Should school districts limit teachers’ social-media chats with pupils?  A recent NY Times article, “Online barriers for teachers raised” by Jennifer Preston,  reprinted in local papers around the country described efforts by school districts and boards to impose strict guidelines banning private conversations between teachers and their students on cell phones and online platforms.  Several instances of such texting and online contact leading to sexual misconduct on the part of teachers sprinkled the article. 

This is an issue that may surface in your district and state legislatures very soon—what are your experiences and opinions?  Are teachers using social media responsibly?  What are the dangers and how can we safeguard academic freedom as well as students?