Came across this blurb on the website of a Houston television station today - Baytown Teacher Suspended for Text Messaging Students.
Very little information available yet, obviously, but let's talk about the situation anyway.
First, since the police are investigating, the messages probably contain content indicating inappropriate communication or communication about illegal activites, such as underage drinking or something of that sort.
Second, if the police investigate a teacher for inappropriate conduct with a student, the school district will almost always place the teacher on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, whethe the district has any information about the allegations or not. It's just smart for a district to remove a teacher from contact with students when there is any potential criminal activity.
Third, a teacher on administrative leave pending a criminal investigation will usually continue to receive full pay until the district takes action on the contract. For the district to take action mid-year, or end of year on a non-probationary contract, the teacher must get notice and a list of reasons, and will have the opportunity to request a hearing where the teacher can present his or her case.
Fourth, texting students is not in and of itself inappropriate - it is, after all, just another form of communication - but because it is so informal and so full of abbreviations and codes, it is a risky form of communication for teachers to use. Text messages are highly vulnerable to misinterpretation because of the brevity, especially when parents who may not be texters themselves get involved. Use a form of communication with your students that uses complete sentences and paragraphs, so that it can be clear what you are talking about.
Fifth, texting is not a private form of communication. Anything you text can be passed on to others, or discovered by parents, police and school officials. So be very formal and cautious about what and how you say things.
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