Copyright Tips for Teachers

Well, the school year is half over, but for most teachers, everything seems to be kicking into high gear. Deadlines abound, holidays between winter break and spring break are sorely lacking, so teachers frequently find themselves in a rush to get it all together.

During these hectic times, however, it is important to follow established "protocol." Just as teachers must document disciplinary and special education practices in the event that their decisions are questioned, so too must teachers be aware of and work within established copywrite laws of the land. So, for general information, I am including an excellent article by Bob Jones University's Media Director, Jonna Carper. Her original article can be found at: http://www.bjup.com/resources/tips/t1901... .

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Though many teachers have a vague awareness of what copyright means, few fully understand it. Failure to comply with the Copyright Law can lead you and your school into legal trouble as well as provide a poor testimony to your students. (See Matthew 22:21 and Romans 2:21.) The following are some guidelines to keep in mind when using copyrighted materials.

Print
For personal research, you may make a copy of an article from a journal or a chapter from a book.

You may make copies of timely articles for all students in your class, provided that:
1. The copies are for only one course and one term (not from term to term).
2. No more than three are from the same periodical during one class term.
3. You do not exceed nine instances of multiple copying in one term.

Because many syndicated cartoon characters (such as Disney and Peanuts characters) are trademarked, they may not be copied under fair use guidelines.

There are no fair use guidelines for trademarked materials. Workbook pages may never be duplicated-even worn-out dittos.

Video
Videos must be used as part of classroom instruction. Without purchasing public performance rights (ask at time of purchase), you may not show videos for entertainment purposes.

Videos can be shown to an audience of students, teachers, and/or guest lecturers. Without public performance rights, you may not show videos to a group including parents.

Recording of off-air broadcast television has specific guidelines. You may:

1. Record from only broadcast programs (free to the general public).
2. Use the recording within the next 10 consecutive school days. After that time you may keep the recording for a total of 45 days to determine whether you wish to pursue rights to retain or purchase a copy. After 45 days, you must either purchase or erase the video.

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