Teachers: Are you required to drive students on field trips in your own car?

Question

If so, how do you feel about this requirement?

Answer 1

It's always been that way wherever I've worked (in England) and it doesn't worry me, I just make sure my insurance is OK with it and I'm happy.  If you're not happy though, say no

Answer 2

I personally would prefer to take the students in the regular school buses. You need to keep in mind, that you could be liable or accussed of who knows what if anything happens to a child that only "you" is responsible for. I wouldn't do it because of possible implications.

And I don't think you are obligated to such.

Good luck

Answer 3

I had to, and I really didn't like it at all! It was just about 2 miles away and to "save money" and not rent a bus, teachers and parents were asked to take students.  It was a sleeting day (not ice--but bordering on it) and I had anxiety the entire time.  I even told the principal I wasn't comfortable driving...but gratefully, we made it back ok.

I do carry a lot of insurance, but I still was very, very uncomfortable for all the reasons mentioned and alluded to in other responses!

Answer 4

NO!!!  We can be fired for doing so.  It is a huge liability for both you and the district.

Answer 5

No.  And i always advise my pre-service education students to NEVER, EVER do this.  Too many things can happen or you could be accused of too many things.  We don't make enough money to put up with that kind of liability.  driving is for realtors.

Answer 6

NO, it is absolutely illegal.  On field trips we are required to take an activity bus that is driven by someone with a bus driver's license.  As a matter of fact, due to insurance reasons, parents cannot ride along on the bus.  They must follow in their own vehicle.

Answer 7

NO, I'm not required and even if I was I wouldn't!

Answer 8

No, we all have to ride the bus.  Teachers and students.

Answer 9

No way.  In fact, in my school district it is just about forbidden.  It basically comes down to liability issues.  If you were to get into an accident with a student in your car, you personally could be sued.  Secondly, I'm not sure your car insurance would cover using your car for work related things.  Lastly, you're just asking for trouble having a kid in your car.  Although the liklihood is slim, however, if a child were to make a claim that inappropriate acts occured during a car ride, what then?  No way would I allow myself to be put in that situation.  It's either school transportation or nothing.

Answer 10

Make sure you carry a million dollar umbrella insurance policy.

£ if your in UK.