New clause on social media use

Dear Faculty –

As I mentioned last Wednesday, there is a new clause which will be inserted into all “Supplemental Terms of Employment” agreements this coming year. Faculty new to SSIS for 2016-2017 have already signed an agreement with this clause, but it becomes universal this December and I promised to share it with you last time we met.

The term reads: “In signing of this Contract, the teacher understands that communications made on social and on other public forums may reflect on Saigon South International School and on his or her ability to act as a role model and ethical leader for students and colleagues. The teacher certifies that he or she has not, to date, made social media or other public communications which could be harmful to the educational mission or reputation of Saigon South International School as an educational institution, or which could impair his or her ability to perform his or her duties. The teacher acknowledges that any misrepresentation or omission of facts on his or her part, or any future violation of the expectation of propriety, may constitute misconduct as stipulated by this contract and may result in termination for cause.”

This is similar to clauses which are now becoming commonplace in school contracts worldwide. It is a reminder to us all that social media can be a wonderful part of our lives, keeping us connected professionally and socially with friends and colleagues across the globe. At the same time, the instantaneous nature of sharing, and the virtual inability to insure privacy and limited distribution, means that we all have to remain aware of how even our personal communications and sharing can have an effect on the School and its reputation. As with our Core Value of “Respect for All,” we rely upon the civility and good judgment of all to think before posting.

All the best,

Mark