Introduction

The Memphis City School system will enable and encourage constructive social participation particularly as it relates to building community support for the goals of the Teacher Effectiveness Initiative (TEI). By providing guidance on how to appropriately manage online interaction, we protect the MCS community (defined as employees, students, and partners) from inappropriate behavior but also create opportunities for our community members  to connect and collaborate.

The guidelines, by definition, rely on trust and individual accountability, reminding community members that information produced by them is a reflection on the entire district. By accessing, creating or contributing to any blogs, wikis, or other social conversations around TEI and/or I Teach. I Am, users agree to abide by these guidelines.

What is Social Media?

Social media is defined as the use of web-based and mobile technologies that enable the creation and exchange of user-generated content. Social media platforms include but are not limited to Facebook, Ning, Twitter, YouTube, and sites that feature blogs, wikis, social bookmarking, and online forums.

Social Media Guidelines for the MCS Community

The purpose of the MCS Social Media Guidelines is to provide employees, students and stakeholders with a clear understanding of what constitutes acceptable individual participation in internal and external social media environments – mcstei.com, iteachiam.com, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, personal blogs, etc.

For MCS employees and students, these Guidelines apply to all online situations where you identify yourself as an MCS employee or student.

Please note that only certain authorized employees are permitted to establish social media channels on behalf of MCS or to speak on behalf of MCS Administration in social media channels. If you want to establish a social media channel on behalf of MCS, or if you want to speak on behalf of MCS in social media channels, please contact the MCS Communications Dept by sending an email to (add email contact address).

9 Considerations when engaging in Social Media:

1. Disclose who you are: Employees, if you comment on any discussion related to your work at MCS, disclose your name and role. Stakeholders, transparency is always a good idea - disclose your name and role.
2. Your views are your own: Understand that you’re individually responsible for all of your own comments and content, including any comments deemed to be harassing, defamatory or libelous. When participating in social media channels, it’s best to adopt a friendly, constructive tone.
3. Use your own style: Participation in social media means communicating in a human, genuine, friendly way. When communicating, use the more personal, first person “I” and “me.” Be yourself but make sure you remain respectful of others. For MCS employees, remember, you are expected to demonstrate professionalism in and out of the workplace; therefore, please be mindful that your participation in social media channels could affect your employment.
4. Communicate honestly, professionally and respectfully: Be positive, honest, helpful and respectful of diverse views when communicating online, just as you are expected to be in your every day interactions. Don’t post things you would not be comfortable saying directly to someone.
5. Avoid arguments: If you disagree with what’s been written, don’t respond in an inflammatory way. Instead, ask the author a question to clarify, or provide facts based on your expertise to correct inaccuracies. Do not engage in public disagreements. Leave that to the authorized spokespeople.
6. When in doubt, leave it out: Realize that whatever you publish will be public for a long time, so be careful and thoughtful about what you write. All content such as blog comments is subject to approval by the site administrator.
7. Don’t copy other people’s content. Respect copyright and fair use guidelines to avoid charges of plagiarism.
8. Never write about:
   • Personal information: Never share personal information regarding employees, students, or parents.
   • Legal information: Anything to do with any legal matter – facts, issues, cases, attorneys.
   • Confidential information: Do not disclose any information that is considered confidential. This includes student data, teacher data, financial data, or management changes. If you aren’t sure whether something is confidential, do not disclose it.
9. Realize the risks: These Guidelines are meant to protect you by helping you comply with the MCS Code of Conduct and Ethics (??) and other applicable district policies, Violations can result in a termination of site privileges

   
   DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY
   MCS is not responsible for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through or stored on the MCS sponsored websites. MCS will not be responsible for the content of any advice or information received by a user from a source outside MCS, or any costs incurred as a result of such advice. MCS will make reasonable efforts to supervise students’ Internet use, but will not be responsible for claims and liabilities arising out of such use.

   MCS will not be responsible for financial obligations incurred or arising through the use of this website.

   MCS is not responsible for the communications of individuals utilizing the network. MCS does not assume any responsibility for the content of material published on web pages.