When teachers dress each morning to go teach their students, they don’t think of themselves emerging into a war zone. But sadly, for some teachers, administrators and other school personnel, the halls, classrooms and schools in general have become just that.
Fights between students are far too common, and school officials then become almost like professional referees. And if a student brandishes a weapon, it can literally be game over.
Teachers are supposed to just teach
No teacher signed their contract agreeing to become a student’s punching bag or shooting victim. But the schools have become dangerous places to work. Below are some signs that a student may be more prone to violence than usual:
- Have parents whose discipline style is authoritarian or far too lax
- Parents’ income/education is limited
- Known or suspected parental criminality or substance abuse
- Dysfunctional family background
- Student has gang affiliations or prior delinquent behaviors
These are just a few factors that can increase a student’s propensity to act out violently toward peers or others in a school setting.
Not part of teachers’ job descriptions
All teachers can learn de-escalation tactics that can keep students from reaching their boiling points. But no school system should expect its teachers to risk their physical or mental well-being to restrain a violent or out-of-control student.
If you were injured or subjected to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to an altercation with one or more students or because of proximity to an episode of violence on campus, know that you have options.
The state of North Carolina protects its workers with a robust workers’ compensation system that can help you get through this challenging time.