As a mere FI/FE(A), I certainly have my feet near the pedals at all times during the flare/landing. Call it habit, sense of self preservation or what you will. However, there is a big difference between shadowing control inputs (together with the occasional inadvertent application of resistance as I have failed to anticipate the actions of the student) and making a positive input on the controls.
There is one other thing to consider in a 152. Anyone over about 5'8" has little option but to have his feet near the pedals save his knees getting in the way of the yoke. That is unless the seat is fully back on the rails but then how does the instructor manage to take control when necessary?