Free speech is one of the most important rights we have. But for educators, it can feel less like a freedom and more like a risk. Today, it’s not just your classroom under the microscope; it’s your personal social media, too. Parents, students, and organized groups are actively watching what educators post, sometimes intending to get them disciplined or even fired.
That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t speak your mind. It means being intentional, because your digital footprint tells a story, whether you intend it to or not.
When’s the last time you Googled yourself?
Since well before the days of The State of Tennessee v. John Thomas Scopes, teachers have been under scrutiny for what they say in the classroom. What often receives pushback isn’t pedagogy, but ideology. Today, that same scrutiny has expanded beyond the classroom into teachers’ personal lives (and digital spaces). In 1925, cultural battles were fought in the classroom. In 2025, they’re fought online.
For example, new reporting tools, such as Indiana’s Eyes on Education portal, enable parents, students, or colleagues to flag curriculum choices, classroom discussions, or school policies they find objectionable. These reports can trigger investigations, generate public records, and, of course, even go viral online.
Educators have long known that a single book assignment or a classroom poster can suddenly put their career under the microscope. Not because they broke a law or violated school policy, but because someone disagreed with their approach. In today’s climate, social and political pressures are magnified by coordinated groups who aren’t just watching—they are actively searching for ways to challenge, discredit, and silence voices they oppose.
This reality makes digital self-awareness and protection more critical than ever. And it’s not a hypothetical exercise. In September 2025, the Oklahoma State Department of Education announced that dozens of teachers and multiple districts were under investigation following reports tied to online comments and school responses to the political assassination of Charlie Kirk. The message was clear: teachers’ digital words and actions are being monitored closely, with real consequences for their jobs and reputations.
Online Safety Starts With Awareness
Just as you lock your doors at night, you should regularly check the “front door” to your online identity. Here are a few practical steps:
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- Search yourself. Type your name into a search engine and see what shows up. For most of us, it’s easy to find our employers, the city we live in, and even the businesses we frequent. They appear in our LinkedIn profiles, Google Maps reviews, and social media likes.
- Review your settings. On social platforms, audit privacy controls. Know what’s public, what’s shared with friends, and what’s visible to the world. Even the content you “like” or comment on can be shown to others more often than you think.
“A friend of mine loves Hallmark Christmas movies,” said Ashley Winter, Content Marketing Coordinator at CEL. “Every year, she comments on every post Hallmark makes—trailers, countdowns, cookie-baking montages—and suddenly my feed is full of them too. It’s innocent and kind of charming. But not everyone is aware their public comments are shared with their friends. We all have that friend who likes every dog post or engages with every online recipe. What are you engaging with that your contacts are seeing? Food for thought.”
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- Clean your footprint. Old content can resurface in ways you never intended. Hide or delete outdated posts that no longer reflect who you are. Unless you’re running for office, you probably don’t need to lock down everything about yourself, but now is a good time to review public information.
- Audit your contact list. Should you befriend your principal? The parent at the bus stop? A former student? Maybe. It’s up to you. But be aware of who is on your friend’s list and know what they can see.
- Own your narrative. Share professional updates, volunteer work, or thought leadership that represents your values. Proactive content helps balance out the noise.
“Quite recently, I commented on a news story on social media. It was a throw-away comment, saying I believe we needed stronger weapons policies to protect school children,” a friend of CEL shared. “That comment now has thousands of likes. But I’ve also received a few hundred hate comments, ranging from personal insults to borderline threats. One person even mentioned my child, which tells me they dug into my personal profile. I’ve never been so grateful that my profile is set to private…but I also realized my account uses my real name. With some dedicated Googling, any of these people could find my employer, where I live, probably even where my child goes to school.
I haven’t said anything I wouldn’t put my whole heart and voice behind, and I’d say it again. However, personal safety is also important. If I’m going to face threats, I don’t want it to be over a silly social media comment. It’s a balance between honoring my values and protecting my family.”
Should Teachers Stay Silent?
Sorry, there’s no guidebook for what to say and what not to say. For some, silence feels safe. For others, silence is not an option. And there’s also the belief that those with privilege have a responsibility to speak up for those who cannot.
“We wish we could give you a checklist for this situation, but it’s more complicated than a list,” said Cindy Leines, Founder and CEO of CEL Marketing PR Design. “The goal isn’t to stop speaking up, but to do it with intention. Educators aren’t just employees; they are community figures. Your online presence is an opportunity to shape how your community sees you and your profession.”
Three questions to ask yourself before you post, like, or reshare:
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- 1. Would I be comfortable if this were to appear in my principal’s, superintendent’s, or school board chair’s inbox?
- 2. Does this reflect the kind of teacher and role model I want my students to see?
- 3. Am I okay with this living online forever, even out of context?
When the Spotlight Finds You
What happens if the storm finds you anyway? Here are a few steps that can make a difference:
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- Lean on allies. Notify your principal, superintendent, or union so you’re not facing it alone.
- Pause before reacting. Don’t let adrenaline dictate your response.
- Document everything. Save screenshots of threats or harassment.
- Report if needed. All threats should be taken seriously—involve law enforcement when necessary.
- Know that silence is strategic. Not every comment deserves a reply. Sometimes the wisest move is to step back.
Free Speech and Personal Responsibility
Free speech doesn’t mean free from consequences. But that doesn’t mean staying silent—it means speaking with intention. In a world where anyone can screenshot, share, and spin your words, awareness is your strongest shield. Stand up for what’s right. Speak with courage. But also pause, reflect, and protect your digital self, because free speech is most powerful when paired with wisdom.
Take five minutes today: Google yourself, check your privacy settings, and ask—is this the story I want told about me? In your classrooms, you’re shaping the future, and that’s worth safeguarding. And remember, while you use your voice, also know the rules of the road—check your school’s policies and your state’s laws so you stay protected as you lead and inspire.
