You are a teacher and your administration needs you to keep students’ parents updated. Although you use Seesaw for most communications, you still need to call parents on the phone. You don't want them to have your smartphone because then you might be getting phone calls and texts.
Some small school districts who have poor phone systems that fail may want to get an “alternate phone.” The alternate phone (using a personal Gmail account) is one that works even when the district’s phone system goes offline.
You need a way to keep track of who you call and that call history may be subject to an Open Records Request. You don't want to turn over your real phone number call history to strangers.
Google Voice is a free* to start service available to you if you have a personal Gmail account. You can make phone calls via the Voice app on your phone or through your web browser.
It’s a boon to teachers who may need to speak to parents during the COVID-19 challenge. It’s also nice to be able to share your Google Voice number with strangers.
Only you need know that it’s not your “real” phone number.
A personal Gmail account
A phone number you can forward calls to, preferably your smartphone but it can be a landline
Login to your personal Gmail account
Go to voice.google.com to get your account.
Click on FOR PERSONAL USE
Make sure to use the blue SIGN IN button in the top right and again, be sure to use your personal Gmail account.
Another neat feature is being able to record one or more professional greetings. For some, this might be an easy way to share daily announcements. You are also able to screen calls. When you do that, you are able to hear a caller's name when you pick up.
