Legal Considerations For Virtual Teaching In K-12 Schools

Discover the legal pitfalls of virtual instruction. Consider student privacy and staff conduct concerns.

With a broader audience of onlookers, live and recorded virtual instruction has exposed concerns about teaching methods and student privacy. Videos have captured inappropriate language, racial bias, neglectful living conditions, blatant cheating, and offensive behavior.

Virtual learning has invaded students’ privacy, with their cameras revealing their homes, families, and personal habits daily. From graphic posters to unruly siblings, teachers and classmates see much more into students’ lives than before the pandemic.

You need to understand the legal issues related to virtual instruction, including how to address concerns about students and staff members that would not have been observed in school but are readily apparent through video.

• How should you address concerns about staff conduct during instruction?
• What free speech and concerted activity requirements must you consider?
• What laws apply to privacy and virtual learning?
• What steps can you take to mitigate claims regarding privacy violations?
• Should you allow recording of classroom lessons?
• What practical steps should you follow to reduce liability?