SOME TIPS:

1. Communication with parents, students and other members of the education community is 

best done verbally or face to face in a professional and structured manner.

2. Casual, off hand, joking remarks or expressions of support via electronic media are easily 

misconstrued.

3. Pictures of you, chat discussions you initiate or participate in, and email or text messages 

between you and others create a permanent record. Reflect on your electronic postings.

4. Advise friends and family not to post pictures of you on social media sites without first asking 

for your consent.

5. Slow down. Don’t press “send” until you evaluate whether or not your postings, texts, emails 

will be considered professional and appropriate in the education community.

6. You are not your students’ “friend”. You are their teacher and must maintain a professionally 

appropriate relationship. If in doubt, call to find out.

ETFO has distributed a variety of publications on the topic of the appropriate professional use of 
electronic communication. These are available on the ETFO website.

Videotaping in the Classroom

ETFO members videotaping themselves, their colleagues, or teacher candidates, in the classroom for 

purposes of self-evaluation, or peer reflection, raises a number of potential issues. While ETFO recognizes 
the potential value of using video as a means of seeking to improve, ETFO does not encourage members 
to engage in this particular practice. It is fraught with risks for members and could lead to serious issues 
down the road, including potential fines and/or discipline. 

Privacy Concerns 

Members have professional obligations to maintain the confidentiality of all personal information about 
a student, teacher, or other individuals in their classroom. Videotaping in the classroom, where images of 
students, teachers, and others may be captured raises a number of these privacy concerns. 

Personal information regarding students, teachers, and others is largely private. Educational staff are 
subject to an array of obligations concerning the collection, use, storage, disclosure, and disposal of 
private and personal information. The Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy 
Act (MFIPPA) applies with respect to the personal information of students, teachers, and others. The 
definition of “personal information” in MFIPPA is very broad and includes videotaped images. 

The Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) and the College of Early Childhood Educators (CECE) have also 
cautioned members to be mindful of the privacy of student personal information. 

The privacy concerns of others who may be in the class (including EAs, parent helpers, etc.) must also be 
considered. 

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ELEMENTARY TEACHERS’ FEDERATION OF ONTARIO 

2014-2015

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