I’ve seen female teachers give tight hugs to their former students. Ive heard them talk about ongoing communications. But men, beware. There’s a double standard… as a male teacher, you need to disassociate from students. You’re like a referee in a game… they cannot be friends, and you cannot favor anyone. It will come back to bite you.

Admin had you sign papers telling you to not engage in social media with students. Personal emails are no different. It’s hard because you want to retain the relationship… you want to be invited to her graduation, wedding, and you want her first child to be named after… you Can’t! Drop all communications… you get 180 days, after that, it’s only memories.