According to the U.S. Department of Education, 20% of teachers were reported to have been verbally abused, 10% were reported to have been physically threatened, and 5% were reported to have been physically attacked between 2011 and 2012. The result of this victimization of teachers has financial, medical, and psychological ramifications on the teachers, schools, and the system as a whole. The APA Board of Educational Affairs Task Force on Classroom Violence Directed Against Teachers has provided a valuable report and summary of information on the topic of classroom violence and teacher victimization. APA also provided a PDF titled “A Silent National Crisis: Violence Against Teachers” to help address this issue. Psychologists and the public are encouraged to share this information with teachers, parents, and the community.
Contributor:
Julie T. Steck, Ph.D., HSPP
CRG/Children’s Resource Group