Teachers: What to Do If You're Harassed by a Student

If you are a teacher, then you know how difficult it can be to control a classroom full of children or teenagers. While most teachers deal with the occasional discipline problem, harassment is a growing issue in America's educational system. What should a teacher do if he or she is harassed by a student? Not only does he or she have to consider his or her own safety, but also that of the rest of the students and other adults in the building.

Harassment is a serious offense, whether it is verbal or physical in nature. This can range from physically intimidating a teacher in a classroom to hitting on a teacher in expectation of a romantic relationship, to verbally threatening a teacher during or outside of class. Unfortunately, educators are vulnerable because they are usually alone in a classroom full of kids, some of whom aren't going to step in to protect you from harm. So what do you do if you're harassed b a student?

1- Never Show Fear

Admitting vulnerability or weakness is the last thing to do if you're harassed by a student. Teachers must exude authority at all times in the classroom, regardless of how well-behaved her students seem to be. If you're threatened, intimidated or assaulted in class, don't let on that the experience has rattled you at all. Particularly violent or aggressive students will see this as an invitation to go farther, which is the last thing you should want.

2- Call for Help

If you feel that you are in immediate danger, find a way to get help in the classroom immediately. Being harassed by a student is a terrible experience for a teacher, and you might require assistance to deal with the situation. Some schools have intercom systems that allow teachers to connect directly to other classrooms or the main office. If your room is equipped with such a device, use it immediately. If not, use a cell phone to contact someone who can assist.

3- Ask Students to Leave

If the other students in the classroom are in danger when you're harassed by a student, it might be best to send them away. This is only the case if the harasser isn't going to try to stop them from leaving, and if they have a clear path to the exit without passing the perpetrator. Use your best judgment. However, your first responsibility is to yourself and to other potential victims in a volatile situation such as this.

4- Diffuse the Situation

If you're harassed by a student at school, you may be able to diffuse the situation by laughing it off or telling a joke. Again, you'll have to assess the situation and use your best judgment. Don't worry about punishment or anything else until you and other students are no longer at risk; afterward, a principal or the police can handle whatever punishment seems fitting to the crime. This might be difficult, but it could be your best option in a slew of poor choices.

5- Press Charges

Just because you are an authority figure doesn't mean that you don't have rights. Teachers who are harassed by students should treat the situation just as if they were assaulted by a stranger on a street corner. Ask that your principal call the police, and tell the authorities that you wish to press charges. This is the only way to tell other students that you are serious. If you let the situation go unpunished, you risk your own safety and that of other teachers.