‘Breaking Point’: Teachers Beg For Help As Post-Pandemic Classroom Violence Spirals
Teachers in Modesto, California, are pleading with their school district to institute changes in behavioral policies as students become increasingly violent since returning to school after the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Modesto City Schools (MCS) Teachers Association confronted the district’s school board Monday, armed with photos of destroyed classrooms, to express distress that the violence and chaos engulfing classrooms made it nearly impossible for them to do their jobs. Teachers reported being bitten, kicked and sworn at, and said other students were scared, according to CBS News.
“If there is no consistency and reinforcement, then your classroom becomes chaos,” Jennifer McGrath, president of the Modesto Teachers Association, told CBS. “Some things need to change so we can start educating again. »
McGrath said policies instituted as students began returning to school after the pandemic were aimed more at keeping students in school rather than disciplining them. (WATCH: Virginia teens plead directly with voters to end boys-on-girls bathroom program)
“When COVID hit and students were isolated, returning to school was not easy, and the district had to do a lot of quick fixes to get these kids back,” McGrath said. “What happens is they get advice, and then they come back with a bag of chips, or they come back with a juice box or a prize. It rewards them for their bad behavior.”
The Modesto Teachers Association and MCS did not respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.
Modesto Teachers Association – CBS News
Superintendent Vanessa Buitrago told CBS that part of the blame lies with social media and the previous remote learning model.
“We face unique challenges that require more support from families, including the expansion of Transitional Kinder programs for students entering our school communities at younger ages than ever before, the increasing overstimulation of social media, and the difficulty children are having adjusting to school environments,” Buitrago said. “Given these current conditions, I cannot emphasize how urgently we need families right now. Together, we can ensure that every student feels safe, supported, and ready to learn.”
Buitrago also said the district will work with teachers to address this issue, but families also play a role in curbing this behavior.
“Our discussions with the Modesto Teachers Association have been productive and focused on supporting students and the educators who serve them every day,” Buitrago said, according to CBS. “We have heard our teachers’ concerns about student behavior, and we want our community to know we are listening. Districts across our state and country are facing similar challenges, and we are working together to strengthen support for students and staff.”
“Families are our partners in this effort, and we ask for their continued support by talking with children about their expectations, monitoring social media use, and reinforcing positive behaviors at home,” Buitrago continued.
Classroom violence increased sharply after the pandemic, with 80% of educators reporting “at least one incident of verbal harassment or threatening behavior from a student,” according to the American Psychological Association. At the same time, a growing number of teachers say they want to leave their jobs or change jobs.
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