A Teacher who has been HIT BY A HIGH SCHOOLER NEEDS ADVICE!!!?

Question

I told all of the students to take out their HW and put it on their desk.(This was just a spot check)

One student refused and had a C.D. player on. I took the C.D. player off of his ears and asked to see his homework. He pulled out a paper that said F**K YOU!!! (I know this kid has issues so I just said AND YOUR REWARD FOR THAT IS A DOUGHNUT, do you want it chocolate, sprinkled or glazed?) In my class a Dougnut is a ZERO! When I checked the next person's paper in his row, he grapped me by the neck from behind and it felt like he tried to choke me. I got him off of me and he punched me in the face. I picked his NARROW AIZ UP BY HIS SHIRT AND SLAMMED HIM AGAINST THE WALL AND RESTRAINED HIM! Then he looked really scared and started apologizing.

1 Wk later his parents filed assault charges and now the head principal has placed me on suspension,
QUESTIONS
1. what do I do?
2. Was I wrong for restraining him?
3. Should I have let a snotty noise 15yr old beat the sh*t out of me?

Answer 1

First of all, get a lwayer. this will wind up in court if you are not willing to just step down and move out of the area. That may, in the end, be your only recourse.
When it does go to court, though, you can put out the facts as they happened. If you just restrained him, and did not slap, hit kick punch him or whatever, just held him, you may stand a chance of getting off with back pay since he did hit you in the face, and you can claim self defense.

Should you have let him beat you up? NEVER. And don't let this snot nosed kid's parents make you believe you are some kind of bad weak person that preys on children, because that is what they will try to make you out to be in this. What you should understand, and what the kid's parents, as well as this kid should understand is this:

Never mistake MEEKNESS for WEAKNESS --Scott D. Haselden--

And that is exactly what they have done. If you remain meek and do nothing to fight back in the courts, the parents will feel justified "in the defense of their child against some weak person who preys on children." And this kid, he thought that because you are mild-mannered teacher guy that is never really harsh to the kids, that you were weak enough for him to just hit and take advantage of at his whims. I think it is high time that kids in this country that act out and get physically violent towards adults are in desparate need of a beating from their parents, or someone else, and have obviously needed one for a long time. Their parents tend to go by the rule of "spanking is abuse", and it is, quite frankly, sickening. Children do not learn of respect, nor do they learn in this day and age, that there are rules and authorities that have to be followed, because there are no real consequences for their bad actions.

I applaud you, and think you should be commended for standing up for yourself, even if noone else might.

Hope this helps...

Answer 2

First off I would like to say I am sorry that you are in this situation :( When you know that people have issues do very little to provoke them, I don't feel that you were wrong in defending yourself, I feel it was a matter of life or death, these days you don't know what students are packing, keep the note if you can find it that had the F word on it, also if you have had trouble with him before and have it documented present it should you have a hearing, the school should also have a file on this student if he is a problem child. I think you are justified in what you did, had it been me I would have done the same, just make sure you have some documentation of this students actions, attitude, and behavior good luck

Answer 3

You need to contact your union rep. immediately and get yourself an attorney. The student is in the wrong, but since it is his parents that are pressing charges you can bet that they have a good attorney. If you have ever had anything similar in your background tell your attorney right away. Your union rep will be able to handle things with your principal. Make sure all the students that have witnessed the event are all on the same page, and willing to testify. This may not go to court but if it doesn't you will probably have to pay a large amount of money to the parents. If this child has had similar sort of behavior in other classes be sure the contact the teachers and get their reports. I find it hard to believe that this boy has been able to go through the system without anyone noticing that he has some major anger issues. See if you can fill a counter-suit against the parents. This may just be enough to call their bluff. Good luck! :-)

Answer 4

I think the slamming him against the wall part is what got you suspended and the parents used that to file assault charges. You weren't wrong for restraining him you were just defending yourself that's just my opinion on the situation. If the student has issues than you should have him transfered out of your classroom and he shouldn't be around other people. Teachers have to put up with so much BS from students it's ridiculous.

Answer 5

I'm SO sorry that happened to you! Children these days are totally out of control.

1. I would get a lawyer

2. No, you were totally right. Had you not, he may have continued to hit you - or even worse! Pulled out some kind of weapon. You were protecting yourself and your classroom.

3. No, you shouldn't. But win in the court system and not with your fists. If for some reason justice is blind and decides to take his side, slice his **** after the trial.

Good luck!

Answer 6

Hell no!!! you were'nt wrong for defending yourself. no one should ever put there hands on you. i suggest you find a lawyer or take it up with the person next in line for the chain of command. good luck! dont feel bad.

Answer 7

if that were my son i would be beating his behind for disrupting the class and not doing his homework. the parents need to take responsibility for their children. plain and simple. i hope this all works out for you and get your job back.

Answer 8

Press charges. simple.

In most cases, they can get expelled/arrested/suspended... Report it.

But you kinda fought back, so I don't know how far it'll go.

Answer 9

how close are you to retiring?
because the students aren't gonna get any better!

Answer 10

fight it all the way.......... you only defended yourself as would any other person in your situation............ he had no right touching you in the first place.......... ask for student witnesses ......the panel will summon them anyway to getthere versions............. good luck with it all.........