Recently there has been much chatter about the teacher's responsibility to protect the student. We know that if a student shows any sign of abuse at home we are legally obligated to call DCFS. We know that if that instance regrettably did occur we would do so immediately out love for the student - and because as educators our students health and well-being are far more important than their scores.
But what if the abuse comes from an administrator? What if an administrator is bullying students? Not necessarily physical abuse - I mean verbal abuse. Name calling? Swearing? Threatening? Downright scary stuff! We are familiar with examples where principals have used verbal abuse in an attempt to elicit a violent student response that triggers expulsion. Principles are not wardens of disciplinary camps, they are responsible for the education and well being of all students.
If this abuse was coming from a fellow teacher, we would report directly to the principal. But if it is coming from the principal...who do we go to? Is evidence (audio/video) required? If staff and students are aware of the problem by either seeing it in person or hearing complaints is this sufficient? We need to think about and discuss these important questions.
What action would you take? What are all the options?
Has anyone else experienced this problem? As teachers we have the responsibility to protect our students - don't we? How do we protect them when the fear of retaliation is real? This issue is too important for status quo positions.
I have been a teacher for the last 10+ years, and have seen some pretty crazy teachers and principals flying off the handle at students, some deserved and some misunderstandings, but I have seen lately discipline in general begin to become one of extremes. Let the studnets do and get away with anything, or be little them. It seems like due process for employees and students doesnt matter anymore.
ReplyDeleteRetaliation is a real fear in reporting abusive behavior as well. Not looking good for June 30th.
I have seen multiple students who should be by all rights expelled, but constantly allowed back to school by the school or the city after hearings. Principals don't want their numbers to drop and lose funding. But at what about downtown? If they take this number away from evals, the really bad students will not influence others and frustrate teachers or admin bad enough to fly off the handle. Maybe... A bad teacher or admin could just be a bad egg all around though too.
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