Teachers!!

JoshsKitten

So I just started subbing at a new school this week.  Today my cellphone was stolen out of the classroom I was in.  It had to have been one of the students in my room because no adults were in my room for the 2 hour period that I didn't use my phone this afternoon.  I'm back subbing in this class tomorrow.  How would you go about approaching this with the students?  Honestly I just want my phone back.  I have my phone out only because the job my husband does is dangerous and if something happens thats how I would be contacted.  I really upset that one of them would take it.

megann831

honestly, at this point the phone is probably gone.  What you should have done is as soon as your realized it notify administration.  When you go in tomorrow I would tell administration and they can go in w/ you to confront the students.  Depending on how supportive they are, they may hold the class for detention or something until someone talks, but at this point, nothing can be proven.  I wouldn't go at this on your own.  Unfortunately as a sub you really have no authority and can't enforce any consequences and the students are well aware of this.

MrsNYCteach

Did you call it?  Just wondering if they are using it/have it on.

JoshsKitten

I did tell the administration the second I knew it was gone actually.

Joenali

File a police report. My wallet was stolen out of my first grade classroom  and I filed a report. I'm sure it wasn't the kids, but a record needs to be kept in case it's an ongoing problem. I would not approach the kids, it's not worth it. It's a cellphone, it can be replaced.

rubyiu

I had a student leave his iTouch on his desk in my (small) classroom, and it was stolen when he got back. And I was in the room! And not sitting down at my desk on the computer or anything either!! He never got it back. Kids can be awful You won't get it back, but if it makes you feel better, you can say something to the class about how your cell is missing and if anyone knows anything about it, please talk to you privately later. Don't be accusatory.

gwynnetx

Joenali:

File a police report. My wallet was stolen out of my first grade classroom  and I filed a report. I'm sure it wasn't the kids, but a record needs to be kept in case it's an ongoing problem. I would not approach the kids, it's not worth it. It's a cellphone, it can be replaced.

this.  i always lock up my purse (including cell phone) as soon as i get to the room because although i doubt any kids would even know where to look for it, phones, cash, etc., have been known to go missing every once in a while around the school.  i know you can't necessarily lock up your things as a sub, but can you at least keep it in a pocket so it's not sitting out (which, imo, is not professional anyway -- sorry, i don't mean that meanly!  i keep mine in my pocket on days i'm expecting a call from the doctor, mechanic, etc.)?

we had a pre-k teacher who kept her purse on the top shelf inside her (unlocked) closet.  no pre-k child could have reached that high, but money went missing anyway.  it was really sad (and maddening) to realize that it had to be a parent. 

JoshsKitten

Just an update.  I'm sure it was one of the kids and so is the principal at this point.  I did try and call my phone no one answered.  If it was a normal phone I would care but its an iphone 4 and it wasn't cheap to begin with.  I didn't really think to keep it in my pocket since I was in the classroom the whole time and the teachers are given cell phones by the office so the office can call you at any time because there are not phones in the room and I left mine sitting next to the school phone.  I traced my phone last night using AT&T family locate plan and found the address I plan to give that to the principal on Monday. 

For the PP who said its just a phone I don't know if you would say that if it was something of yours that had been taken. 

I normally sub at an inner city school and those kids have never taken anything from the teachers so honestly I didn't expect to have something taken at a suburban school my second day of even subbing in the building. I do appreciate the replies I just can't believe kids this young would do it.

srgw

My mom was a kindergarten teacher for 25+ years. Her first cell phone was stolen by (she thinks) one of the 5th graders who came in to help out in her class. She always had it out in case there was an emergency with myself or my sisters. After that incident she always kept it in her pocket.