Microsoft Teams for Education

Many school districts now use Microsoft Teams, and it has transformed the way educators and students collaborate, both inside and outside the classroom. Teams even has a dedicated classroom communication app through Microsoft Teams for Education, or Office 365 for Education. This app was built for educator’s and the class team’s needs and gives a centralized platform for assignments, discussions, and seamless communication. Its robust set of tools supports real-time collaboration, video meetings, and document sharing, making it an essential tool for today’s classroom.

SMS in Microsoft Teams: A Critical Gap

While Microsoft Teams excels at internal collaboration, external communication with parents and students beyond the platform can be a challenge. Many teachers and school administrators still rely on personal phone numbers, emails, or separate messaging apps to reach families. This fragmented, back-and-forth, unmonitored approach can lead to inefficiencies, security concerns, and compliance risks.

Unlocking SMS Integration with MultiLine™

MultiLine bridges this gap by integrating SMS directly into Microsoft Teams, providing educators with a safe, second business number for school-related communication. This district-owned mobile number ensures professional and secure interactions while offering a seamless experience for teachers, parents, and students.

With this solution, teachers can conduct all remote parent-teacher conference calls without leaving Teams or using multiple apps. Students who are out sick can chat with their educators with assignment questions. Parents can stay connected with photos from the field trip. Admin and central office staff can message teachers on Teams and take a call from a prospective family without switching to a desk phone.

Key Benefits of MultiLine for Schools

1. Safe and Secure Communication

• MultiLine provides a dedicated business phone number, ensuring that teachers don’t have to share their personal numbers.
• Secure messaging helps protect student privacy and ensures compliance with educational regulations like FERPA.

2. Seamless SMS and Calling in Teams

• Teachers and administrators can send and receive SMS messages and other files directly within the user-friendly, familiar Microsoft Teams app.
• Calls and texts from MultiLine on the district-owned number maintain professional boundaries and streamline communication with parents and students.

3. Cost-Effective and Device-Agnostic

• MultiLine works on any device—whether school-issued or personal—skipping the need for additional hardware.
• Schools can reduce or eliminate stipends for teachers’ phone usage, saving on operational costs, when all communication can be done through Teams.

4. Improved Productivity and Parent Engagement

• With SMS texting integrated into Microsoft Teams, educators can manage all communications in one place, reducing app-switching and improving efficiency.
• Parents and students can receive messages without needing to install additional apps, creating a frictionless experience for families.

5. Compliance and Simplified Reporting

• MultiLine for Microsoft Teams automatically logs and archives messages, making it easier for schools to track and document communications between third-parties.
• This feature simplifies any needed audits or documentation, and ensures adherence to district policies and legal requirements.

How Schools Can Get Started

Implementing MultiLine for Microsoft Teams is simple – there’s no extra hardware or complicated setups. Schools and districts can integrate the solution into their existing Microsoft Teams or Office 365 for Education ecosystem, providing teachers and staff with a professional, secure, and compliant communication tool.

By enabling MS Teams with MultiLine’s SMS and external calling integration, schools can streamline communication, enhance learning experiences, and maintain a safe and professional digital environment for the district, students, and families.

Ready to Transform Communication in Your School?

Learn more about how MultiLine and Microsoft Teams can work together to improve engagement and efficiency in your school district. Contact us today for a demo!