I find myself torn. Do I make an issue of it or do I let it all slide?
Let me explain. I work as a substitute teacher. Today’s assignment was for a friend who teaches both Algebra 1A and Careers. The question I asked above relates to kids spending more time messing around on their phones than paying attention to the day’s lesson during a co-taught first period Algebra 1A class. As a teacher, I have certain expectations relating to classroom behavior. But it can be a delicate balance between what I expect and what the classroom teacher allows. It angers me, perhaps unreasonably so, to see kids who already don’t get math playing on their phones or being otherwise distracted rather than paying attention to the lesson. The co-teacher works right through, paying no mind to those students not paying attention. The co-teacher is also a friend. He says he believes in natural consequences i.e. failing grades. I tend to agree with him with the proviso that I’ve done everything I can to create the best learning environment that I can. For me that would be consequences for having phones out during class.
Another problem I have is that I feel responsible for what the kids do or don’t learn regardless of how the classroom teacher and co-teacher manage their classes and even though I’m only in the classroom for one day. I struggle with this like I’ve struggled with teachers who have messy classrooms. My personal space is a mess but I try to keep my work space as clean and tidy as I can. I’m sure lines tend to blur for teachers, though. Classrooms probably start feeling like personal space after a few years.
I guess the bottom line is that I care most likely much more than I should because I feel responsible for student learning on the days I work with them.