When is enough Enough?? I'm a teacher and I was pushed in class today! What should I do??

Question

So today they finally got me. I work in a very bad school, where all the teachers got assaulted, or pushed, or had stuff (heavy blocks!) thrown at them, and today, a kid pushed me! I asked him to sit down, and he told me to get out of his face, and then when I got closer to 'escort' him to his seat, he pushed me hard! I know I should do something about this, or at least document it, but the truth is, that I often 'escort' students to their seat, and perhaps that is not such a good thing. By escort, I mean, I take them by their arm and walk them to their seat. Sometimes, if they don't want me touching them I get them by their sweater. the thing is, they're middle school students, and I just can't have them walking around during class! It's very disruptive. But now I'm afraid of filing a charge, because he may file one back! I know we are not supposed to touch the kids, but ...well...can I get in trouble for 'esco

Answer 1

Not only would I file a report, I'd demand he get his butt spanked in front of the entire class for it. When discipline was allowed, these types of things didn't happen.

Answer 2

I feel for you.I would definitely file a report at school and if the school refuse ot handle the situation and since violence towards staff is a constant thing at your school then i would suggest filing a report with the police.I work in the school system too as a sub and know how difficult it can be.I don't work at a real violent school but I was in a similar situation.I not too long ago was threatened by a student and he actually almost slapped me in the face then ran when he thought i was going to react.I went straight to the principal and he did nothing and returned to class and continued to be threatened.I reported it again the next day and got nothing.But I am looked at as not capable of handling a class.People do not realize how hard a teacher has it in school.I wish you the best of look and pray for your safety.If kids are going to be violent then i say let them be behind bars and away from a place that was created to be a safe learning environment.

Answer 3

This is a tough, and common problem. My mother was a teacher for 40 years, and some principals had the backbone to deal with this and some didn't. You are unfortunately correct they could file a reverse charge, but if you do nothing, nothing will improve. In fact, it will get worse! Talk honestly with your principal, and get a commitment that he or she will at the very least have a talk with the student. It is NEVER acceptable that a student put hands on a teacher, or even tell you to get out of their face.
The middle/junior high school age is the most frustrating age. They are the most defiant. It must be dealt with, even if you have to apologize for your actions as well.
For the long-term solution of any such incidents of this sort, I recommend to take some more psychology classes, specifically those that address behavior and discipline. One of my favorites is Drykers (my spelling of his name may be wrong, but you can probably talk to anyone in psych and get the correct spelling.) He was very logical and effective in practical matters with children.
Perhaps you could even go to a counselor who specializes in educational psychology for a consultation about how to handle the immediate situation until you can get more classes, or books, under your belt. I wish you the best of luck. The kids are worth it, and so are you.

Answer 4

Any kid who gives you that "hands-off" vibe, who seems unpredictable and disrespectful ... do not touch! IF he will not return to his seat on his own, then calmly go to the phone and call the office to have the student escorted to the office, if necessary. I have some students I can touch and some I can't. If the student is hyped-up, don't touch or challenge him, it can lead to an out-of-control situation. Often it is not a good idea to be confrontational, especially if the student has an audience - it is better to take a more passive approach and call for help. You have to be able to gage the mood.

I would not write it up, since you admit that you grabbed him ... but I would call the parent and document the call.

Anyhow, you were there and we were not, and you've got to do what feels right in your heart.

(You may want to call your union rep if there is a union in your state and you are a member, or call a professional organization to which you belong to get advice, especially if you bring this matter to your administration's attention and they appear to be unresponsive).

Answer 5

You really shouldn't touch a student unless it is in self-defense. This can get you into a lot of trouble. I would no longer 'escort' students to their seats. But I understand your frustration. Does your campus have its own police or security force? If so I would call them to your room when they are being this disruptive. Have them taken to the administrative office for disciplinary action. If the school does not discipline students for disrupting class that is a major issue and I would take it up with the school board. I would also start calling in parents for parent-teacher conferences. Another place to turn is your local teachers union. They can probably offer good advice.

Answer 6

This reminds me of Coach Carter, the movie with Samuel L. Jackson.

Anyway, this is a serious issue and it needs to be addressed. I'm sure that the staff in that school know that the school poses a potential threat for violence towards teachers as well as other students, but it certainly is not something that should be tolerated.

When a student is disrupting your class, send him/her out of your classroom to the office. If they don't go to the office, that is cause for suspension and if they still refuse to attend, that could even be cause for expolsion. You do not need to take this because if your other students see you being disrespected, they will feel that they can disrespect you as well. You need to control your classroom and it seems very difficult for you right now considering the severity of the abuse in your school.

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/new-brunswick/story/2006/05/29/nb-tacherabuse20060529.html

http://www.ntanu.ca/

http://www.safeyouth.org/scripts/faq/violteacher.asp

I think that you should carry a cell phone and when a student is being disruptive to your class and you can't do anything to settle him down, call the office and if they refuse to do anything, call the police. If the students are getting violent, you need to do something drastic about it.

Answer 7

Wow, that sounds very difficult, I dont think I could have handled what the kid did to you, I would have winded up smacking him, I think that its not a bad thing that you grabbed him by the arm to escort him but I think if he wasn't listening to you, you could have warned him by calling a parent or getting the principal to escort him to his seat. Just make sure his parents dont get involved with this because it can really get you in big trouble!

Next time, you should try first tell them to sit, if they dont, then you make a phone call home, if they still continue it, send them to the principal's office so he/she can deal with it. Kids are getting worst everyday and I know it must be very diffuicult for you...but dont feel guilty, sometimes, a person just loses their temper, just don't touch the children because their probably going to mix the story up. Good Luck!

Answer 8

there is a differance between touching a child on the arma nd violence. You should document it even if you don't report it. Perhaps have a guest speaker come to your class like an officer that deals with juveniles. Or even someone who has been in jail, the scarier looking the better. Maybe both. Get them a little perspective of what could happen up close and personal.

Answer 9

I can't imagine your type of escorting would qualify as assault, even in the strangest mind.

You definitely need to report the push and any other incidents of disruption.

Any students who will not remain seated belong in the VP's office.

Any who push you need suspension, to start. Lay charges if they repeat the assault and pursue expulsion.

Answer 10

I was assulted by a 9 yr old. I was a pre-school teacher at the time. I told my boss, they told the child's parents. He was kicked out for 2 days. The pre-school was down stairs & the after school program was upstairs. I know what you mean. Tell your boss the situation. Follow their lead. Good luck