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I don't see the reasoning behind having the same rules for teachers as for kids. That's like saying that because the kids can't go to the bar after school on Friday, the teachers shouldn't be allowed to.
But I haven't seen many teachers who needed to be told to stay off their cell phones. Subs and security, sometimes, but not teachers.
Exactly, we seem to be able to behave responsibly
We use. phones regularly in my class to take photo and video evidence, but also to time things etc. I believe that students need to learn the proper time to do things. They need to be taught that they can make the right choices.
Agreed
I know many teachers use phones in various ways with students. However, taking an objective approach and looking at the cost-benefit analysis of phones in the classroom, it’s time to ban them. Too many parents are texting students with no regard for the classroom environment, too many students are going to social media sites instead of paying attention in class, too many students are using phones to text friends in class, and far too many students are using AI to cheat. Teaching is stressful, and being the phone police adds to that stress.
We have a zero cell phone policy at my school. If a teacher sees it…..we take it, lock it in a bag and send the kid to the deans office with it. About 95% of kids keep their phones pit away.
Unfortunately, there are teachers who set a poor example with their phone and/or ear buds. An effective admin team would address those individuals rather than push a rule that applies to all, but we all know how this ends.
All I know is that I am tired of trying to police the issue.
The only problem I see with this with adults pertains to those with diabetes that wear a CGM that they have to monitor with their phone. That is a health reason and no one with that health reason should be told they cannot be on their phone or any device that they uae for a medical reason. This comes from me a teacher/ a diabetic who wears a CGM that only connects to my phone. I have a valid reason to be on my phone, people can see my sensor on my arm and yet I have been told a few times in my district that I need to stay off phone again and again and I tell whomever that I have to be checking my phone to monitor my blood sugar throughout the day. I tell them don't believe me then call my doctor at #### ask about it. They stop hounding me cuz of HIPPA till another or tells me. Then it's repeat.
Our school has a no phone policy unless the teacher allows it. Its a great policy, highly recommended.
We use our phones for ehall passes, PBIS points, sometimes attendance, and a few other things. Those can all be done in other ways, but it would take more time and become more difficult. So for me it would be a trade off. If I ditch the phone, I’m going to ditch the school programs that are made easier by the phone. I don’t have the time or energy to put in extra effort when there’s an easier way to do something.
I use my phone a lot in the classroom to take data, write notes, look up visuals for kids. We have a no outside technology at school rule for kids and for the most part it’s not a big deal for anyone! Sometimes a kid will show me a picture of their pet on their janky little iPhone 4 that isn’t connected to a cell network 😂😂 I’ll tell them how adorable it is then ask them to put their phone back in their backpack! I’m in a really rural district so phones in elementary classrooms isn’t a huge deal. We have had a ton of subs and paraprofessionals lately have some issues with it which I find strange. I guess they’ll be on it scrolling social media or playing games instead of teaching. I’m actually starting to worry I’ll have to carry around my Chromebook instead of my phone to track data because of it :/
No one, entity, business, schools etc can keep any person from using a phone if it is a medical device. Otherwise it goes against disability regulations and they become non compliant with ADA. And person can take legal action and file lawsuit.
For kids, yes. Teachers, no. We are adults and are not to be treated like children. It cracks me up when some expect teachers to have the same rules. For example, in most schools there is a no food and drink rule for kids. That doesn't mean I can't have coffee or soda in my class. Yes, teachers should model good behavior on the phone usage. And, there is no phone usage article in my contract.
They will have to have exceptions written in their policies or it could be considered an unlawful policy for health reasons.
It can be part of a Heathcare Plan for that student. HCP are legally bound
I'm not exactly sure what a zero tolerance policy for teachers would accomplish. It seems like we're suggesting extreme measures to solve a very simple problem. If kids are using the phones in class, make the rules apply to those kids. You don't need to inconvenience me to solve that problem.
Besides, are you talking about "using" a cell phone, or "possessing" one? Obviously, teachers shouldn't be talking, texting, or ordering Grub Hub. Those activities should be pretty easy to regulate. But, even "usage" has other meanings as others have mentioned. It can be a useful tool for both teachers and kids. So, does your proposal mean I can't use mine to play music in class?
We just need to be firm and consistent with the kids if that's the problem. Only approved usage for both teachers and students. Teachers rule the room, i.e., phones are allowed (or not) at their discretion. It doesn't have to be that complicated.
Yes
Not for teachers, seriously? How does that seem like a good idea?
👏🏼
It does not matter what any teacher supports or not. Teachers have no autonomy, Administrators rule like captors.
BTW teachers have no time to be on their phones. This is a non-issue.
Well I am a substitute teacher with a ma and ba in history emphasis in higher education. All the schools I sub for which is alot if the phone is out we are to confiscate them immediately do to the law that the state itself put into action. However we are supposed to turn them into the office... but I don't I hold on to it in the desk till class is over.
I wish we could
Students, yes.
I don't really see issues with teachers but I do with some substitutes.
If that’s what it takes
Sorry bud, you're gonna need to finish that sentence. If that's what it takes to do what? What does disciplining teachers for possessing cell phones accomplish?
Yes I agree bieng a teacher the phones are very distracting. The teachers should have thier phones away to be a role model. If there is an emergency the school will sent it to the room.