What is the most ethically appropriate way for a special education teacher to communicate with her students outside of school hours?

The most ethically appropriate way for a special education teacher to communicate with her students outside of school hours is by establishing a homework blog linked to the school's website. This approach maintains professional boundaries while still allowing for communication and support regarding homework and school-related tasks. A blog can provide a structured and public platform where all students can access information at any time, ensuring that communication is transparent and focused on educational content.

Using a homework blog also reduces the risk of personal interactions that could lead to boundary issues, as it does not require sharing personal contact information, such as cell phone numbers or home phone numbers. Additionally, it fosters a sense of community and collaboration among students, as they can interact with each other's posts and comments in a safe, monitored environment.

In contrast, using personal social networking sites, trading cell phone numbers, or providing personal phone numbers introduces potential risks to both the teacher's and the students' privacy and can blur the lines between professional and personal communication.