Leadership group. The basketball team. Drama club.
How do you communicate with them?
It’s a struggle for staff and students to connect. Let’s just forget email – students don’t check it. With generations preferring to use differing mobile apps, the common ground constantly falls to texting. Texting is simple, direct, and instant. So it works, right?
Wrong.
There are too many issues with staff-student texting that need addressing.
It’s Simple but Inappropriate
The majority of teacher-student relationships are appropriate and positive. But there are enough media reports on the inappropriate ones involving legal action that they can’t be ignored.
Having someone’s mobile number is an incredibly personal thing – having a student’s private number is frequently seen as an inappropriate contact source for teachers.
Add the element of privacy. Texts are inaccessible by administration or guardians unless they specifically ask and read through the conversation themselves. Parents and administration are in the right to raise questions.
The Sacrifice of Personal Time
When a teacher gives out their phone number, no matter how trusted the relationship is with the student, they are sacrificing their own personal boundaries. On top of long work-hours, students and parents now have the ability to text at any given time.
Once their number is shared, they have lost control over their very valuable personal time. Work-life balance is vital and providing a personal cell number out to students will at some point infringe on that balance.
Set the Example of Professionalism
Though a friendly and trusting relationship is important for teachers and their students, maintaining a sense of professionalism is key. Professionalism can aid in tough situations where difficult conversations need to be had.
Texting blurs the professional-line because of the accessibility and casualness often associated with texts.
Developing professional relationships is a life-skill students need to acquire as they move into the workplace – whether that’s interacting with managers, employees, and even clients. Demonstrating how to have a healthy professional relationship is part of an educator’s job in preparing them for the future.
Lack of monitoring, risk of inappropriateness, and blurred relationship lines – these cons far outweigh the pros. These reasons are just some of the many benefits Minga provides schools and their educators.
Not only does Minga provide a moderated space for safe and professional conversations, but the ability for all to broadcast their voice brings your school community together. Healthy relationships, a more engaged population – all by simplifying your communication with Minga.