Online Conduct
True or False: It's okay to follow a student's TikTok account if it's public.
What is FALSE: As per the Ontario College of Teacher's Professional Advisory, teachers should never follow students' personal social media.
Is it okay to give a student a high-five after a great presentation?
What is yes, in casual settings, positive reinforcement (such as a high-five) is appropriate, as long as it is brief, public, and professional.
You attend a student's community hockey game on the weekend. Is this always a violation?
What is no. It is not automatically a violation if professional distance is maintained, but teachers should avoid showing favoritism.
Which organization sets professional boundaries for Ontario teachers?
What is The Ontario College of Teachers.
What is the safest method for teachers to communicate with students about schoolwork?
What is official school-run channels (i.e., school email, LMS, or school-approved apps).
A student gives you a box of chocolates as a holiday gift. Do you accept or decline?
A parent adds you on Facebook. Should you accept?
What is no. The advisory states teachers should not use personal social media to communicate with parents or students.
What is the teacher's primary responsibility when it comes to maintaining professional boundaries?
What is always acting in the best interests of students.
A student messages you on Instagram about homework. What should you do?
What is not replying privately on social media. Redirect the student to official school communication channels and maintaining boundaries.
A student asks to meet at Starbucks for extra help. What should you do?
What is no - do not meet in unsupervised, off-site locations. Offer to provide extra help at school, in supervised settings.
A student emails you at 10PM with a homework question. Should you answer right away?
What is no. Teachers should model professional boundaries by responding during school hours.