EDUCATION REFORM PART VII: CONFRONTING VIOLENT STUDENT BEHAVIOR
Students throw furniture, shout insults, threaten violence, and curse out teachers. Once rare behavior is becoming commonplace. (NEA survey)
This headline from the American Psychological Association: Violence, aggression against educators grew post-pandemic
“Our research has demonstrated that violence and aggression against teachers—from students, parents, colleagues, and administrators—lead to anxiety and stress, which in turn lead to intentions to transfer schools or quit the profession”
How can we restore a culture where teaching is revered and teachers are given the respect they deserve? School boards, superintendents, and administrators need to create an environment where teachers feel safe and supported, not fearful of coming to work. The rise of bullying and violence, often without consequences, are some of the reasons our education system is struggling. Bullying didn’t just appear on the horizon after the Covid shutdowns. The following happened years ago.
The kindergarten children stood in a circle, excited to play a game. One child, however, seemed unsure. Instead of joining the circle, she positioned herself in the middle. The other children responded with whispers and giggles. The girl’s face twisted in innocent confusion as she heard their laughter. Non-verbal and placed in the classroom under the banner of “inclusion,” at that moment, she couldn’t have felt more isolated or invisible.
The teacher gently tried to guide the confused little girl back into the circle, but she remained frozen, stuck in her world. And, as always, there’s that one child who can’t resist seizing the moment. Let’s call her “Julie.” With a sly grin, Julie pointed a finger at the girl and snickered, finding the situation too tempting to pass up. In one swift move, she yanked at the little girl’s sash on her dress, her small hands pulling with all their strength. But instead of loosening it, the sash tore off completely, landing in a heap on the floor. The laughter that followed was sharp and mocking, a cruel echo that only deepened the little girl’s confusion. Julie hadn’t intended for it to rip, but in that instant, with the class laughing along, she felt a twisted sense of triumph in her mischief.
The kindergarten teacher quickly quieted the children. Once she was certain the child was okay, she turned to Julie, leaning in so close their faces were nearly touching. In a low, intense whisper—laden with frustration—the teacher said, "That was the cruelest thing I’ve ever seen. You should be ashamed."
Julie blinked, fighting back tears of regret, suddenly aware of the meanness she never intended. You might wonder how I know exactly what the teacher said. The truth is, it was my own eyes—filled with tears of shame—I was the one who cruelly teased a mentally challenged child in a kindergarten classroom over 50 years ago.
Why share this story now? If my kindergarten teacher hadn’t immediately confronted my appalling behavior with such urgency, I truly believe my future would have been shaped by similar actions. If my parents hadn’t instilled fear of punishment for my wrongdoings, I would have had no reason to think twice before speaking or acting carelessly. Like many children, I displayed mean-spirited, angry, and aggressive traits. But my family—and my “village”—took it upon themselves not only to correct my behavior but to teach me why kindness mattered. I’m convinced that the absence of swift consequences from parents, teachers, and administrators for misbehavior is a key factor behind the cycle of abusive behavior, starting with childhood bullying and spiraling into violent actions as adults.
If you have read my blogs, this story was shared two years ago. As Paul Harvey used to say, “Now for the rest of the story.”
I posted this blog on our local school district's Facebook page, hoping my community could learn from my experience—both as a child who bullied and as an educator. Instead, the response from parents was an outpouring of blanket criticism of...wait for it…the kindergarten teacher’s reaction! How dare that teacher call out the bullying child? One parent even said she was relieved I was retired, so I couldn’t hurt any more children with my "rude consequences." Then came the trolls. A wave of hateful comments, insults, and completely absurd remarks. One parent even dug through my other social media accounts just to voice her outrage at my very existence. And we wonder how our children end up so disrespectful.
THE IMPORTANCE OF CONSEQUENCES
Social justice ideologies have given rise to a kind of lawlessness that those of my generation have never seen before. In recent years, it seems criminals have gained more rights than their victims. Thugs wreaking havoc in America’s cities face little to no consequences, and this lack of accountability has fostered apathy among those in power—who choose inaction under the banner of "social justice." In my view, this shift toward a consequence-free society has now seeped into our schools.
How do we create lasting positive change in raising and educating our strong-willed children? It boils down to one simple rule: children must learn to take responsibility for their actions and, in doing so, change their negative behaviors. So, who’s responsible for making this happen?
PARENTS: The time to make a change is NOW. Encourage your children to understand their role in society by teaching them the Golden Rule: treat others how you want to be treated. When they enter school, support and encourage their teachers and coaches to discipline inappropriate behavior. Bring back fair and meaningful consequences for poor choices. Stop treating your children like “best friends,” and start parenting with conviction. Our schools, nation, and world depend on your children as our future leaders.
TEACHERS: Until parents acknowledge and address their children’s unacceptable behavior, your job will only get harder. The key to navigating this challenge is enforcing fair, consistent rules and consequences. Classroom management is essential for effective learning. You have the right—and the responsibility—to expect respect from all of your students. If that respect is not given, your ability to apply appropriate and consistent consequences will determine your success. Do not let any parent or administrator talk you into assigning an unearned grade or ignoring consequences for a verbal assault.
ADMINISTRATORS: Stand by your classroom teachers in this era of rising insubordination from both parents and students. Be the administrator that students dread facing when they’re in trouble! Be the one parents won’t dare complain to about a teacher because they know you have your staff’s back. For the sake of our dedicated educators, stand up and declare, “I’m mad as hell teachers are leaving the profession in numbers larger than ever before, and I won’t let it happen on my watch!”
GOLDEN RULE PROJECT
(Paula Baack, author)
Mission Statement:
Applying the principle of the Golden Rule, students, parents, teachers, and administrators will better demonstrate “treating others as you wish to be treated”. Recognizing each student’s story and fostering an atmosphere void of prejudice is paramount to success-based outcomes. This will be accomplished through a 30-minute student/teacher meeting (scheduled at the beginning of the day on Monday and the end of the day on Friday), with a regularly assigned teacher. This instructor will provide mentoring, and appropriate social interaction, and address possible mental health issues.
Points of View:
Students, Parents, Teachers, and Administrators
Resource:
Rescue the Teacher, Save the Child! (book/study guide)
Purpose:
-Empowering students to boldly talk and walk their beliefs and ideas in the public school arena without imperious repercussions from peers or staff
-Educating parents and school boards regarding ways and means to question public schools’ approach to education in an animus-free environment
-Enlightening teachers to utilize tools for the mentoring of all children, free from bias including but not limited to race, religion, ethnicity
-Entrusting all administrators with legal guidance and support to provide a safe place for their teachers and students to attain the very best results in their respective capacity
REVIEW FROM AMAZON: This book is an honest description of some of the many obstacles that get in the way of teachers doing their best for our children. Wouldn't it be nice if everyone who had a child in school read the book? It is an educational read for anyone.
Here is a better idea: contact me (rescuetheteacher@yahoo.com) and I will gladly serve as a facilitator for the implementation of the Golden Rule Project. PLEASE click on the links provided: