Be warm. Keep a line.
Students need a caring adult, not another friend. The line protects them and you.
Written with AI — this one isn’t Tammy. The Field Guide covers ground her videos don’t, and keeps to what’s well established. It doesn’t know your students, and nothing here overrides your school’s policy or your state’s law. · 1 min read
What to do
- Don't friend or follow current students on personal social media, and don't message them from personal accounts. Use school-approved channels.
- Keep your door open, or your room visible, when you're alone with a student.
- Assume anything you post publicly will be seen by students, parents and your principal — because eventually it will be.
- Be friendly without becoming their friend. Warmth and clear expectations aren't in conflict; the best teachers have both.
- If a student confides something serious, or a relationship starts to feel too personal, bring in a counselor or administrator early.
Why it works
New teachers are often close in age to their students, and it's natural to want to be liked. But a clear professional line is what lets students trust you — and it protects you from misunderstandings that can derail a career even when nothing inappropriate happened.
Try this tomorrow
Tonight, look at your public social media as if you were a parent searching for their child's new teacher. Tighten anything that gives you pause.
Watch out
Driving a student home, texting from your personal phone, or meeting outside school without your school knowing are the classic grey areas. Check your district's policy before any of them.
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