Though some students may think it odd, teachers use social media too. SCHS teachers often use social media to share educational content, various classroom experiences and personal updates. Some leverage platforms like Instagram and Facebook to engage with students, parents and fellow educators, while others prefer to keep their accounts private or separate from their professional lives.
As social media continues to shape communication, the role of teachers in digital spaces remains a topic of discussion among students and staff. Social science teacher Gwendolyn Schneider, on one hand, views social media to be more on the negative side and suggests that the use of it should be balanced.
“I feel like social media is more of a marketing tool, and so it’s a time suck,” Schneider said. “Everybody has their time sucks, so I think that everything in moderation. But it can become an addiction.”
On the other hand, College and Career Center Technician Anthony Butler is active on social media. He connects to the community through Instagram and Facebook, posting content related to SCHS.
“A lot of people have graduated from here, and they like to stay connected with the school in some way because people are so far away. I try to be a connection to them, and they can see what’s still happening,” Butler said. “Even with my friends, they like to know what’s happening at Santa Clara High School, and they get to see the differences from our generation to this generation.”
Some SCHS teachers use social media accounts for educational purposes. Senior Audrey Nutter follows science teacher Carissa Fabia’s account that was made for her classes.
“(It) was specifically made for students to follow to see class photos or get insight to the classes she teaches,” Nutter said. “I find it really cute and professional.”
Schneider does not think teachers should have social media for communicating with students and believes it is unnecessary due to other resources available for students.
“We have a classroom, Google Classroom, we have Aeries and we can also do Remind,” Schneider said. “I don’t think that you need to have social media at all, especially when all of the students in this district are given computers to take home.”
Nutter takes into consideration the cons of following teachers on social media. She wants to respect their privacy as well as protect her private life.
“I don’t follow any other teachers because I think it’s a little weird, especially if I am following their personal accounts,” Nutter said. “I don’t want to know what they are doing and especially don’t want them to see what I am posting, not because it is bad, but (it) isn’t something my teacher should be interested in.”
Butler highlighted both the benefits and drawbacks of social media, emphasizing its role in reconnecting with long-lost friends while also acknowledging its potential for harm. He noted that social media can be a useful tool when used appropriately but cautioned against content that can be overwhelming or destructive.
“It’s (social media) a great thing because this is a good way to keep in touch with people, and I’ve reconnected with some friends that I have not seen in years,” Butler said. “There’s a great way to use it where it’s really helpful, but then some people use it in the wrong way, which causes a lot of destruction, or just blitzes people’s minds. I try to stay away from that stuff.”