RateMyTeachers
| RateMyTeachers.com | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Web address | RateMyTeachers.com |
Type of site | Review Site |
| Owner | Patrick Nagle |
| Created by | Michael Hussey |
| Launched | 2001 |
Alexa rank |
 50,537 (April 2014)[1] |
RateMyTeachers (RMT) is a review site used to rate elementary and secondary school teachers. Participants are asked to rate their teachers on a scale of 1 to 5 in the categories of easiness, helpfulness, and clarity, with the latter two factoring into an "overall quality" score.[2] Individuals can also write brief comments based on their experiences with the teachers. Over eleven million teachers were graded on the website as of April 2010.
The site was launched in 2001 by Michael Hussey and later sold to former RateMyProfessors.com owner Patrick Nagle.[3] It currently operates websites in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.
Controversy
RateMyTeachers.com is controversial in certain circles and many have questioned its approach. The users may leave libellous comments without any repercussions to their own reputation. In 2007, the Queensland College of Teachers called for the shutdown of the page "until it can be established that it provides a credible service" (http://www.qct.edu.au/Publications/Periodical/CollegeConnectionApril2007.PDF p5). In 2003, the New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) sought a court injunction to shut down the site, though the request was denied on free speech grounds. In April 2007 the British education secretary Alan Johnson said that the online harassment of teachers performed by sites such as RateMyTeachers.com needs to stop. This caused articles on RateMyTeachers by national and international press.[4]
RateMyTeachers.com claims that over 65% of ratings are positive.[5]
References
- ↑ "Ratemyteachers.com Site Info". Alexa Internet. Retrieved 2014-04-01.
- ↑ http://www.ratemyteachers.com/faq
- ↑ Business Journal
- ↑ "Ban cyber-bullying clips, Johnson to urge websites". The Guardian. 10 April 2007. Retrieved 9 October 2010.
- ↑ "Frequently Asked Questions". Rate My Teachers. Retrieved 19 September 2014.