook Policy
I use Facebook (at http://www.facebook.com/) because I believe that it is a useful and appropriate tool for communication and information-sharing in the digital age - particularly as a digital nativist and as someone who works with teenagers. I maintain a Facebook account that is appropriate for all audiences and that is a reflection of myself as a person and as a professional. When I am Friends with a student via Facebook, that connection allows the student to contact me more readily than would otherwise be possible through conventional channels. It also allows me to distribute information - such as reminders of deadlines, or helpful study hints - to a wide group of students quickly, and in a way that is convenient to them.
I do not initiate Facebook relationships with my students. If a student requests that I add him or her as a Friend, I will do so.
It is my hope that anyone using Facebook knows how to do so in an appropriate way to safeguard his/her safety and privacy. When I add a student as a Friend, that student is added to a "Students" list so that I can target appropriate posts to that audience. Similarly, I encourage students to use lists in order to have greater control over what they share with their English teacher. If I observe behavior on Facebook that leads me to believe that a student is in danger of harm (physical, mental, emotional, legal, etc.) I will act as both my professional and moral requirements demand, in that I will bring the matter to the attention of the appropriate parties so that the student can be helped. I would always rather one of my "kids" be angry at me than for him or her to be hurt or dead.
If you are a parent and would like to be Facebook Friends with me, please add a message to your Friend request letting me know who you are. I don't accept Friend requests from people who I don't know in person, and I may not recognize your name immediately. A quick message will clue me in to how I know you so that I can accept the request. I will add you to the same list as the students so that you can receive the same updates.
No, I will not tend your Farm or join your Mafia. :) Sorry.
I do not initiate Facebook relationships with my students. If a student requests that I add him or her as a Friend, I will do so.
It is my hope that anyone using Facebook knows how to do so in an appropriate way to safeguard his/her safety and privacy. When I add a student as a Friend, that student is added to a "Students" list so that I can target appropriate posts to that audience. Similarly, I encourage students to use lists in order to have greater control over what they share with their English teacher. If I observe behavior on Facebook that leads me to believe that a student is in danger of harm (physical, mental, emotional, legal, etc.) I will act as both my professional and moral requirements demand, in that I will bring the matter to the attention of the appropriate parties so that the student can be helped. I would always rather one of my "kids" be angry at me than for him or her to be hurt or dead.
If you are a parent and would like to be Facebook Friends with me, please add a message to your Friend request letting me know who you are. I don't accept Friend requests from people who I don't know in person, and I may not recognize your name immediately. A quick message will clue me in to how I know you so that I can accept the request. I will add you to the same list as the students so that you can receive the same updates.
No, I will not tend your Farm or join your Mafia. :) Sorry.
