Why are we evolving beyond Facebook?
While our Facebook group has fostered strong community, we’ve heard consistent feedback that:
- Important updates can get lost in noise
- Discussions are hard to search and organize
- Off-topic chatter can dilute key information
- It’s difficult to segment support by educator needs
Slack allows us to create a more structured, professional, and searchable educator space.
💬 Is Facebook going away?
Facebook will remain active during transition. Slack is an additive step as we build a more structured long-term solution.
💬 What will Slack offer?
Slack will provide:
- Pathway-based channels
- Read-only announcements
- Topic-specific discussion spaces
- Moderation and clear community norms
- Better discoverability
💬 How will I receive a Slack invitation?
Slack access will be rolled out gradually to ensure the community launches smoothly.
Initial invitations will begin with a smaller group of educators, and additional invitations will be sent over time as the community expands.
Educators do not need to request an invitation.
💬 What if I’m not invited to Slack right away?
Slack invitations will be sent in phases.
If you are not invited immediately, you may receive an invitation as the rollout continues. Important platform updates will continue to be shared through existing communication channels, including the educator newsletter and the Educator Library.
💬 Is Slack replacing Support?
No.
Slack is not a replacement for customer support.
For personal account questions, technical issues, or urgent learner concerns, please continue to contact:
Slack is designed for group-based learning and clarity.
💬 Will Slack include 1:1 business advising?
No.
Outschool is a marketplace. We provide tools, data, and education – not individualized business management or directives.
Slack will focus on scalable, group-based guidance.
💬 What are the expectations for participation?
Participants must:
- Communicate respectfully and professionally
- Stay on topic
- Avoid promotions or solicitation
- Follow community standard
Access may be removed for violations.
💬Will there be a tutorial on how to use Slack?
Yes.
All educators invited to the Slack community will automatically be added to a #start-here channel that includes:
- A quick Slack navigation guide
- Tips for finding conversations and channels
- Community guidelines and expectations
- Additional resources to help you get started
This channel will help educators become familiar with the platform before participating in discussions.
💬How will community guidelines be managed in Slack?
Before joining the Slack community, educators will be asked to review and agree to a community participation agreement.
This agreement outlines expectations for professionalism and respectful communication.
Conduct within Slack will be moderated, and any violations of community standards may be reported to Outschool’s Trust & Safety team for review.
💬 Do I have to use Slack to teach on Outschool?
No.
Slack is an optional educator community space designed to support discussions and programming. It does not affect your ability to teach classes on Outschool.
*This article may be updated periodically as we refine and improve these programs.