Post by : Meena Ariff

A new survey by Quebec’s Fédération autonome de l’enseignement (FAE) exposes a dire situation for teachers in the province: 90% of those surveyed reported experiencing various forms of violence in their workplaces. This report underscores the pressing need for policy changes and enhanced support for educators encountering daily struggles that extend beyond their teaching duties.

Catherine Renaud, the vice-president of the FAE, highlighted the gravity of the findings, stating, “Teachers should be able to work free from violence. Our purpose is to educate, not to endure harm.” She noted that these results reflect an escalating issue that compromises both teachers’ well-being and the educational experience.

The survey indicated that 81% of teachers experienced verbal or psychological abuse, while 63% faced physical violence. Additionally, nearly 11% reported incidents of sexual violence. Early childhood educators, particularly those in pre-kindergarten and kindergarten, reported high levels of physical aggression, with 85% stating they had been struck, 75% injured, and 65% pushed in encounters with students.

One grave account detailed a preschool child striking, biting, kicking, and head-butting a teacher, leading to a minor head injury, highlighting the significant risks present even in classrooms for young children.

Elementary school teachers reported various forms of violence, while high school teachers primarily encountered verbal abuse and bullying. In vocational and adult education environments, bullying emerged as a major concern, indicating the widespread nature of the issue across all educational tiers.

The union expressed the need for increased specialized support staff to aid teachers in managing challenging or high-needs students. The absence of adequate assistance not only jeopardizes educators but also disrupts the learning experience for other students.

The emotional ramifications for teachers were evident, with many respondents reporting feelings of stress, burnout, sleep disturbances, decreased motivation, and depressive symptoms. Alarmingly, three out of five teachers are contemplating leaving the profession due to unsafe working conditions.

Over 2,400 teachers from major cities across Quebec participated in the online survey. Although these surveys do not provide a formal margin of error, the outcomes reveal a mounting crisis that demands immediate actions from both policymakers and educational administrators.

Renaud concluded by stating, “Violence must not be a part of a teacher’s everyday life. Urgent measures are necessary to ensure classrooms are safe environments for both educators and students.”

#Canada News #School #World News #Education News