Teacher with Cell Phone in Class Room?

I would forward a letter to the principle stating that you have already talk to her and what the situation is and continues to be and that you are sending a copy of that letter to the district and every board member with hopes that this issue will be resolved in the best interest of the children. Best of luck.

Write a letter to the principal and carbon copy it to the teacher's union and her licensing board. That's the only way you'll get some reaction. You might want to get it on video?

I finally pulled my oldest out of school, due to the rudeness and lack of discipline of the other students in teh classroom and now we are homeschooling and it's awesome. I thought it was going to be harder than this, but it is seriously one of the best decisions I've ever made.

Good luck.

Notify the School District office. If the principle is not able to get the point accros, then that is the next logical step.

You might want to see if there is more to the story. I teach high school and I am currently snacking on some crackers, but I am in my first trimester and will get sick if I don't snack. I also shouldn't be on the internet, but the students are taking four hours of standardized tests today and I would fall asleep if I spent the entire time grading papers. There are always exceptions to why a good teacher might be doing something that seems unacceptable. I also have been known to be finishing my lunch as the students come in for 5th period if I have spent my entire lunch break helping out students.

The eating issue wouldn't bother me as much as the cell phone if it was my child. I would never let a student talk on the phone while I am teaching, why shouldn't I give the students the same respect. If I forget to turn off my phone and it rings during class (which is almost never), I power down my phone rather than picking it up. But there are exceptions to that rule as well. Last year when my father was dying of leukemia, I did take the occassional personal phone call if he was in the hospital or having a particularly bad day.

I would investigate how bad the problem really is (kids can sometimes exaggerate) and if there are any special exceptions. If it is true that she is really talking on the phone and not paying attention to your child for an hour, that is completely unacceptable. You should complain and try to get your child removed from that class. Not all teachers have the same level of dedication and I hate to say it, but there are bad teachers out there. In a career where someone with a master's degree gets paid 40K a year, its hard to find enough dedicated people who teach for the love of teaching to fill all of the positions.

I had this problem, and the principal was able to get it stopped. I am surprised the teacher still does it. I'd bring it up again, and again. be a pain in the butt, she is the one doing the wrong thing, so, do not feel guilty.

however, i'd ask the principal not to name who is complaining, because you do not want your daughter getting negative attention.

I know you think it would be a waste of time, but visit anyway. Schedule several visits saying that you want to see what the teacher is doing in class so that you can help your daughter at home better. If the teacher uses such disregard, she'll slip into the pattern of behavior at some point.
If the principal is unwilling to solve the problem, talk to the superintendant. The teacher is showing gross disrespect for the children and if the principal isn't taking steps to change the behavior, then she isn't doing her job. Good luck.

Hi E.
Oh Yes - E. - Just ignore the negative comments some people seem to like to make to every person honestly asking for guidance this is suppose to be a positive forum to ask for guidance and direction or just to get some support some people honestly don't know how to give that - I will tell you what I did when my daughter was in school and her teacher wasn't teaching - not sure you will want to do it -
this teacher did anything but teach - during math hour she had my daughter putting up and taking down articles on the walls - all they ever seemed to do is art and whatever else but learn anything. The other moms in the school all complained perfusely about this teacher but nobody ever did anything - this teacher had the higher ups wrapped around her finger - she had some high university education and they all felt priviledged to have her at the school - well I went to the principal and asked for my daughter to be transfered out of her class and into another class. The principal told me that he didn't know if that was going to be possible. I told him that he obviously did not understand me - I WASN'T ASKING - he then said he did not know when he would be able to make the transfer - i told him that he obviously did not understand me - MY DAUGHTER WILL BE MOVED MONDAY AM WHEN I BRING HER TO SCHOOL - so my daughter was moved Monday to the other class and learned a great deal that year and was very thankful that she did not have to deal with this teacher any longer, (by the way that teacher did not return to the school the following year). almost forgot - about visiting the classroom - I use to do it from time to time when my daughter was in school - just show up unexpectantly and sit in the back of the room to see what the teachers were teaching or if they were teaching - a couple of the teachers asked if there was a problem or if I could be helped- I said no just want to observe what my daughter is being taught - some of the teachers where not sure how to feel about this but most of them were very happy to finally meet a parent that was actually interested enough in parenting to go to the lengths of using time out of my busy schedule to check on my daughters education - I was a single mom running my own business

I'm a teacher. I keep my cell phone turned on in case someone needs to reach me in an emergency (doctor's office, my daughters' schools, etc.). The only calls I take during class are ones that can't be handled any other time, like a doctor's phone call. Otherwise, I don't use my phone, and I never text. I think what she's doing is inappropriate, but I would make sure this is really ongoing before reporting anything to her principal. Why not contact the teacher directly and ask her about it? My daughter is a kindergartener as well, and I know that she doesn't always report things exactly as they are.

I also try to respond to every parent's email the day I receive it. So I find that unprofessional that she didn't respond to you. What was the tone of your letter?

As for eating in the classroom, please don't fault the teacher. The same rules don't apply to us. Most teachers never get a single minute to themselves during the day. We often bypass meals and breaks to be there for students. I work through lunch every day helping students; in fact, the half hour I receive for lunch is usually busier than when I'm teaching. Students come in and out of the room for tutoring, advice, etc. There is almost never a time when a student isn't needing me for something. We eat when we can. Expecting a teacher to share her lunch is crossing the line. Also, we talk all day so we need to have a drink (soda or whatever we want). Since teachers often never get to even leave the room, we have only small windows of time to eat.

I agree with another poster that you need to spend a day in the classroom. Why not talk to the teacher yourself? I'm going to play devil's advocate here.. You need to get the teachers side of the story. What are the other kids saying? When is she "stuffing" her mouth? Right after lunch because she didn't have time to eat her lunch? I mean, who is going to have a burger in the morning? Where would she get it? A banana? Who cares if she is snacking on a banana. I mean, if she is being rude and smacking her food and ignoring the kids while eating, yea, that is one thing, but an occasional snack wouldn't bother me. Your daughter said it took an hour to get her attention. I don't know, that seems extreme, doesn't it? I mean that the teacher ignored her for an hour because she was on the phone? OK, if it were me, I'd be spending more time in the classroom, but I'd also be able to talk to the teacher about it - and those two things would hopefully give me the answers that I needed. If this indeed is all going on and the teacher isn't stopping, then I'd demand my daughter get a new teacher.

Please let us know what happens!
M.

Hi, E.
Your next step is going back to the Principal's office and let the that her/him know that you are taking the matter to the school board. Believe me, once you mention that, there is no messing or going around that. The school board in that district will come down hard nailing the principal for let it go, and the teacher might either get fired, or suspended. That's your best bet... I have seen a lot of parents whom I know their children experience problems with some school teachers who don't follow the rules and policy. It's like a nightmare when a parent mentions the school board. That teacher is violating every policy and rules of the school and should be corrected...good luck. Your daughter went to school to learn and make use of her time and education. Not to have her time wasted by watching some school teacher stuffing herself at the present of students and being on the cell constantly. If children are banned from using their cells in the classrooms, that also goes with teachers. When it's lunch time, teachers will also have lunch. Not a the whole school session of constant snack. Unprofessional. Your daughter did the right thing reporting it so someone since no one at school seems to care and value their time and effort for education. If that teacher is constantly on the phone texting, then she shouldn't be bringing her personal carbage to her work place.

E.,
I am a retired 3rd grade teacher myself. I just retired to stay at home with my little boy. I can tell you as a past teacher that I was a good teacher. I stayed after school, generally worked 12-16 hours a day and took a real personnal interest in my students and their families. Because of this I did both of the offenses. Things are not always what they seem. So that I never would have to take a day off for personnal buisness, I did make cell phone calls to take care of bills ect. If I had not done this, then I would have had to occationally take an entire day off of work. I did not approve of the level of teaching my students got from subs...so I made the calls while my students did independent work. I ate my lunch and breakfast in the classroom because during both meal breaks of 20 min each I was making copies and using the restroom. So, my advice is to talk to the teacher. Spend the time to get to know her/him a bit and you will be able to tell if the "offense" is offensive or not. Sorry these things are not so cut and dry.
PS. Good luck! Remember it is in your best interest to befriend your child's teacher vrs. attacking them and putting them on the defensive...

HI E., I'm a teacher and this totally disgusts me as well. Especially the cell phone, it should never be used unless it is an emergency. My principal has tried the same tactic, telling the entire staff about a problem instead of going to the one person that is creating the problem. It never works. The principal needs to man up and discipline her staff, she doesn't have to say what parent complained. If the principal won't do anything you can go to the district and file a complaint against the teacher. Especially with such small children this teacher is putting your children at risk because of her lack of attention.
Hang in there
L.
Junior high teacher

Hi E.:
I'm not a teacher,but I'd imagine,that even teachers have certain guidelines which they must follow while teaching a class. Feeding your face,in front of a classroom of small children doesn't sound professional,nor proper to me.I'd inform the principle ,that If she's going to do that,then maybe she should consider bringing enough to (share) with her class. I'm quite sure,that watching her snack,makes those kids a little anxious for lunch.I'd tell the principle,that you've instructed your daughter, that if the teacher doesn't bring her head up for a breather from her phone,to notice her hand,to just get up and go. Your daughter should not have to suffer the humiliation of peeing in her pants in front of her classmates,because of neglect.I'd also inform her,that if your daughter comes home with any reports of mistreatment as a result of this complaint,you will go directly to the school board.Its no wonder there's a 50% drop out rate in our California schools.I wish you and your daughter the best. J. M

Hi, E.,

I was a teacher for several years. I would write a letter to the teacher telling her what your daughter has told you. I think that the phone should be used during class time only in case of emergency. The teacher should try to eat during breaks. I would not be upset if once in a blue moon she spent a couple of minutes finishing lunch during class time if she had had lunch duty, a conference, etc. during the kids' lunch break. However, eating during class time should not be the norm.

If the teacher does not change promptly, then I would send her another letter and send the principal a copy.

If that doesn't work, visit your daughter's class. Most teachers don't want to look bad to parents.

Good luck,
Lynne

The teacher definitely should not be using her cell phone during class time. I too was a teacher and worked very long days also. But I still would never use class time to take care of personal business on the phone. I can't imagine any principal or district being ok with that behavior. My cell stayed on silent every day and I would occasionally check it during recess or lunch. However, as far as the food thing goes...that's not as big of a deal. Now, eating a hamburger definitely seems a little extreme but I certainly probably ate a banana or some sort of snack on occasion. Teachers often use all of recess and most of their lunch break taking care of school business, making copies, using the bathroom, etc. They certainly to not have enough break time in the day! So I would maybe cut her a little slack on that one. I remember days where it was hard to find the time to go to the bathroom, let alone eat my lunch!

I know this sounds ridiculous, but if you can get a hold of the teachers cell phone number, your daughter could call her teacher during class to get her attention. Talk about shaming someone! She could simply say it is the only way she could get her attention!

Otherwise, it sounds as though you may have to go higher up on the food chain to get someone to repremand the situation and get this teacher to do her job!

Good luck!

One more time to the principal and then to the School District. It sometimes takes more then one time to get the point across and either the principal or the teacher is not getting it. It sounds like your children are young enough that you should be able to pop in and see for yourself, we had to do that a time or two to get the point across.

I taught for six years and remember a teacher who was always on her bluetooth and doing e-mail during teaching time and the principal seemed clueless even though we all noticed. No one wanted to "tattle tell" on a fellow colleague we all liked, but it was very unprofessional. Eventually, enough parents brought it to the attention of the school secretary who told the principal and they issued a memo to all staff that we were not allowed to use cell phones or e-mail except during our breaks. She still did it, and was eventually scolded for it. I would send another "polite" e-mail to the principal and even the office staff letting them know your concern and ask if the teachers have any sort of regulations regarding cell phone use during teaching hours. You can even send an e-mail to the teacher, if you feel comfortable. The principal should send out some sort of memo reminding her staff that it is not acceptable to be on the cell phone or text messaging during teaching hours. I'd bug the principal until they did something. Your children deserve an education where their educator is giving them time and attention and not text messaging or talking on a bluetooth. I'm sure they wouldn't appreciate their students on cell phones during class time :)

Is it wrong that I cannot WAIT to read an update about this teacher getting canned? Someone FIRE HER! You couldn't get away with that kind of behavior if you were making $7 an hour at McDonald's.

Well E. your next to me would be to do surprise visits to your daughter's class and you see it for yourself. Also this will keep you informed about her way of teaching. Its a good idea to also keep record of your visits and you can give a report to the principal but your visits should be randomed not the same day of the week but different days during a week. Good luck:)

D.:)

Hey E.,
I taught pre-k special ed for 7 yrs. and cell phone in class with me or my instructional assistants was a no no. I told my family and my instructional assistants to call for emergencies only on the class phone and finish conversations at break. I had a policy not the school's it was my own. I would suggest that you tell the principal that you will be coming in to do an observation of how your child is doing in class, just show up every now and then. If nothing changes still go to your PTA and then the school board.

Lift Him Up Higher,
MMmmm Lemon Pie & More

I would wait a few more days, and then see if it is still happening. If so, then I would either take a visit to the classroom and sit in the back (it's your right)Or talk to the principle again. Make sure you document when you make those calls and points that were made. After that, I would talk to the teacher herself.
Good luck!

omg what the heck is wrong with this teacher!?!? shes there to teach not do her personal buisiness. when i was in school my teachers would have a small snack but nothing like that! and as for cell phones they were not in use. i would go to the school board that pricnipal doesnt seem to care. also make it a point that your daughter gets a different teacher.
have you talked to other moms to see if their children complain about their teachers behavior? i think you all should come together and complain about this teacher because she doesnt seem to be doing her job.

I agree with much of one of the posts below. I actually copied and pasted what she said I agree so much but have some to add! Here is what she said that I agree with- I am a teacher and don't use my phone unless its an emergency or calling a parent. As for texting, I do it during my break or when walking the students. In class the phone sits on my desk the majority of the time. I would approach the teacher first, in a friendly manner verbally. If this persist then written. Then after that the principal.

Okay my two cents-
I don't eat in my class. I do drink sometimes because I talk all day! The bathroom situation is unacceptable. So is the not responding. I also agree with other people that you should visit the class. Good luck!

well abviously going to the principal has done nothing. What I personally would do first is pray about the situation. I have found that whjen ever I am worried about something that praying about it takes care of the whole thing. Maybe make an appointment and talking to the teacher may help. God bless.

Hi E.,
I completely agree with Dianne. I am a teacher and don't use my phone unless its an emergency or calling a parent. As for texting, I do it during my break or when walking the students. In class the phone sits on my desk the majority of the time. I would approach the teacher first, in a friendly manner verbally. If this persist then written. Then after two written forms then the principal.
As for eating, I try not to snack when my students are in class. However, like today, I spend my lunch talking to Principal, parent and student. Therefore, I excused my self and told my students I was going to snack in front of them. I try to avoid it, but unfortunately sometimes our lunch is spend running copies, talking to admin, parents, students or waiting for the micro. Drinks, I think we've earned to drink water, coffe, and soda. We have 30 kids to take care of, talk to, and caffeine is a must.
Good luck,
PS ask discreetly other parents if they have the same concern. Don't ask other students, you cannot approach them.

Have you talked with any of the other parents in your daughter's class? Have any of the other children complained or have they noticed at all? If your daughter could not get her attention for up to an hour, what if one of the children passed out at her desk, or was turning pale for some reason, or was doing something that could ultimately harm themselves or others? The teacher's duty is to the Children FIRST. During the time they are in class SHE/HE is the caretaker of their welfare. I'd talk to some of the other parents and as a group ask for a meeting with the principal. (I wonder if you can show your child how to work a camera on a cell phone. That would be evidence - better if several children took pictures.)

K. S.

<this is an edit response in reply to RAE P. who decided that it is in her best interest to chatise me publicly for speaking my opinion/response (below). Obviously, i'm the only one in this post that pointed out something "negative". So it's only fair that i reply publicly. This is a forum that we, as moms, go to receive opinions and advice (good and bad). And if Rae would've taken the time to read ALL of my past responses (before making a generalization about me), she would know that this is the only response ever that I have said something that may not be something the person requesting (E.) may wanted to hear. My philosophy in life is to follow the golden rule; live my life with truth and fairness. That is all. And that is simply my point below. I was not rude. I was not disrespectful. But maybe I just didn't agree fully. And maybe it's good to hear another perspective, even it isn't comfortable.

Whatever the situation and outcome, I hope that only Truth and Fairness comes out for both parties. In the meantime, E., it seems to me that you might not be seeing how you're already instilling a sense of "gossipyness" in your daughter at barely 6 years old. Sounds like instead of her coming home to share about her day and what she's learned and what she played etc. She's giving you the juicy details of what her teachers been up to today.

And i concur what Diane E's posting said, that teachers sometimes use their lunchtime to run errands (make copies, plan for the next lesson etc.). not an excuse for eating during class, but a reason for a little compassion. she may have had to eat before lunch because maybe/possibly(?) that's when the class is working quietly at their desk, so she has her hands "free" to utilize that time to eat. Then once lunch starts, it's errands for the teacher. who knows. why don't you ask her? and this comment about her having a soda after lunch...so what? just sounds all a bit gossipy and nit-picky.

what i've learned is that there's always a reason for everything...and if someone is in the wrong (and they are good, decent people) they'll correct their wrongs. but "judging" people so harshly before even a chance to talk to them face-to-face. You never know. Not everything is always what they seem. You're child shouldn't even be hearing your opinion of this. If the teacher did indeed was so carelessly neglectful of your daughter, it's still between you and the teacher.

E.,

Your next step would be to report it to the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services or Curriculum Supervisor (Usually a step above the Principal).

Then to the Superintendent if nothing is resolved,then to the board of education.

Good luck.
CB

Hello, I worked 13 years in elementary education helping students learn English. I am also the mother of 4 grown children and grandmother to 5 (with one more on the way). I currently volunteer in my grandsons' school. My suggestion is that you have your child moved to another room. If the administration is not open to this, go to the school board. Be completely honest about why you want her moved to another class. You have the right to expect a good, safe education for your daughter and the school district has a legal obligation to see to it that she has it. You are your daughter's advocate and they must listen to you. I am sure that you are not the only parent to complain about this. How awful for your precious daughter that she would have to wait to use the restroom. Imagine if she had had an accident in the class. She would never be able to forget it. Also, what if she was feeling ill or hurt?
Good luck with this problem.
K. K.

E.,

The cell phone is ONLY for emergency use, such as when the school has gone into lock down. If the teacher is eating in front of her kids, texting, or even calling friends during class hours then this is a problem. I used to keep in touch with the superintendent when my children went to school, my children are all grown and have families of their own now. they do the same thing. If you don't get satisfaction from the principle then go straight to the top. Children learn from their adult teachers, and parents, these are indeed bad habits and should be handled as such. Correction of this teachers bad habits should be taken to the superintendent if the principle will not put a stop to it.

I would notify the head of the school district and then I would tell the principal again letting her know you have been to the District. The principal will get the point that your done messing around. Sounds like you have a bad seed for a teacher. Good luck keep us posted.

If you have addressed this with principal and the issue continues, then I would move on and bring up the issue to the school district and continue to move up the ladder until the issue is addressed. I don't believe there should be any use of the cell phone during class (unless for an emergency).Texting, calling, snacking, etc. should be done during breaks and lunch time, regardless.

So, you work at home? I would suggest you take a break and spend the day with your daughter in her room. Some kids exaggerate what is going on. You never know. Which daughter is it? The 6 or 8 year old? You should be able to know what goes on in there if you spend the day there. Her phone will ring all the time and she will have a stash of food, if this all proves to be true then I would bring it up again to the principal. I work at a school and the kids tell me stuff all the time like the teacher is on her phone all the time, etc. When the fact is that the teachers phone rang once because of a family emergency. Seriously investigate on your own before getting this teacher in to trouble.

E.,

My mother in law is a teacher! She said that eating and talking on a cell phone is not permitted unless lunch time and kids are out of the room! She said what you should do it demand to stay in the class room for a week! She said that you should work it out with the principle and not tell the teacher and just see what you see! She said that that is absolutely appalling and that the principle should have done something about it already! Good luck!
E.
Oh one more thing, she said you need to write a letter to the principle and copy it to the Union! I think that if you see it first hand you will get a better reaction!

This is absolutely unacceptable behavior for this teacher.
Talk to the principal one more time and let her know it is still going on and that if she doesn't stop it, you will talk to the superintendent of the school system or the school board. And do it. The administration only knows what parents or children tell them, that is why you must report this again. Otherwise they will think the problem is solved.

Yeah, it's time for a written complaint. Provided, of course, you have verified the facts. Can you make a quick, unannounced visit to the class? If you have to sign in at the front first, they usually call the teacher to tell her you are coming. If that is the case, try to make an appointment with the principal, to do the unannounced visit.(with you, he won't bother to do it on his own.)
Or volunteer for a project that keeps you in the room for a large part of a day, like cleaning and re-doing all of her bulletin boards. It always amazes me how people continue to indulge in inappropriate, unprofessional behavior, even when they know someone is watching.
If they won't allow that, or you can't verify with your own eyes, do the written letter, carefully crafted. You need to describe the incidents, with date. Describe the behaviors your daughter complained of and ask for them to investigate to see if your daughter's perceptions are accurate (without scolding or making judgements). Ask them to give you a written response regarding the actions taken to correct the situation within 5 business days. If no action in a week, bump it up, cc. the letter to the administration, naming the teacher and the principal. Emphasize your concern for the safety and well-being of children. In our school district staff are not allowed to eat sweets, or drink soda in front of children, so I am surprised if the actions you describe would be tolerated.

Try just showing up at school and setting in on your daughters class, show up at different times on random days. Don't do it to try to "catch" her, but to just let her know that you are interested/concerned in what is going on in the classroom. I have done this in my kids classes now and then, and I think it helps. Good luck!

You have a ton of advice and I didn't read all of it but I have a different angle because I am not a teacher but work with them as a school counselor. I feel terrible that I eat my lunch in front of parents... that is if I eat lunch. We don't stop and neither do teachers. Parents come in without appointments all day long. If I didn't eat in front of parents, I would have to ask them to wait like the other counselors do and I feel that I need to serve the parents before myself. Unfortunately, it sounds like your daughter's teacher is eating and not paying attention to the class. This is quite different from other teachers or counselors who eat in the presence of others.

The cell phone and bathroom situation are unacceptable. I would demand a new teacher. Write a letter to the principal about the behavior citing your previous attempts to remedy the situation and explain that the behavior has not stopped and you demand an education for your daughter, cc the school board and superintendant. If you are not ready to take such action, talk to the principal again and ask the teacher to be present. I know you are concerned and don't want the teacher to know it is you that is telling on her but why not? At least then she would know that your daughters needs should be met and in turn at least be a better teacher to your daughter. There is a process to get rid of a teacher. It requires a lot of paperwork but parent letters move things along. Education is a business. That teacher is not your friend - she is someone who was hired to educate your child. If she is not doing her job, her boss and perhaps bosses boss needs to know. Good luck!

What ever you do don't get on her bad side or let her know it is you. Also get other parents involved. If 5 parents contact the principal one at a time the principal will get tired of having that conversation. I also make suprise visits to my daughters classroom.

Dear E.:

This is NOT okay behavior for a teacher. This is extremely unprofessional. The only time kids ever saw us eat was when we had to stay in the classroom for lunch because of rain. Cells are to be left "off" and put away.

This is, besides the other valuable points the other mamas mentioned, a SAFETY hazard. So what kind of attention is she giving those children when she doesn't even notice a little girl in distress needing to go to the bathroom? Would she notice a bloody nose? Hitting? A knife? Drugs? Inappropriate literature? (I know your child is young but this is still a valid point.) This teacher can NOT say she is a proper guardian for your child if she is engaged on the phone all day.

This is an unsafe environment for children. This teacher fails to provide a safe environment and the PRINCIPAL failed too by not following up on what you told her. I agree that you need to bring this up again.

Best wishes,

M.