ARCS Certification

Texting Tips


​How to Compose Successful Texts:

Greeting
   Example: Hello Jane, it's Ms. Gill :)

Emojis 
  • use emojis and :) because they convey your friendliness and build rapport
  • they help visitors to feel welcomed
  • they help students to know you're safe and loving, even if you have to tell them something difficult (like a past-due notice)


Body
   Example: You've been approved for either grant, so just pick whichever one works best for you:

Links
   Send as needed
   Special Note: Text links separately from all other content, so they don't get "broken" (split amongst 2 texts) and fail to work.

***CALL TO ACTION
   Example: ​***TEXT BACK TO CONFIRM YOU'VE RECEIVED THESE MESSAGES"
   Special Note: It's extremely important to send a call to action. Give the recipient an action to take, to elicit a response.
​

Best Text Practices

FEDERAL LAW
You may NOT text someone unless they've done one of the following:
   • Initiated contact with you via text or chat (instant messenger)
  • selected to "opt-in" and authorize you to text them, on their Application or Registration Form.
 

Special Note: If someone has not authorized you to text them, you must either call or email them to make initial contact.
FEDERAL LAW
Contact Applicants, Registrants and Students between 8:00am-9:00pm in their time zone.

"Safe" Contact Times from Teacher's Time Zone:
Coach in Eastern:
  • 11am for Continental US
  • Noon for Alaska

​  • 2pm for Hawaii
Coach in Central:
  • 10am for Continental US
  • 11am for Alaska

​  • 1pm for Hawaii
Coach in Mountain:
  • 9am for Continental US
  • 10am for Alaska

​  • Noon for Hawaii
Coach in Pacific:
  • 8am for Continental US
  • 9am for Alaska

​  • 11am for Hawaii

​
Best way to Text Links
   It's best to send links as a completely separate text.
   Special Note: If you text a link with accompanying content, the link may get broken and will not work.



Best Way to send Long Texts
   It's best to take a screenshot of long texts and send them as an image.

​   Special Note: Not all cell phones will accept long texts, so it's best to send an image.


Texting Platforms
It's highly recommended that you use an online texting platform, as texting from a cell phone is too time consuming.

Google Voice
*Special Note: Google Voice is NOT recommended because it's "for personal use" and will lock you out if you send many texts!

DialPad
DialPad is the one that most coaches use, just because it's a low, flat fee:
https://www.dialpad.com
approximately $20 per month, for 2 numbers
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