Classroom Chronicles

The Abuse of Teachers

Since the pandemic first shut down schools back in 2020, teachers have borne the brunt of trying to educate in an increasingly political climate. From Zoom classes, hybrid instruction, and in-person mandates, teachers are buckling under the weight of so many demands.

These demands come in the form of instructing students as if the trauma of the pandemic doesn’t hang over us all. Since the pandemic began in the U.S., over 200,000 students have lost a parent or caregiver to the virus (CNN). I've read countless stories of entire families being wiped out by the virus. Many children have become orphans, but districts require that they attend school. And schools aren’t doing enough to help traumatized students.

So what happens? Many of these students take their anger and pain out on their teachers. From full-blown arguments over minor infractions to physical and verbal attacks on teachers, many students see teachers as an easy target. And why not? For the past twenty tears or more, society has blamed teachers for the ills of the country.

Every year, many major magazines and newspapers, like Time Magazine and The Washington Post, have written scathing reports on the state of education. Teachers are never presented in a positive light. It’s always about what teachers aren’t doing in the classroom and never enough focus on what they are doing for students.

For example, I’ve made it a point to feed my students. I believe a hungry child can’t focus on a lesson. No student should be counting the minutes until lunchtime. Over the years, we’ve had potlucks, birthday parties, and award celebrations in my classroom. And in general, I always have snacks on hand for students.

There are many teachers like me doing what they can to support students’ minds and bellies. We come out of our own pockets to provide for students. It’s important that students know that teachers care about their well-being. We want them to be successful in class. Despite students cursing at us, turning over desks, and yelling at us like we’re the children.

The districts have realized that students need more mental support. Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is the main buzz phrase in my district. Since the start of the pandemic, the district has provided schools with more resources to assist with students’ well-being. The outcome is different depending on the school. We have a once-a-week advisory session with students, using pre-made slides. Sometimes the slides provide excellent conversation starters. Sometimes I have to supplement the presentation.

Teachers need help. We’re exhausted. Every day teachers are leaving a profession they once loved. Many take early retirement and move on to other careers. Teachers are tired of being abused by administrators, parents, and students. Administrators blame us for students’ behavior and failing grades. Parents blame us for their children’s grades. Students blame us for everything. All of the responsibility falls on the teachers. No one else wants to take responsibility for their actions. And when they’re called out by teachers, they become belligerent and rude. Make it make sense!

I know that I’ve been abused and disrespected so many times in my over 15-year career. I don’t know why I return every school year. Not all students are abusive. Many are sweet, excited about learning, and respectful. Some classes have been fun. Others have been a nightmare. I try to keep the good memories at the forefromt. But the bad memories are overwhelming me.

For instance, two students in my third-period class were verbally abusive towards me. I was angry and hurt. My anger nearly caused me to tap into a different part of myself. I was disrespected when the students were clearly in the wrong. Their sense of logic and morality is shockingly lacking. It was even more hurtful because one of the students I had when I taught 6th grade. During that time, the student was an angel, always doing their work, respectful, and never a problem in class. To have that student speak to me so disrespectfully now was like a kick in the gut. My heart hurts.

The situation has been on my mind all weekend. This makes me angry and sad. The weekend is supposed to be a refuge away from the stress of work. But the incident hasn’t left me alone. That’s something a lot of teachers experience. They try to shake it off, but it gets harder and harder the longer you’re in the profession. Now, it’s like trying to shake a skyscraper off my shoulders.

I don’t know what I’ll say or do when I see the students on Monday. I know I must remain calm as there is the instruction to do. But my feelings towards the students, the way I view them, has been permanently changed. The scar they made is still raw and throbbing. The pain can’t be ignored. How I’ll interact with them will show how I handle the pain. God, help me.