Why would they need your Cell number?

Infact, why would they need your home number either?

Skip it.

If they need to contact you, they can send a letter with their child or call the school.

I really wouldn’t. It’s one thing if you’re a teacher at a charter high school (one where you’re “on call” for a certain time each night for homework help) but for fourth graders, their parents will contact you by note or by stopping in before/after school if they need something. My parents have been 3rd-4th grade teachers for years, and they are always careful to keep their professional and private lives separate. There have been a smattering of exceptions over the years, but I could count those on one hand.

I personally give my email to my co op students (MS/HS), but there are only 30 of them (between 3 classes) and I know all of their parents personally. This is solely because I teach them in a once-a-week class (similar to a college-type setting) and they work individually through the week. If they have questions while they are working through their assignments or practicing their lessons during the week, it is their responsibility to email me for help (rather than hand in a blank sheet saying “I didn’t get it”).

I’d say keep your cell phone private…if they really need to contact you, they can call the school 🙂

I am so glad you asked this question because it gives us an open forum to warn other teachers. I was told to call parents from the classroom to eliminate continuous classroom behavior. Not only did I have a continuous $300 phone bill, but in many cases it exacerbated the issue. I disagreed with the Principal’s requests, but I got my hand slapped every time. I was informed that “as a teacher” I should expect to go over and above to better the community and that she felt that providing parents with my personal cell #/home # was reaching out to the community. Further, she believed it was furthering parental contact which was in my job description. The only thing I can suggest is never bring your cell phone to work so you can never act like you have one. Do not provide it to your Principal, the district, etc. as a reach number. As to your home #, refuse to give it out “politely.”

No! You can give them your work email and I’m sure you have voicemail at school. They don’t need your cell phone or home phone number. That would get out of control with some parents. You need to get away from work sometimes and that would just be too much!

NO! Most parents would not abuse knowing your number, but there will always be a couple who will want to call you for the least little problem. You are available before and after school and during school hours. If a parent really needs to talk to you they will contact you during school hours. At one time I would give student’s my number (I also taught 4th grade), and inevitably I would get the random phone calls during dinner asking what the homework assignment was for the evening. I know you want to be available to your students but, you also need your uninterrupted free time.

I would not give out your home or mobile number except in special circumstances. If you do, you’ll open yourself up a big can of worms that you won’t be able to put the lid back on. If the parents want to contact you, give them an email or have them contact the school and go through the normal channels.

no that really wouldn’t be a smart idea. Some parents could be wacko and hound you. Anyways instead of a cell number you should give a more general number like your work number with your extension

No. My first year teaching I made the mistake of giving out my home number. I had an alcoholic parent that kept calling me every night when she was drunk. It was horrible. Now I just have parents contact me at school or through my school email.

Oh, my NOOO! I am also a teacher and I couldn’t imagine giving them my cell phone or any of my personal phone numbers. Give them a school email, and even that can become overwhelming at times.

I would advise against giving the parents any of your numbers.

What this would allow is for parents to contact you at all times of day, you would have to always be “on”, courteous and professional at all times.

There is no reason for a parent to have these numbers. They can contact you through the school.

Absolutely not. Why would you want them to call you on it? If they want to talk to you they can call the school. Unless you want to be working 24-7 forget about it. Give them a work e-mail if you want to keep the lines open for direct contact.

I once had a parent call my brother-in-laws and start yelling at his wife (same last name thanks to marriage) because I wasn’t giving the kid what they wanted. It’s just a really bad idea.