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Advice

Free Speech and Social Media: Five Tips for Public School Educators

Here are five tips to protect your social media posts.
By: KNEA
Published: September 30, 2025

Five Tips to Protect Your Posts

  1. To be protected by First Amendment as free speech, public school employees generally must:
    1. Speak as a private citizen and not as a public employee.
    2. Speak on matters of public concern and not a private grievance, confidential workplace information or other private matters.
    3. Not substantially disrupt the work of the classroom or district.
  2. The First Amendment does not typically protect an educator's speech made while teaching or in the classroom. Be cautious about sharing personal information and opinions while working.
  3. Know your district and school policies regarding social media use. Think carefully about using district resources, including time, space and technology, when using personal social media. Keep contact with students professional and not personal.
  4. Stay smart on social media. Your audience may interpret the context of your post in a way that you did not intend, and may share your post in a way that you did not expect. Think carefully about whether you're comfortable with your school or students seeing your posts.
  5. Use your union! You don't have to speak alone. Your union is a powerful communication tool that can provide additional protections. Contact KNEA to utilize your union and make sure you understand your rights.
A graphic with 5 tips from this resource to protect educators and ESPs while using social media.

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