Protect your professionalism—and your students—in a digital world with these social media rules.

Nearly every adult in the U.S. uses at least one social media platform, and teachers are no exception. But because educators hold a position of public trust, online activity requires extra caution. Today’s digital landscape moves quickly, screenshots last forever, and blurry boundaries between personal and professional spaces can put teachers at risk.

**Teacher-fluencers, don’t miss the special tips for you!

---

1. Know Your District, State, and School Policies

Before posting anything, review the most recent social media guidelines from your district and state. Many districts now outline expectations around:

• Communicating with students online
• Use of professional vs. personal accounts
• Photo/video sharing
• Use of AI-created content
  These policies should guide your online decisions.

2. Keep Clear Boundaries With Students

Do not follow, friend, DM, or interact with students on your personal accounts.
A best practice:
Students can follow you only after they graduate—and only if you’re comfortable.

Some platforms auto-follow or suggest accounts, so it’s important to:

• Adjust privacy settings
• Disable message requests
• Block student accounts when needed

Maintaining boundaries protects both you and your students.

3. Choose a Professional, Neutral Profile Photo

Even when your account is private, your profile photo is often public. Avoid:

• Alcohol or party settings
• Controversial imagery
• Hand signs that could be misinterpreted

A simple headshot, nature photo, or hobby image keeps things neutral and avoids unwanted assumptions.

4. Keep Personal Accounts Separate From Your School Identity

Avoid listing your exact school name on personal profiles. It’s safer to use broader descriptions such as “Teacher in Missouri” or “Educator at a public school.”
This reduces unwanted student connection requests and protects your privacy.

If you manage a professional teacher account, keep it strictly professional and separate from your personal one.

5. Turn Off Location Settings

Location tagging (geo-tags) can expose where you teach, live, or spend your time. Disable location services for:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• TikTok
• Snapchat
• Threads

This prevents students—or strangers—from connecting your posts to your physical location.

6. Assume Screenshots Are Always Possible

Platforms that feel “temporary” (Snapchat, IG Stories, disappearing messages) can still be captured and shared.
Even deleted posts can circulate indefinitely once saved by someone else.

When in doubt, ask yourself:
Would I be comfortable with this appearing on the front page of the local newspaper?

If not, don’t post it.

7. Lock Down Your Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook Privacy Settings

Privacy features change often, so review your settings regularly.
For personal accounts:

• Set your profile to private
• Disable tagging without approval
• Limit who can see past posts
• Turn off “suggested accounts” linking your profile to others

If you connect platforms (e.g., Instagram auto-posting to Facebook), remember:
A private account on one platform doesn’t guarantee privacy on another.

8. Avoid Posting About Your School Online

Even vague posts can be traced back to your workplace. Avoid:

• Complaints about administration
• Frustrations with students
• Discussions about co-workers
• Comments about school events or discipline

Ranting online—no matter how private you think your account is—can violate policy and harm your professional reputation.

9. Don’t Use Social Media to Vent About Teaching

Teaching is emotionally demanding, and it can be tempting to share frustrations publicly. But online venting can:

• Be misread without context
• Harm relationships with families or administrators
• Be screenshotted and escalated

Instead, find safe outlets offline: trusted colleagues, mentors, or private support groups.

10. Never Post Photos, Videos, or Identifying Details of Students

This cannot be overstated. Teachers should never post:

• Photos of students
• Classroom videos showing student faces
• Student work with names visible
• Details that could identify a child or location

Even if a parent shares photos freely, their comfort level does not equate to universal permission.
Schools typically require written media releases—and those apply to official school accounts, not personal ones. Protecting student privacy is non-negotiable.

**A Note for Teachers Building a Public Following

Social media rules are a bit different for our teacher influencers. More teachers than ever are sharing ideas, classroom tips, and professional insights online—and many are building meaningful communities around the teaching profession. If you’re growing a public platform, treat your account as a professional space. Keep your content focused on your work as an educator, not on specific students, families, or internal school issues. Share strategies, inspiration, and your own teaching journey, but avoid discussing colleagues, school conflicts, or anything that could reveal student information. As your visibility grows, so does your responsibility to model ethical digital behavior. High-quality, professional content can elevate the entire field, but it’s essential to balance creativity with caution. Your voice matters—just make sure it’s shared in ways that protect both you and your students.

Final Thoughts

Social media can be a valuable space for creativity, connection, and professional inspiration. With thoughtful boundaries and a clear understanding of your district’s expectations, you can use these platforms safely while protecting your career—and your students’ privacy.

Ready to Get Involved? Become a Teacher.

If you’ve been following education trends on social media and feel inspired to make a difference, consider stepping into the classroom yourself. Teaching is one of the most meaningful ways to shape your community, and your real-world experience is exactly what today’s students need. If you’re ready to learn how to become a teacher, visit AmericanBoard.org to explore flexible, affordable certification options for career-changers. And while you’re there, be sure to follow all American Board social channels—Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube—to hear directly from our graduates. Their stories offer real insight into what it looks like to transition into teaching and make an impact right where you live.