Teaching Expertise

I’m a teacher who’s also an influencer. Over the past year, I’ve built a following of 200,000 on TikTok and Instagram combined. 

I love sharing classroom stories, funny moments, and teaching tips. But recently, a parent raised concerns about me creating content during school hours. Now, I’m wondering—am I crossing a line? 

Should I be doing this, or is it unprofessional?

Understanding School Policies Before Hitting Record

Before you start recording in the classroom, it’s essential to know your school’s social media policies. Many schools have specific rules regarding personal content creation, especially if it involves using school Wi-Fi, devices, or even the classroom setting itself.

As one teacher mentioned: “Public employees are not allowed to use the school’s electronics and Wi-Fi for personal use,” reminding us how critical it is to check these restrictions.

Protecting Student Privacy: Get Media Releases

When sharing content that includes students or their work, it’s critical to get media releases. Parents have the right to know how their children’s images or work are being used online. One teacher emphasized, “You better have media releases for every child whose artwork you have posted,” because failing to do so can lead to legal issues or complaints from concerned parents.

Class Time is for Teaching—Not TikTok

Creating TikToks during school hours can blur the line between professional and personal time. While it’s tempting to film during your teaching day, “If you’re creating content during contract time, it’s time theft, which would likely be a dismissible offense,” said one teacher. To avoid crossing any lines, it’s best to save content creation for after-school hours.

Earning Money from Your Social Media: Know the Rules

If you’re earning income from social media content created during school hours or on school property, your school may have a say in it. As one teacher warned, “If you’re making money from your videos, they can make you stop because you’re doing business in their business,” highlighting the potential conflict of interest.

Balancing Your Influencer Life with Your Teaching Career

Being an influencer is fun, but as a teacher, your primary responsibility is to your students. “Parents do not send their kids to school for teachers to spend time making TikToks,” one teacher emphasized. It’s important to maintain your professional image and not let social media interfere with your teaching duties.

The Safety and Ethical Concerns of Social Media Use

Social media platforms like TikTok come with risks, particularly around data privacy and exposure to inappropriate content. “Our local schools were told not to use TikTok by a cyber safety expert,” shared a teacher, raising concerns about potential security risks associated with using the platform in an educational setting.

Conclusion: Weigh the Pros and Cons Before Posting

Balancing your role as a teacher and influencer can be tricky, but it’s possible if you stay informed and mindful of policies. Always prioritize your students’ privacy, understand your school’s rules, and create content outside of teaching hours. Social media can be a great tool for connecting with other educators and building a community, but make sure your professional responsibilities remain at the forefront.