Anyone else have a no cell phone policy?

Just curious

We were "reminded" about a revised district policy stating we can't use our cell phone during instructional time.

I would like to know what is your district/ school policy and how do you feel about it?

Re: Anyone else have a no cell phone policy?

I don't know that we have a "policy" per se. We are asked to use our phones in offices and not in hallways or classrooms. I think it's an acceptable request. The kids aren't supposed to use them in school and we should set an example.

Re: Anyone else have a no cell phone policy?

Re: Anyone else have a no cell phone policy?

I don't know if we have a policy, but most cell phones don't work in our school unless you are hanging out a window, lol, anyway I leave my on vibrate, once or twice it has rung during class, and I answer it, because everyone knows not to call me during school hours unless it's an emergency.

Re: Anyone else have a no cell phone policy?

We just aren't supposed to use them in front of the kids, which makes sense since they aren't allowed to have cell phones in class either. But during lunch/prep it's ok. I would think most professions have rules about not using cell phones to make personal calls during working hours.

Re: Anyone else have a no cell phone policy?

We're not supposed to use them either and I *think* they are supposed to be off. But I leave mine on vibrate and sometimes I have to text DH about something like if he's picking me up or something like that. I NEVER do it with kids in the room, only during lunch. It might be against the rules, but lunch is MY time and I'd call him anyway whether in the room or at the deli!

I understand the legitimacy of not using them during instructional time. Totally right. But to me, lunch isn't instructional time.

Re: Anyone else have a no cell phone policy?

I do not think we have a cell policy in effect for teachers, so technically I could use it whenever I want, but I would never use it during class. Students were just talking to me yesterday about teachers who answer their phone during class.

The students have a no cell phone policy. I feel like if I whipped out my phone, I would be a hypocrite. I have a hard enough time getting students to put away their phones so I would not want to send the wrong message.

If there is an emergency, people have the school's number and they can contact the office. I just feel as though using your phone while teaching is unprofessional. During prep or lunch, however, is fine.

Re: Anyone else have a no cell phone policy?

we don't have a policy.

even if we did, i will never turn my phone off while at work. i absolutely turn it to vibrate during important times though. with 2 babies at home, if my mom (their babysitter) needs to get ahold of me i need to be available. by the time she would call the office, they get me a sub, i walk down to the hall to the opposite end of the building to get to the phone precious time would be lost.

i have and will answer the phone during the day but only if it's important. i've had doctors call me back (even though i tell them to call during my lunch) and i need to talk to them. their lunch time is usually the same as mine so they never call then. the calls never last more than a minute.

i would never make personal calls or non important calls during the day--that's not what my job is. but if my mom calls, i know it's important regarding the kids and i will continue to answer it.

Re: Anyone else have a no cell phone policy?

no policy that I know of, but I couldn't imagine taking a call while teaching. That's very unprofessional, IMO. (unless it was However, that being said, mine is on my desk (on vibrate) bc I have a baby at a babysitter during the day. If there was ever a call from the babysitter, I would absolutely pick it up.

Re: Anyone else have a no cell phone policy?

We don't have a cell phone policy in my school but I do leave it on vibrate on my desk and WILL answer it if it's an important call like if I'm waiting for a dr to call me back.....

Otherwise I call the person back during lunch/prep or after school

Re: Anyone else have a no cell phone policy?

I don't think we have an actual policy, but we're not supposed to keep them on and in view of the kids since they're not supposed to have them. I mean, we each have our own phones and extensions in our classrooms, so anyone who needs to contact me in an emergency would just call me there. I honestly only have a cell phone for if I have an emergency while driving, I hardly use the thing.

Re: Anyone else have a no cell phone policy?

I don't think we have an actual policy. I leave mine in a desk drawer on vibrate, and only make or take calls during my prep or lunch.

Re: Anyone else have a no cell phone policy?

We are asked not to use them; I do know teachers who take calls while teaching which I think is wrong.

I always have mine in the closet and it's not always on me. I have used it during class, but only if I'd ordered food for a class party, for example. There was also a time when my mom had to have surgery and I wanted to be able to take a call when she was out of it. I cleared it with my principal first. And once I called 911 when a kid got hurt in the hallway.

I didn't even give my day care provider my school number (I don't think) because the office in my school is such a mess. I get messages three days after people call.

Re: Anyone else have a no cell phone policy?

I have mine on and answer if my kids' daycare calls.

I may be known to read my emails on my BB during downtime

Re: Anyone else have a no cell phone policy?

Re: Anyone else have a no cell phone policy?

No policy.

I think everyone is expected to use their judgement. I only use my cell phone during prep or lunch in my classroom with the door closed.

Re: Anyone else have a no cell phone policy?

Thanks for all the replies.

I was just curious because I like to have mine on in case of an emergency with DD ( our school secretaries are told to not transfer calls up during class time- though I would hope if it was my mom with an emergency, they would)

We are also told to keep them off all day in case of a bomb threat.

Re: Anyone else have a no cell phone policy?

Re: Anyone else have a no cell phone policy?