Teacher Put On Leave For “Thirst Trap” Posts Says Teachers Are Normal People Too!
Just like the rest of us, teachers use social media to stay connected and express themselves. But are they treated the same?
One teacher disagrees, saying that he was unfairly put on leave for his TikTok videos. Now he's gaining support by sharing his story.
Teachers don't always get enough credit
It takes a special individual to become a successful teacher-- this job isn't for everyone!
Teachers are passionate about their jobs and put their entire being into their work, focused on helping their students. When it's finally time to leave the classroom for the day, teachers want to be their authentic selves.
Teacher by day, myself anytime else!
One teacher named Christian Shearhod (@xiivn) confessed that he was placed on leave by the school he works for after posting shirtless videos on himself on TikTok.
Shearhod refers to the parents who complained to the school as "Karens", saying he was just being himself online.
Are the whistleblowers in the right?
By calling them "Karens" Shearhod is implying that these aren't whistleblowers out to help people for the greater good. Rather, they're just people who are complaining and looking to stir up trouble when they should be minding their own business.
In this case, the Karens were causing trouble for Shearhod, as being placed on leave from your job is no joke!
What's the difference between me and you?
Is there a difference between personal trainers who post shirtless workouts and Shearhod's shirtless posts?
The school authorities who put Shearhod on leave felt his posts were inappropriate in nature.
"Teachers are people too"
Maintaining that "teachers are people too", Shearhod believes teaching finishes at the last bell ring.
Most devastating for Shearhod was not being able to say goodbye to his students.
Follow @ me!
Some of Shearhod's videos are about teaching, others are about his personal life.
Shearhod has an audience of over 600,000 followers, and over 300,000 views of his leave announcement.
Shame on him?
Shearhod admits that people are shaming him about his content, many of them saying posting shirtless videos as a teacher is wrong.
But not all of the comments were against Sherhod-- others backed him up.
Once again, Sherhod turns to TikTok
Ironically, Christian Shearhod used TikTok, the app that cost him his job, to broadcast his fate.
Just hours after he was placed on leave for his shirtless videos, Shearhod let his followers know what was going on.
We hate to say we told you so but...
Much to Shearhod's surprise, it is fellow teachers who are providing most of the negative feedback.
One teacher said "his leave was coming," while another encouraged him to "learn from this."
He doesn't agree
Defiant in apparent defeat, Shearhod claims his posts adhere to a PG-13 standard.
His material is inspirational for his students Shearhod says, and he will continue to inspire wherever goes.
Teachers shouldn't have to censor themselves online
Censorship is suppression of speech, public communication, based on what is considered objectionable or harmful.
Teachers say their lives outside of the classroom, even online, should not be scrutinized.
Everyone is online these days
The last few years have been very hard on teachers, students, and parents worldwide.
Social media is one of the ways that people can connect with others and express themselves while being isolated and experiencing everyday stress.
Teachers aim to please!
Agree or disagree with the type of posts teachers share on their personal social media, they have their students' best interests at heart.
And whether or not a teacher posts workout selfies, this will not change.
He was just being honest
It's because of Shearhod's transparency that his shirtless posts have come under fire.
Teachers making their careers known online invites criticism for both the teacher and the schools that employ them.
As complaints pile up, the list of teachers on leave grows!
No matter what his posts were intended for, Shearhod believes his critics were out to get him.
Constant complaints to HR are the reason for his leave, according to Shearhod.
Smile, you're on candid camera!
Pro athletes, actors, and musicians, are all well aware of how social media can affect their careers.
Yet today, teachers have now been added to that list, for better or for worse.
Shearhod has no regrets
Understandably disappointed with the school board, and complainants, Shearhod moves on with no regrets.
Since his leave, Shearhod has received over 50 job offers, some near home.
You mean I can't even say goodbye?
Only regretful of the decision against him, Shearhod was unable to say goodbye to his students.
Like a true influencer, Shearhod used TikTok to share his thanks and goodbyes.
He's doing just fine
Shearhod wasn't the first teacher to be placed on leave for their social media posts, and he won't be the last.
But he made sure to let everyone know what was going on, even if not everyone agreed with him.
Following his path
Christian Shearhod continues influencing virtually, but the decision to send him home started a tidal wave of influence.
Since Shearhod's leave, and sharing his experience, teachers have more to think about before sharing their personal life online.
