Teachers in Newfoundland and Labrador are speaking out about the increasing levels of violence in their schools. According to a recent survey conducted by the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association (NLTA), there has been an average of 22 incidents of violence per in-class day.
The survey, which was completed by over 1,000 teachers across the province, revealed that physical violence, verbal abuse, and property damage were among the most common types of incidents reported. Teachers also reported feeling unsafe and unsupported in their classrooms.
NLTA President Dean Ingram expressed concern over the findings, stating that the safety and well-being of teachers and students should be a top priority. He called for immediate action to address the issue and ensure a safe learning environment for all.
The survey results also showed that the majority of incidents were occurring in elementary schools, with over 60% of respondents reporting at least one incident of violence in their classrooms. This is a significant increase from previous years, where the average number of incidents per in-class day was only 12.
In response to the survey, the Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Education and Early Childhood Development stated that they are committed to addressing the issue and have implemented various measures to support teachers and students. These include training for teachers on how to de-escalate situations and a new reporting system for incidents of violence.
However, some teachers feel that these measures are not enough and are calling for more resources and support to be provided. They also believe that the root causes of violence in schools, such as mental health issues and lack of resources, need to be addressed.
The NLTA is urging the government to take immediate action and work with teachers to find solutions to this growing problem. They are also calling for a comprehensive review of the education system to address the underlying issues that contribute to violence in schools.
In the meantime, teachers continue to face the daily challenge of maintaining a safe and productive learning environment for their students. The NLTA hopes that by bringing attention to this issue, steps will be taken to ensure the safety and well-being of all those involved in the education system.
