SmackDown: Should Teachers Be Allowed to Blog About Their Students?

by Amy Hatch and Jessica Samakow (Subscribe to Amy Hatch and Jessica Samakow's posts)
Feb 15th 2011 2:15PM

Filed under: Opinions

Act up in class, read about it in tomorrow's teacher blog. Illustration by Dori Hartley

Blogging About Your Students Is Not a Fireable Offense

by Amy Hatch

After venting about her students online, a teacher could be expelled from her job.

Natalie Munroe was escorted out of Central Bucks East High School last week after some students discovered what Munroe thought was a private blog.

The teacher says she never thought to protect her website with a password -- after all, her only readers were friends and family, and the majority of her posts dealt with her private life. But a brief series of personal essays on the state of education and her high school English students set the suburban Philadelphia school abuzz last week.

In her posts, Munroe frequently used profanity and suggested that some of her students dressed like street-walkers, over-estimated their intellectual prowess, and called them "rat-like" and "rude, lazy, disengaged whiners."

Now, Munroe is in danger of being fired for publishing her opinions online, PhillyBurbs.com reports, despite the fact that her lawyer, Steve Rovner, tells the news organization the Central Bucks school district does not have an "Internet policy."

Firing Munroe would be wrong, plain and simple.

Was what she did naive? Yes. The Internet is a public forum, after all. Was it indiscreet? Perhaps. But was it against the law? No.

What Munroe did, in fact, was her fundamental right as a United States citizen. She exercised her First Amendment right to express any opinion, no matter how unpopular, unpleasant or vile.

The Internet has opened a whole new frontier when it comes to the public expression of our opinions. Self-publishing has given rise to a whole new generation of voices, voices that otherwise may have never been heard. Voices that would have been otherwise disenfranchised. Voices that brought into the sunlight issues that were previously buried in the dark.

Take Heather Armstrong, another blogger who was fired for sharing her opinions about her employer on her uber-popular blog "Dooce."

Armstrong also used her blog as a forum to write about her private battle with depression, which landed her in the hospital for several days when her daughter was just an infant. Her willingness to open up about that experience helped raise the profile of clinical and post-partum depression, especially among the population that often experiences it -- mothers.

As a parent, I completely understand the instinct toward outrage. Would I be furious if a teacher insulted my child in a public online forum? You bet your bippy I would.

But as a journalist who makes her living from writing online, I shudder at the thought that Munroe might be terminated from her job for expressing her personal opinions on her personal blog.

And, let's be frank: Our educational system really is in crisis. Why is it so terrible that someone who sees it from the trenches should share her concerns and questions, profanity and acerbic commentary aside?

If Munroe is fired, a dangerous precedent will be set. The Internet is a powerful medium, one that certainly has its dark corners, but also one that has the potential to create conversations about subjects that affect us in the most fundamental ways.

Silencing those voices? Now, that would be worthy of expulsion.

A Lesson for Blogging Teachers: Actions Have Consequences

by Jessica Samakow

We see it again and again. An Internet scandal erupts and it's always the same defense: "I didn't think anyone would see it."

From teen sexters to Congressmen posting their pictures on Craigslist, the guilty parties all play the victim, acting surprised when their dirty laundry is aired across the Web.

Now, high school teacher Natalie Munroe could lose her job for negatively blogging about her students. Following the pattern of those under fire before her, she says "her blog was never meant to be widely read," USA Today reports.

OK, so maybe she didn't intend for her students to discover her blog, but that's simply not a viable defense. If something is posted on the Web, someone will find it.

High school teachers and counselors often remind teens how powerful the Internet is, noting that colleges now evaluate not only formal applications, but a student's online presence, as well. The general rule they tell teens: Don't post anything on the Internet you wouldn't want the world to see or read.

And, now that a Google search can be performed from your cell phone and Facebook is so easily accessible, this advice is both crucial and obvious. So, then, if teens are expected to take certain precautions on the Web, why shouldn't their teachers be held to the same standard?

This isn't a matter of free speech. True, we can say what we want in this country, but that doesn't mean we don't have to face consequences. A teen who rants on Facebook about how many shots of tequila she consumed last Saturday night deserves to get busted by her parents. An employee who tweets about his evil dictator of a boss will likely get reprimanded, if not fired.

And a teacher who blogs that her students "dress like streetwalkers" and have an "unrealistically high perception of (their) own ability level" should be penalized, as well.

Students tend to be intrigued with the lives of their teachers outside of school. Running into a teacher at the movie theater is like an out-of-body experience; shouldn't they be at home grading papers?!

Today's teachers probably felt the same way when they were in high school, but, instead of chance run-ins at the grocery store, students can just go to Google to learn more about their educators.

Munroe argues that her blog was not "stumbled upon" by students; it was "dug up." How it was discovered, however, is irrelevant. What matters is that it was found.

Look, I get that a frustrated teacher might turn to writing as an outlet to complain about her bratty high school students. But why not keep a journal? Or privately e-mail her closest friends? Posting it on a live blog, even with minimal subscribers, is just foolish.

In a recent post, Monroe defends her actions: "Contrary to what seems to be popular belief, I didn't -- and don't -- feel negatively toward all students. As I mentioned in another blog that nobody chooses to talk about, there were delightful students in school, too."

And while the so-called "delightful" students may appreciate her remarks, that doesn't make up for what was said about the not-so-delightful ones. I don't classify myself as being overly sensitive, but I would feel extremely uncomfortable being in a classroom and knowing my teacher pegged me as "rat-like" or "frightfully dim."

The students who were called these names deserve better.

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ReaderComments (Page 7 of 12)

Add Your Comments

2-15-2011 @ 5:48PM

Vee said...

These kind of comments could be considered cyber-bullying, which gets a lot of attention in the school system, and for good reason. It is not appropriate for people in authority over children to talk in a manner they wouldnt tolerate from their own students. The internet is not secure, and once it is out there, it is out there forever and can be viewed by people it would never occur to you would see it. This is what college staff have been trying to drill into students regarding Facebook and other social media, which you can supposedly use filters to hide your antisocial media. I was told years ago to consider what you write on line as if it was on a postcard, or a party line. How can this woman's students trust her again, especially with the publicity this is getting? Young people have committed suicide over negative remarks. I can understand not liking the way some of the kids dress or behave, and venting about it, but the venom in those comments is pretty weird and judgmental. Does she grade them accordingly?

2-15-2011 @ 5:50PM

Jennifer G said...

Teaching is a trusted profession and has been for decades. Teachers imprints have a lasting influence on our young people. We parents trust in their judgment and their commitment to their craft. Teachers play a vital role in our society. Given this important task, it is essential that teachers maintain a certain professional conduct. Teaching is a profession vital to our society as a whole, isn't it correct in saying "teachers are responsible for their own conduct and actions" all, not just some, teachers should practice what they are taught? I believe they should. They registered with the Teachers Union which follows certain criteria in teaching. My ex husband was a certified teacher and certified Guidance Counselor for over 20 yrs; he once said, "if all teachers would just be more objective, and less judgemental, maybe the students would learn to be more attentive to the teacher." I know he was right. I am almost sure there is a code of ethics that teachers are required to follow, I am not sure what they are, but before the writer of this column Amy Hatch wrote this article she should have
done her research.

The teachers are an elite group, much like the ministers of churches, Rabbi's, preachers, or man of the cloth, they form your young children through standards set by our government and our society. By a mandate set by our state and national government our children are required to attend school, why, you ask? Back in the 17th century, many men, women and children could not read or write, each governing state or country felt everyone should be able to read and write, along with learning social skills and interacting among your peers. The rest is history so to speak. (Education was not free by any means to the poor) As you can see, teaching was a skilled and professional career even back then. Teachers were looked upon like a minister of knowledge. Just as ministers of the bible.

So yes, this teacher has consequences for her actions, whether it be immediate expulsion or a few months without pay. No payment of any kind should be awarded for her actions. None of this crap where you get to stay home and collect funds for your wrong doing, pay the price for your unprofessional actions. Whichever organization (government or private) handles this teachers
actions, has a responsibility to the people for her misconduct and to strengthen her teaching skills or lack thereof.

As for our educational system being broken, thank the political arena and those standing in it, you voted for them. Republican's dislike paying taxes, thank them for the broken educational system.

As for the teacher Ms. Munroe, she knows better to write anything on the internet, it is eventually viewed by all or many. Anything on the internet is up for grabs, she knew this when she went to print. She has no one to blame but herself. Remember; ignorance is no exception when it comes to the law. Law of the internet ~ anyone who puts it in cyber space ~ it will be found by all.

With regards to the students she so judged, remember, we all go through a growing period and stand tall even when being an ass. We've all done it, I don't care if your rich, poor, black, white, yellow, green, we have all been there and I am sure we sent our teachers home with the same sentiments or not. I can remember mini skirts and see through blouses were a taboo, along with long hair on guys, smoking pot and cigarettes were the big No - Nos in our time. Hot pants were forbidden as they were not dresses or skirts. In my teenagers years, it was being gothic and other hard drugs; regardless, each era has something different, this generation just has it harder. With two working parents, no one home, no one to vent with after your home from school it is hard for them to deal with and some won't speak to their parents as they are not close due to lack of communication because parents both work. Society has changed, our way of meeting people has changed, as should the way we teach our children in our homes or in our schools.

If this teacher Ms. Munroe finds it so repulsive to teach the kids she so reluctantly slandered, she needs to stop teaching, step aside and find a new profession. It has always been my firm belief; anyone who is much like her, only chose teaching because she thought it was easy and couldn't think of any other career she might get a degree in. Makes you wonder? I know I am wondering?

2-15-2011 @ 5:52PM

Ashley said...

Kids get on facebook and gripe and whine and even say their gonna kill their teachers and they don't get in trouble because they don't get caught the majority of the time, but when a teacher has a blog and expresses her own feelings about how she stresses about her job, she gets in trouble?

She has the freedom of speech. She didn't say any names. So what is the problem? There is no saying she can't do what she did.

2-15-2011 @ 5:51PM

Erik said...

Freedom of speech.

Unfortunately, in today's day and age, the lack of respect amongst grade-level students for their teachers is sickening. While she may not have been the most mature about the situation (online blogging isn't really the best way to go, especially with possibly learning-disabled students....in that case any detrimental comments were sheer stupidity), the kids in her class obviously were so misbehaved that she had no other way to vent (in her opinion). Ever wonder why so many teachers are alcoholics? Well, there you go. In high school, I would like to say approximately 80% of my teachers drank on a consistent basis because of their misbehaved students. Several others turned to drugs (marijuana was smoked by some teachers in my high school).

My mother is a teacher (I'm in grad school now, by the way), and I have heard countless horror stories of her students acting out like they own the world. They swear, make rude comments, argue, act violently, etc.

I would therefore like to propose a new method of dealing with these misbehaving students. Instead of putting up with it, and letting it affect one on such a personal level, teachers should kick the student from the class, and send them to the office. Should the student make no attempt to behave, make up school work, etc., let them fail. It isn't the teacher's responsibility to deal with behavioral issues.

Those who do not wish to learn and make no attempt to should not be granted the privilege to become educated. Teachers should not have to put up with the lack of respect they so frequently deal with.

For those of you who would like to know a bit about me, I'm in graduate school in a top US university studying to become a lawyer, while also getting my MBA (JD-MBA joint degree program). I never ever comment on articles, but I often feel the need to. Sorry for writing such an essay here, but I have been in multiple situations where other students are essentially bullying teachers, and it should never be pushed to the side. Teachers today are so underpaid for their work it is ridiculous. A good comparison would be to say that teachers have the stress levels of ER surgeons, while getting paid like a convenience store clerk. It's sad.

But yeah, there's my two cents on the situation. Thanks for your time.

Enough Already said...

As a parent of 4 with 13 years difference between the first and last, I have seen first hand the dumbing down and lack of respect our children have become as students. The teacher did not mention names! Unfortunately, she is correct in her assessments. Instead of being angry with her, parents need to wake up and change the course their children are on. It is never too late!

krabitz said...

Wonder how "outraged" these parents would be if they actually saw their own children's (and their friends') Facebook and Myspace pages....filled with profanity, near pornographic pictures, and underage drinking? I am a teacher and so very sick of these hypocritical parents. Get off this woman's back. 99.99 % of teachers would agree wholeheartedly with every word she wrote.

2-16-2011 @ 7:02AM

Karen Yocom said...

This woman is an adult and should know better than to disparage the school and the kids in a public blog. She's supposed to be a professional...she's not.

2-15-2011 @ 5:56PM

The issue is professionalism.. she has none. It's also an issue about common sense and sensitivity...she has none of this either. Her blogging solves nothing and only serves to embarrass the school, other teachers and the kids. If she has issues, she needs to address these with the school administrators, the kids and the parents...not on a BLOG. I'm sure she'd take offense if the kids starting blogging about how terrible the teachers were at this school and how they'd rate them. In my opinion, she shouldn't be teaching. She needs to go back to selling real estate.

2-15-2011 @ 7:06PM

Brains said...

What she did was what ANY student or person does NOW. With 'facebook' 'myspace' and ANY other site where you can post pictures and talk about things is FAIR game for ANYONE and if you DONT like what's said DONT READ IT. The school should they 'try' to fire her should be SUED and punitive damages awarded when she wins and she WILL. The first amendment 'guarantees' it !!

2-15-2011 @ 6:01PM

lionruby said...

This person used NO NAMES.

And, having kids myself, I'm delighted that she would find the emotional wherewithal to still be passionate about what she sees as destructive in the classroom. After all - it isn't as if she has been given any control over what the kids wear, how they behave, their lack of manners, etc. Parents are working. They do much, much less observing than they used to. Teachers stand in loco parentis, but we give them no tools with which to mold our kid's CHARACTERS. It's isn't going to happen once a week on Sunday, folds. It's a day-in-day-out battle that gets fought for your kids and mine - we need to give our teachers some rights in the classroom. They should get to institute dress codes that incorporate common decency. They should be allowed to give disciplinary action (no, I don't mean hitting) for deliberately bad behavior. They should be allowed to spend a little bit of time teaching the MANNERS that do not come at home. And they should be given the RESPECT that they are due from the PARENTS who, in many cases, love their kids but do not themselves have the time or wherewithal to instill the basics of common sense. Teachers spend lots of time being reviled and spit on by their students. They are there because they have a commitment to YOUR KID, Joe Public. Let them call it like they see it, and get on with civilizing your child.

2-15-2011 @ 5:57PM

Barbara Wilkins said...

This teacher was right on. Some students can be described exactly what she described them as. I wouldn't be a teacher in some schools if they paid me a million bucks. The article did not mention if the students admitted or denied the teachers description of them or were the and their parents angry that she called them out.

2-15-2011 @ 6:18PM

Suzanne said...

I am a high school teacher and I know that I will be held accountable for ANYTHING I say and do. I also know that, in some sense, I have given up some of my personal life. Teachers are real people who make mistakes, but we are held to a higher than normal standard as we should be.
This teacher was not naive, she was stupid. I am certainly not perfect, but I do know what is right and what is wrong. And what this teacher did was just plain wrong. I am not even allowed to discuss students with my husband, let alone post anything about my students or how I feel about them. If this teacher feels she has to "vent" in writing, maybe she should keep a paper journal! She also should get out of the teaching field!

As a teacher, I feel this certain teacher SHOULD be severly repremanded for her actions.

2-15-2011 @ 6:06PM

The difference is that THEY are KIDS...SHE'S an ADULT who should know better than spill her guts on a public BLOG.

2-15-2011 @ 6:05PM

Ptaray said...

As far as I can tell she mentioned no names?
The talking about students thing is probably the most under-utilized thing teachers have been doing. This nations hate by many for teachers and education is a product of political isolation.

The loss of any actual diciplinary powers for teachers and administartors could be the reason so many kids are in fact down right insulting and disrepectful of those folks whose jobs are to teach them to be productive citizens.

oooh, "I'm gonna call your parents " or "I'm going to suspend you for being a trouble maker"... REALLY !?... wow thanks, now I can go back to my bed and sleep or go get into trouble elsewhere!! my parentsvare busy working, they won't care, nor come in.

Kids are quick learners and the lack of respect for the teaching profession and the politcal attacks on those folks who organize and monitor teachers have help ruin what was a very respected and important part of this nations foundation as a free thinking and compassionate society.
Please, the teachers should be able to show a list of the kids who are direspectful and those who create more disruptions then they do applying themselves to the task at hand.

EDUCATION, school is not a social meeting place, it is the place where the education of the needed skills are administered to go forth into the world AFTER graduation and be a responsible citizen and interact socially.

school should be the most diciplined arenas, with the least tolerance for single mindedness, and emphasis on creative and philosophical ideas and how they can be applied to the current needs of society, and THE PARENTS should be supportive, and send their children to school READY TO LEARN LISTEN AND THEN... THINK... and then put together a coherent thought on the subject being spoken of.
In the end, your children over all (not all) are only as respectful and willing to learn as you send them to school, trained by you the parents.
Teachers need help, not more garbage for speaking their minds.
Kids speak theirs all day long, with little responsible input by their parents. whose fault it that?...
I think they call it PARENTING.......

cs said...

blogging... TEXTING IN CLASS .....DISGRACE!....then these teachers want raises......
FIRE ALL OF THEM

2-15-2011 @ 6:09PM

soread said...

a "rude, 'beligerent' argumentive f*ck" is just awful, no matter if she said which student.

lets not foget the bigger issue? Parents who raise the said offenders/lack of manners or class room etiquette. And Mommy and Daddy are not at falt.Kids today are so different. from days gone by.

2-15-2011 @ 6:11PM

kluj said...

so she tells the truth and she gets fired....perfect.....she just about described every high school across america!

men in black said...

Public whipping would help all “bloggers” to stop this non-sense

2-15-2011 @ 6:19PM

Franziska Edwards said...

This teacher voiced opinions I voice daily. I see girls walk into my daughter's school who would be arrested if they were on a different street. My jaw drops regularly at the LACK of clothes they wear. Where are their parents?? And dim-witted? OMG, yes. MOST of the kids in HS these days put forth the bare minimum effort, AND get away with it. I am really sorry she got into trouble over this. As an ex-teacher, I agree with her absolutely.

2-15-2011 @ 11:33PM

sapphire53 said...

Franziska, parents should pay attention to the clothing their children have on to wear to school, but it is also the school's fault for not adopting some type of appropriate dress code. I know where I live, every school district has a dress code. No see through or low tops, shorts to the top of the knee and so forth. If students wear clothing that is not fit they get sent to the office and parents get called to pick their child up and come back in proper clothing.

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