📝 If you are a teacher in a school or district with a paid TalkingPoints partnership, this update does not apply to you. SMS text messaging will remain available for your families, and for your TalkingPoints partnership.
As of October 19, 2026, families connected to free, individual Teacher accounts no longer get messages by text (SMS). To keep getting your messages, families need the free TalkingPoints Family app or the TalkingPoints website.
We know this is a big change, especially for families who are used to texts. This article explains what changed and how you can help your families make the switch.
What changed
Nothing changes about how you as a teacher with a free, individual account uses TalkingPoints. You still use TalkingPoints the same way. You send messages just like before. The only change is how your families get your messages. Families now get your messages in the free TalkingPoints Family app or on the web, not by text.
Who this affects
Account type | What changed on October 19, 2026 |
Free personal Teacher account | Text messages stopped. Families must download/log in via the app or web to get messages. |
Paid school or district partnership | Nothing. Text messages still work for families at a partner school or district. |
What to do now
If some families haven’t moved to the app yet, they aren’t getting your new messages. Here’s how to help them:
Share your class code: print or send this flyer, or share the QR codes on the flyer. These make it easy for families to download the app.
Send families a download link:
📱 iPhone: apps.apple.com/us/app/families-talkingpoints/id1320244591
🤖 Android: play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.talkingpoints.parentsAsk families to turn on notifications in the app so they don’t miss a message.
💡 Tip: Families who aren’t on the app can’t see your TalkingPoints messages right now. A quick phone call, a note in a backpack, or a chat at pickup can help them get set up.
What families gain with the app
Every message in their preferred language — 150+ languages supported.
Instant notifications, so nothing gets missed.
Photo and video sharing directly with teachers.
"Help Me Understand," which explains school jargon and education terms in plain language.
Text-to-speech and speech-to-text for easy messaging.
FAQ
What resources can I share with families about the app?
Use this one-pager flyer that introduces the app and includes QR codes to help them download the app. Or point them to this web site.
Will families lose any messages?
No. Message history stays intact — families just need to access it through the app or web instead of text going forward.
What if a family doesn't have a smartphone?
Families can also use TalkingPoints on the web — no app download required.
Can families keep getting texts if they ask for it?
Not on a free individual Teacher account. Text messaging is only available through a paid school or district partnership. Teachers whose schools and/or districts are interested in becoming a TalkingPoints partner can request a quote here.
Does this affect Teacher accounts too?
No — this only affects how families receive messages. Teachers continue using TalkingPoints exactly as they do today.