Teacher Phone Calls

[brymolmom]

As a former teacher, during the work day, I gave 100% to my job and my students. When my paid hours were over, I left immediately to get my kids out of daycare and give 100% to them. The teacher may have kids or other circumstances in her life that need her attention just as much as your child needs yours. Now if a parent was in your situation and talked to me about it, I would have no problem taking time occasionally to talk with her after hours, so you may just need to discuss your situation with the teacher. If that doesn't work, call the principal to discuss what your options are.

I would guess that anywhere from 50% - 75% of occupations require at least some amount of time outside regular paid hours. So teachers certainly aren't alone on that one!

MY BF is a teacher and she talks to me about planning/grading and how she has to do it at home at night after her kids are in bed. Don't get me wrong - when she has a TON of other things going on I do empathize with her - but it isn't any different than most other jobs requiring time and effort outside the regular hours.

 

[ilovejack02]

You know I totally could go along with this though...I think some teachers abuse the phone calling thing. For instance, this year, my son who is normally almost a straight A student (except for spelling hehe,), Only got 5 out of 12 spelling words right on a test day. (he's 8), and the teacher decided if she could humiliate him by making him CALL me on the CLASSROOM PHONE in FRONT OF THE ENTIRE CLASS and have him TELL ME that he failed his test, he might take studying for spelling more seriously. Well I wasn't home, but when I got home and got the message in which he was sobbing from humiliation and in which I could hear his classmates laughing at him in the background, well I was FURIOUS!! Good thing I had that recording though. The principal and counselor listened to it, and now there is a new rule that classroom phones cannot be used while school is in session unless it's a quick call home to ask mom or dad to bring lunch money etc..

So yeah, I can see how a policy like your school's would actually be okay..

WOW.... I cant imagine someone in their right mind thinking that is ok. I would have FLIPPED out on her, in person of course

I think our school does it to make sure the parents are very involved, we have an amazing school, best in the district, very high in state rankings. One reason is parental involvement.

 

[disneyandme]

It sounds heartless to think that a teacher would not take 10 minutes out of her private life to tend to you and your son's needs.

Would you expect your doctor to take 10 minutes out of her private life to address a concern? Your Lawyer? Why are teachers' private lives seen as less valuable? While it doesn't sound like this teacher is doing as good of a job as she can in connecting with the OP, we don't know her story at all. The expectaation has become in many areas of the country that teachers should be available (and happily) 24/7. OP- it may be overkill, but if you can't connect on the phone with the teacher, you need to set up a face to face meeting. Maybe you can come to an understanding about phone calls at that time.

 

[michellev]

I would guess that anywhere from 50% - 75% of occupations require at least some amount of time outside regular paid hours. So teachers certainly aren't alone on that one!

MY BF is a teacher and she talks to me about planning/grading and how she has to do it at home at night after her kids are in bed. Don't get me wrong - when she has a TON of other things going on I do empathize with her - but it isn't any different than most other jobs requiring time and effort outside the regular hours.

I work at home almost every night - planning and grading. So do the vast majority of my colleagues. We do consider that to be part of the job.

However, it is not in my job description to be on 24 hour call for parents who can't find the time to meet/talk to me during my school hours (8am - 4pm).

Honestly, OP, you need to contact the school and set up an interview to work all of this out. If you feel your son's health is at risk, a face to face meeting is needed.

 

[brymolmom]

I work at home almost every night - planning and grading. So do the vast majority of my colleagues. We do consider that to be part of the job.

However, it is not in my job description to be on 24 hour call for parents who can't find the time to meet/talk to me during my school hours (8am - 4pm).

Honestly, OP, you need to contact the school and set up an interview to work all of this out. If you feel your son's health is at risk, a face to face meeting is needed.

I know - working 'off the clock' is a pain and is shared by most jobs alike. So we can all understand that.

I didn't think 24 hour call is necessary (although that is necessary with my own job) - but a 10 minute phone call every once in a while at the teacher's convenience (hey parent - since we've been missing each other could I give you a call sometime around 7:00pm on Tuesday or similar) - wouldn't be out of the realm of my own personal expectations.

 

[MSMomTJ]

Would you expect your doctor to take 10 minutes out of her private life to address a concern? Your Lawyer? Why are teachers' private lives seen as less valuable? While it doesn't sound like this teacher is doing as good of a job as she can in connecting with the OP, we don't know her story at all. The expectaation has become in many areas of the country that teachers should be available (and happily) 24/7.

THANK YOU.

Also, the fact that I do not call my students' parents after 3:00 does NOT mean that I do not care about them. I DO care about them very much, but there has a to be a line drawn. Ten minutes for each of my students would equal over 8 hours. And believe me, you aren't the only parent who would want 10 minutes of the teacher's personal time, esp. if they found out that another parent got it.

 

[ShannonMB]

It sounds heartless to think that a teacher would not take 10 minutes out of her private life to tend to you and your son's needs. But perhaps it would just set a bad precedent for the teacher. If she makes private calls to you in the evenings, should she do that for every student? If she agrees to call you *just this once* under these circumstances, is she leading you to believe that she will be at your beck and call any time you feel you need to tell her something about your child? This is what I would be asking myself if I were the teacher, which is probably why a lot of them have a very strict "no call after school hours" policy.

Would you expect your doctor to take 10 minutes out of her private life to address a concern? Your Lawyer? Why are teachers' private lives seen as less valuable? While it doesn't sound like this teacher is doing as good of a job as she can in connecting with the OP, we don't know her story at all. The expectaation has become in many areas of the country that teachers should be available (and happily) 24/7. OP- it may be overkill, but if you can't connect on the phone with the teacher, you need to set up a face to face meeting. Maybe you can come to an understanding about phone calls at that time.

Did you even read my post before quoting it?? I went on, IN DETAIL about why, if I were a teacher, after hours calls would not be okay with me and why I think it's perfectly understandable that a teacher would have a strict "no calls after hours" policy.

 

[Minniemama350]

While I sympathize with your busy life and struggles, I think you are supposing there is no good reason that the teacher is unwilling to call after hours. As some of the PPs have said, she may have extenuating circumstances that are unknown to you that keep her from calling at that time. If you are not able to rearrange your schedule, it does not automatically mean that she must, because maybe she can't. I have had parents to ask me to meet the for a conference at 4pm. I can't. I have to pick my child up. It isn't even that it is beyond the school day. It is a personal thing I must do on MY time that I will not budge on. I care about my students, but after hours my family comes first and I do not feel I owe a parent an explanation for that if it keeps me from doing what they request. I hope your situation gets resolved soon.

 

[disneyandme]

Did you even read my post before quoting it?? I went on, IN DETAIL about why, if I were a teacher, after hours calls would not be okay with me and why I think it's perfectly understandable that a teacher would have a strict "no calls after hours" policy.

I did read your entire post and would hope that anyone reading the thread would have too. Your opinion was clear and I was just elaborating on the point you were making about how others might think teachers are being heartless.

 

[michellev]

I know - working 'off the clock' is a pain and is shared by most jobs alike. So we can all understand that.

I didn't think 24 hour call is necessary (although that is necessary with my own job) - but a 10 minute phone call every once in a while at the teacher's convenience (hey parent - since we've been missing each other could I give you a call sometime around 7:00pm on Tuesday or similar) - wouldn't be out of the realm of my own personal expectations.

Truthfully, I've never been in a situation where I've needed to call a parent in the evening and maybe I would depending on the situation, really I don't know.

Right now I can't imagine a scenario where that would need to happen. The parents I deal with find the time to meet with me within my office hours (whether it be in person, by phone or email).

I am "on" all day at work. It is emotionally draining. At night I want to kick back with my family and relax or take the kids to their activities. The earliest I could even comprehend making a parent call would be 9pm and by that time at night I would have difficulty summoning the emotional energy for the task.

In the scenario the OP describes I wouldn't want a phone conversation. She is discussing health and safety concerns. For that I would need an in-school team meeting with teachers, Special Ed, Guidance, Admin. That is what the OP should be scheduling. Call the office and put a meeting together. Tell the school you will require care for your child during this meeting. The school will make it happen.

 

[palpluto]

Answer to the first question NO I would not expect My advice would be, if you don't want to arrange a conference with the teacher, is to send and email, explaining your situation and the difficulty of contacting her, then ask her to supply a set time eg 1.10 pm when she will be available for you to call her (after making it clear that you will be taking time off work to speak to her) I can't imagine if you set up a particular time she will not available.

Kirsten

OP here- Oh, my- is this the 2nd, 3rd or 4th time I have said, we have had mult meetings, I have told her I am available M, W or F at 1, or whenever between 1 or 2, pick a date. Emails have been sent, she apparently did not understand. As I said, it would take pages to explain what has happened. As I said, my son has a prgogressive disease, on occ things come up that can't wait til a conference/meeting and if shes not available when I call during her hours there's not much more I can do. As stated mult times, we have met always during school hours, sometimes things come up that need attention sooner, sometiumes she does not answer the phone during her hours, etc. For some reason "on call" and calls at all hours keeps coming up, which I stated I would not be calling her. 2 different things- giving out a number and being on call at all hours and being willing to bend a little to help make a dying child's life a little less frustrating.
Other PPs -Thanks for helping to reexplain what I have said. I also think it is heartless when she knows this little boy is not expected to live, that she would not make the effort to connect that day to prevent the frustration related to staff not meeting his needs that have been explained at one of many meetings during school hours, from occurring the next day, or next, or next. I guess it comes down to a job is a job to some people. To some of us, the people we work with are humans. I have answered my cell phone on Sunday when a client has called and helped them- no I am not on the clock, just human.

As far as doctors, yes I have had several take 10 mins out of their personal life to call- guess my son is more than a number. Do I expect it legally? No.

 

[palpluto]

parents of a child with significant medical issues as to what their experience has been, thoughts are.

There are a lot of people and teachers who live in their own little bubble and can't really see past it. So, I'd be interested to hear from someone who has a clue. There have been a couple PPs.

 

[palpluto]

Would you expect your doctor to take 10 minutes out of her private life to address a concern? Your Lawyer?

Many do, as do many teachers and other professions, including my own. It would be nice if jobs were always "within working hours" but sometimes when you work with human beings, it doesn't always work that way.

 

[Zeebs]

OP here- Oh, my- is this the 2nd, 3rd or 4th time I have said, we have had mult meetings, I have told her I am available M, W or F at 1, or whenever between 1 or 2, pick a date. Emails have been sent, she apparently did not understand. As I said, it would take pages to explain what has happened. As I said, my son has a prgogressive disease, on occ things come up that can't wait til a conference/meeting and if shes not available when I call during her hours there's not much more I can do. As stated mult times, we have met always during school hours, sometimes things come up that need attention sooner, sometiumes she does not answer the phone during her hours, etc. For some reason "on call" and calls at all hours keeps coming up, which I stated I would not be calling her. 2 different things- giving out a number and being on call at all hours and being willing to bend a little to help make a dying child's life a little less frustrating.
Other PPs -Thanks for helping to reexplain what I have said. I also think it is heartless when she knows this little boy is not expected to live, that she would not make the effort to connect that day to prevent the frustration related to staff not meeting his needs that have been explained at one of many meetings during school hours, from occurring the next day, or next, or next. I guess it comes down to a job is a job to some people. To some of us, the people we work with are humans. I have answered my cell phone on Sunday when a client has called and helped them- no I am not on the clock, just human.

As far as doctors, yes I have had several take 10 mins out of their personal life to call- guess my son is more than a number. Do I expect it legally? No.

I am sorry if I have understood things differently.

I thought that the teacher sets aside time, before school and between the times of 1 and 2 to speak to parents during her planning. Before school is no good for you as you can't leave your son and don't want to speak in front of him, between 1 and 2 you are working and need to not be to take a call as you work in clients homes.

I wasn't suggesting you put what you wanted to say in the email with regards to your son, just that you were finding it very hard to get in contact with her and you really would like to speak to her, but as you have told us here what the issues are with getting in contact from your end. If she could ring you at a certain time you would take time off work (or rearrange) so you could take the call, but you don't want to do that if she can't commit to a certain time.

Kirsten

 

[littlbugmom]

The easiest way to communicate with my children's teachers is email. They check their email 2-3 times during the day. They encourage this type of communication but for urgent matters, we are to call the office.

If it's an "issue" that must be discussed with the teacher, he or she has free periods during which they can handle these calls. If the parent truly isn't available during those times and truly can't make themselves avail during that time, the teacher will call the child's house after hours.


I work in the office of a school. It works much the same way. The teachers work 42 minutes before students arrive and they have 2 free periods during the day. There really shouldn't be a problem with contacting them during those times however, they are not required to sit in the room. It's their planning time and "planning" might mean being out of the room. If a parent emailed that they would call on this particular day at that particular time, they would be there, waiting for the call. The parent can always call the office. I'll make sure the teacher knows to return that call.

It's a two-way street. Both parent and teacher should be willing to bend their schedules if that's what it takes.


OP-If you have set up a time to call this teacher and she hasn't honored that time or she's not responding to emails etc... you need to take it to Administration.

 

[Leajess99]

I contact my daughter's teacher via email. If I have a concern I know she will read it and reply and it does not take away from the attention needed for her classroom. Have you tried emailing her with your concerns?? Set up a meeting maybe to discuss the issues with her face to face. This teacher may have another job after school or she may have other issues to deal with and that is why she does not make after school phone calls.

 

[Leajess99]

I don't mean to sound snarky at all when I say this, but are there really that many times when you need to speak to the teacher and not just do the email thing? I understand a lot of people prefer face to face or voice to voice contact, but if you are really that hard to reach when the teacher is available, email sounds like your only option. .

OP here- to clear up a couple things-As I explained we do use email, and I have had 2 phone conversations this yr, so no it is not a regular occurance. The problem comes when I explain in what I think are clear terms about my son, and he ends up getting harmed because someone does not understand. He has a rare progressive disease. Sometimes explaining by email, when the person can't ask questions is difficult. When something has happened that they clearly did not understand, it shows we need to have a conversation. I have now told her I am available for a conference any day he attends school (scheduled part time due to disease) between 1-2 and am waiting to hear back. The problem is if it is a problem that should have resolution before he returns to school, it is difficult to wait for a planned conference. I will not take off work between 1-2 for a phone call that may happen, and in the past other school staff has said they would call and it did not happen. So, I may be available, but if it may not happen I won't cancel clients for a possible phone call. There is nothing I can do about my son being with me in the a.m. He is ambulatory and can not be left unattended while I go in another rm to talk. No, there is not another adult. I will not discuss his prognosis or disease issues in front of him.
The bottom line question was, when something can't be fully explained by email, is it reasonable to think that a teacher would make a call after school hours if they were unable to reach the parent within a day, so that the childs needs can be met. Or, is it not a reasonable expectation and I should just deal with it and keep my son home until we manage to speak if necessary. He is very complicated and I know the school has not had this before. He is also on grade level, so belongs in a reg class. The teacher is not married and has no kids, as an fyi.

It has been interesting getting opinions. Unfortunately most of the suggestions have already been attempted.

If you feel he is being harmed and his needs not met than call for an IEP/504 meeting so that EVERYONE can be on board. Does your child not have an aid to be with him?? It may be something that needs to be requested and fought for so that he is again protected. I am sorry that your son is sick but you are going to have to fight for his rights to be protected if you feel he is being harmed by attending this school. Does he not have a home nurse so that you can get a break?? This may be something to look into as well. It is very stressful having a medicall fragile or special needs child so any help you can get is important for your own mental health.

 

[dogluva]

Looking for opinions from parents and teachers......
My son who is very medically fragile is in a reg K class. I have spoken to the reg teacher 2 times by phone and sped teacher 1 time this yr by phone. I expressed some concerns to the AP which were things that should be known to the teacher. AP tells me to talk to the teacher whenever there are any questions. A couple times I call the teacher and we don't reach eachother. She states she is available from 8:15-8:40 and between 1-2 and makes no calls after school hours. In the morning I am getting my son ready which includes all the things for a normal child plus dealing with medications, oxygen, tube, feedings, breathing treatments, etc. It is hectic and he needs my attention. Since my son can only attend part time due to his medical issues I need to work as much as I can when he is in school. I don't work at a desk and am in and out of homes all day so I may be available between 1-2. On the days my son is home we are in the car at that time and he is with me so I don't want to discuss his deficits and needs. My other children went to private school until 3 yrs ago, when the youngest was diagnosed with a horrible disease and my income was drastically cut. I have never with any of my children had a teacher who said they were not available after school if a parent had a concern and they could not reach them during the day due to their work or child. In the private schools, this would NEVER happen. They would never want a parent to go days without resolving a concern about their child. And, what happended in the past was when I finally talked to her, she "did not remember" the incident.
Thoughts? Is this typical?
How many parents have had teachers call them after school hours? How many teachers have called parents after school hours?

I am not allowed to take phone calls during class. Not ever. Unless it is my family and there is an emergency. I just can't leave the classroom. I have times I can be reached such as lunch, prep, before and after school.

The problem I run into during phone calls is the parents don't realize my time is limited. They keep me on the phone for longer than necessary. I understand your child has medical issues so this is different. However, I have run into times when I have run into phone calls that take a whole period.

 

[dogluva]

Since she gave you two blocks of time during the day when you can reach her, I think you'll just have to find a few minutes to call her during that time. I know it's not easy, but it is what it is.\

I would think she would make an exception once in a while for an important call, but that's me.

That is how I feel. I feel the parent of the child needs to make accomodations since it is their child. I would do the same for my child's teacher.

 

[Arabella1978]

OP--


Heres is what I've gathered:

You have emailed the teacher, and the teacher has told you when she is available for calls. When you try to call during her available times you cannot reach her.

You are concerned that your son's medical needs are not being met, and your son is very medically fragile.

Okay so if that is all true, than the answer seems very clear to me.

First if you haven't already done so, you need to write an email that VERY SPECIFICALLY states what your concerns are. Also state that you have tried reaching her by phone during that 1-2 pm time slot and she has not been available. And I mean be VERY specific, i,e, "I believe that Bobby's leg brace is not being used correctly, because his leg is being rubbed raw by the velcro that isn't being attached correctly, etc." Obviously this is just an example, I don't know what your son's medical issues are.. etc.

THEN

First thing Monday morning, you need to call the school office and ask to speak with the principal. Tell him/her exactly the same things you are going to tell the teacher in her email. The EXACT concerns, and that you cannot reach the teacher during her available call times. I think you are going to need a liasion from the school office that you can reach at all time during the school day, to make sure things are getting relayed to the teacher. Also, you should probably go ahead and schedule a meeting ASAP to discuss these concerns, and to make a plan about how you will be able to reach the teacher in the future if something else arises that doesn't necessarily require a face to face meeting, but that does require an actual phone conversation.


I worked as a paraproffesional in an Special Ed room with Severely and Profoundly disabled children when I was in college, and I know exactly the kinds of things you might be having a problem with, things that are pretty important to discuss but that can be discussed over the phone. Our special ed teacher actually did call parents at many random times over a school day because she had us (Associates) in the room to stay with the kids when she had to call. I know that with medically fragile kids there are a HOST of issues that can arise that require a little different 'handling' than other kids.

If this isn't a Special Ed teacher than that could be part of the problem. A lot of issues with kids who are medically fragile can be addressed over the phone and don't really require a full blown IEP meeting.

In any case, if it's something that you are really concerned with and could really pose a health risk to your son, than I wouldn't even send him back to school unless you get your concerns adressed.

I'm not going to attack the teacher, because she might not understand the gravity of the situation, but I do think that there are circumstances that warrant a little common sense, and if you have a kid in your classroom that is terminally ill, a little bit of common sense could go a long way.

I hope you get your situation resolved so that your son is in the best possible enviornment during the school day.