Ok, I'm not confrontational at all, but...

how do I politely tell my student teacher not to text in class?

Trust me, I didn't set a precedent. It's not do as I say, not as I do.

Don't get me wrong, I text. But I keep my phone in my closet and will send dh a quick text at snack time, never instructional time. My kids don't see me with my phone.

But I don't want to get in trouble if my principal pops in and she is texting.

Ok, I'm not confrontational at all, but...

I would just maybe sit her down and say something like "you have been here xxx time I wanted to discuss some great things you have done and provide feedback." And you can give her positive feedback and tips to make her a better teacher and just say something to the sorts of "never let the children see your phone. We need to set an example that electronic devices cannot be used in school" I think that approach can feel less like a reprimand and more like feedback! Hope this helps!

Ok, I'm not confrontational at all, but...

Ohh, that's a good one. thank you!

Re: Ok, I'm not confrontational at all, but...

I think your honest reflection of what is professional work is ok too.

You can can honestly share with her how we as teachers need to present ourselves in front of kids, colleagues and administration. I think it is ok for her to hear that as teachers we need to put our best foot forward always. You can list some of those things that we do and include cell phone use being for lunch/snack check in that list.

I think she would benefit from hearing that it's not just the kids she needs to consider.

Re: Ok, I'm not confrontational at all, but...

I would just say "it is important to not be on your phone bc if the principal sees you we will both be in trouble". Say it with a tone that you are looking out for her.....

Ok, I'm not confrontational at all, but...

How did it go??

Ok, I'm not confrontational at all, but...

I told her that after our faculty conference in which we were told about some QR stuff, that her phone has to be put away. That if they walk in and it's out, I will get in trouble. She understood. But 2 things: I KNOW for a fact they were told this by their supervisor and I shouldn't have HAD to tell her...you just don't do that. It's not like she sees me with my phone out and I'm setting an example. I found it pretty ballsy.

Ok, I'm not confrontational at all, but...

I agree 10000%! I guess some people think the rules don't apply to them?

Ok, I'm not confrontational at all, but...

As a behavior consultant I am FLOORED at TAs who blatantly sit there texting and texting and texting. One quick thing - maybe I would be understanding - but to sit there and have a full on back and forth as if they were sitting at home on the couch..... No way. some of these TAs are 1:1 for very behavioral and/or disabled students.

I feel very uncomfortable telling adults to put their phones away at work when they are supposed to be working with kids. I am there to assist them in working through intensive behaviors. A phone being present should not even be an issue I need to address in that process.

Re: Ok, I'm not confrontational at all, but...

Re: Ok, I'm not confrontational at all, but...

Ok, I'm not confrontational at all, but...

She is young and naive, and so far has been able to get away with it. I think you should spell it out for her.
There were times when, as a new teacher, I wish someone had spelled it out for me in a frank manner. I didn't always "get" it

Ok, I'm not confrontational at all, but...

Have you tried being subtle? She may think that because she's not technically 'employed' that the rules don't apply to her. I don't see a problem with telling her how you feel. I would just go up to her and tell her that she shouldn't have her phone out during the day.

This kind of stuff drives me crazy! When I was student teaching I wouldn't have dreamed of having my phone out because I was always eager to make a good impression on whoever walked in. I'm sure she wouldn't think to have it out when she's getting observed.