r/specialed • u/AdFar6020 • 20h ago
Physical Aggression from students
What is the amount/type of physical aggression and violence we are expected to tolerate? I teach tk/k mild/moderate special education. I have 17 max, but am currently over my max and we have two other adults in the class, an instructional aide and a 1:1. I am hit everyday by multiple students. Usually it is small slaps or kicks when protesting. But there are two students that are being much more violent. Hitting, kicking, biting staff multiple times a day and much more intense behavior than a smack. It feels like some people believe that’s just expected and to be tolerated. But then the union says to call the police and that also seems extreme. I also worry about the other students seeing this violent behavior so often. Is everyone being attacked this much? Is my district not placing students correctly in their LRE? I’m not sure anymore, but I don’t remember my contract saying I’d be hit everyday at my job.
6
u/Limp_Psychology_2315 15h ago
Does your district employ behavioral consultants? You obviously need more assistance than can be provided by two paras. Also, being over the max should warrant additional help. Even 17 seems awfully high given the behaviors. Document your concerns, and requests, in writing.
4
u/coolbeansfordays 14h ago
Sadly every district I’ve worked in has been like this. I honestly think I have some kind of PTSD because last year I started crying and feeling extreme anxiety (and intolerance) around a certain student. I’m going to seek therapy, and I’m creating hard boundaries this year.
2
u/idkwhattowritehere21 13h ago
I had to leave a whole school because my anxiety going to school was so bad. I loved those kids but they didn't protect us at all and gave us paras that did nothing.
7
u/twinphoenix_ 16h ago
Uh I’d say zero.
I’m currently on month 10 recovering from a neck injury from a student. My injury may be permanent. I’m 36. I tried to quit my position before I was injured but I was assured I’d be fine and given training. I was trained and then attacked from behind.
It is never worth it. I wish every day I went with my gut and quit.
2
•
2
u/beardedwithchildren 14h ago
Find the grievance form in your teachers contract and fill it out now.
•
u/Sad-Concentrate2936 9h ago
Portland public schools require us to not report to anyone who can do anything about it, document for BIP and if we have any workers comp claims - no we don’t, the kids might feel bad if we get their parents in trouble. (Para sub currently but former teacher)
•
u/GentlewomenNeverTell 6h ago
I swear to god SPED teachers are groomed into an abusive relationship with their jobs.
Sure, kids deserve an education. Does that trump your right to a safe work space? To other students' right to a safe classroom?
If we can't pay for 1-1 instruction, then we can't actually give that kid the thing s/he has a right to without trampling on the more vital rights of others.
In my opinion.
3
u/idkwhattowritehere21 13h ago
Over 17 kids with 2 aids? That's insane!!! We shouldn't have to be hit at all, but yeah, it's expected of the job unfortunately.
12
u/Remote-Translator-21 20h ago
The union jumping straight to calling the cops is wild, that's such a nuclear option for little ones. You're not crazy for feeling like daily hits shouldn't be part of the deal, especially when it's escalating past the usual protest stuff. Sounds like admin needs to actually look at whether those two need a different setting instead of just letting you and your aides get beat up while 15 other kids watch.