Is it the norm for a teacher to give a parent their mobile number?

Question

Out of the blue my daughter's kindergarten teacher texed me to wish me a happy birthday. We get along quite well and we have a lot in common. She would be a great friend but does that happen and is it allowed?

Answer 1

Her role as your daughter's teacher is secondary in this case. You should accept this rather sweet gesture in the spirit in which it was sent: that of a potential friend.

Is it allowed? Teachers need friends too. I doubt it will prejudice her treatment of your daughter, if that's what you are asking.

Answer 2

Yes, it is allowed.  I personally wouldn't do it unless I thought that the mother was nice enough and that I felt comfortable with the family.  And, if you have a lot in common- there is no reason that you two could not be friends.  

Teachers are just regular people too....  they have lives and friends.

And, it wasn't out of the blue....  :)  it was your birthday..Maybe your child told her teacher that it was your birthday and she just wanted to be nice :)    I'm sure the teacher is very nice, and would be a great friend.  Teachers are very caring people- it's just their nature.  

Answer 3

its fine.

theres no laws about who you can and can't be friends with.

Answer 4

no!

it must the parents who must ask for the teachers number

Answer 5

If you gave her your number and seemed pretty open to having her call you, then I see no problem with it. However, if your phone number is not one you expect to be contacted on by people other than your family and close friends, make that clear to her next time you see her. However, I would be flattered that someone remembered my birthday enough to send me a message. She sounds like a very sweet teacher who is simply trying to cheer you up. How many teachers do that anymore? Invite her out to eat next time you see her. She probably needs friends, too.

Answer 6

Its not done. I feel if u keep giving your nos imagine how many calls will u get even for silly things. I am a teacher never have i given my no to any of my students or their parents

Answer 7

I think so.

Answer 8

Only if there is a chance that your child might need you during the day. However, in that case, you would give her your phone number, or she could get the School Office to call you.

It is possible to become friends with a teacher, particularly your child's first teacher. Remember, there will be another teacher next year. Just play it by ear as you would do with any new acquaintance.  

Answer 9

As long as you are comfortable with it, then it is fine.

My son's teacher has both my mobile number and my husband's and we have his. My son is has Aspergers with high functioning Autism so has peculiar behavioural issues. His teacher will quite often call us on our mobiles to ask us for advice in certain situations he is facing. He finds it far more effective than waiting for support staff or admin staff as by the time they get there it has often got out of control, or the staff they send are not equipped to deal with him and make things worse. He has on occasion texted us to let us know about a big achievement or breakthrough with my son. It is nice to get those texts.

Answer 10

I give my cell phone number to all of my parents. I have 'office hours' for an hour each weekday evening when they can call me if they need to. I also give my email address. I have done this for several years and have not had anyone abuse it. My son's fifth grade teacher still sends me a birthday card every year since then. It was 5 years ago.

Answer 11

Teachers are being encouraged to be on call for their students 24-7, and this means giving their cell numbers to the kids, as well as their parents.  As a high school teacher, this is not anything I'm going to be doing, but just know that administration is asking us to do this more and more.  In your case, the teacher sounds like a sweet person, and unless she's clingy in some way, she's probably just being nice to someone she thinks is also nice.

Answer 12

I think it's allowed as long as you're not offended and you are ok with the teacher having your number. However, a teacher usually does not look up a parent's number unless he/she needs to contact the parent regarding the child's affairs etc. oh, and school ask for parents' contacts in case of emergency so it's highly possible that teacher's get the parent/guardians contact numbers, but should not know when is their birthday, so in your case, my guess is that she texted you as a friend and you either told her when your birthday was, or your daughter did.

Hope this helps :)

Answer 13

I am a high school teacher and I often give my cellphone to parents or organizations that need me. I have no problem with this.  

Answer 14

ummm r u jking...?

Answer 15

Theres nothing wrong with that.  In fact I have given several parents my phone number and email address.  One parent has kept in contact with me for 7 years now and I'm not working with her child anymore.  She may have just wanted to build a friendly relationship with you.  I'm glad you made a positive personal connection with the teacher as many parents are often afraid of doing this.  Enjoy your friendship

Answer 16

It might be odd for a teacher to give her number to a student, and even then there'd be circumstances where it would be fine (I teach adults English as a second language and there are times when I've been happy to catch up with them as friends once the course they're on is over).

For a teacher to give her number to a parent is perfectly normal.

Answer 17

yes cause when your daughter is in trouble she can contact you!!!!!!!!!! unless if shes a L*****n

Answer 18

yeah its fine unless it said anything creepy, or something like that.  

Answer 19

Some people are just "touchy feely" about stuff and tend to do that.  I always give out my home number to all students the first day or so of class, but I never give them my cell phone.  The only time I use a parent's cell phone is if I really need to talk to the parent and can't reach him/her at home or at work.  If it makes you uncomfortable, just tell the teacher that you would prefer she use your home and work number and only use your cell phone in case of emergency.  Do thank her for the birthday acknowledgment, though.

Answer 20

no

Answer 21

sure its allowed, Isn't that a lovely gesture on the teacher's part.

Answer 22

You said she would be a great friend, so don't discount her.  She is a person like any other person, and she obviously thinks highly of you to do this.  I see nothing wrong with it.  I teach Kindergarten, and some of my students' parents are friendlier than others.  While I don't divulge extremely personal details (as long as their child is in my class, at least), I see nothing wrong with being friends.  Relax and make a new friend.

Answer 23

yes i think this is quite normal! u should not worry abt that.