Example of Not Thinking Before Posting

A few months ago, I posted a blog entry about students, teachers, social networking, and do's/don't's for both. One of the most important lessons is to think before posting. It looks like a high school teacher did not follow that simple advice. Central Bucks County (PA) English Teacher, Natalie Munroe was suspended over posting mean-spirited comments about her students on her blog.

From an educator's point of view, yes, there may be days where students may try the patience of the teacher; yes, there may be days when the teacher thinks the students could work harder; yes, there may be times when the teacher observes behaviors that shouldn't be practiced, but it is NEVER an excuse to attack the students in an online forum for all the world to see. Ms. Munroe's behavior lacks sensible thinking, her character comes into question and she lost any authority and/or respect she had over/from the students, as they will band together to support their peers. Teachers, whether they like it or not, are leaders, and they must lead by example. This action does not set a good example to the students in proper online behavior. Furthermore, there is the chance for legal action by the parents, under defamation of character, not just against the teacher, but against the school district.

Sadly, there are educators like this in American schools, and sadly, many are tenured. I wish teachers like this, frankly, would get the heck out of the profession, either quit, retire, or change their career, as it's these people who give a bad name to the profession and take up a classroom from a teacher who would actually want to be there.

The Central Bucks County School District made the right decision and we will see if they will be brave enough to go head to head with the teachers union to move to revoke her tenure for this disgraceful and inexusible action.