St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador – The Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association has raised concerns about the increasing levels of violence in schools, attributing it to a variety of factors including large class sizes and lack of teacher support. According to the union, there has been a significant rise in violent incidents, with an estimated 29 reported cases per day in the first three months of the current school year, marking a 40 percent increase from previous years.
President of the NLTA, Trent Langdon, highlighted a disturbing incident involving a teacher who required facial reconstruction after being assaulted by a young student. The union has long been advocating for smaller class sizes and more resources to address the escalating violence, emphasizing the need for additional support to ensure the safety and well-being of both students and educators.
Furthermore, Rosemary Lawton, a former music teacher and researcher, shared harrowing accounts of violence against teachers, including one instance where a student was used as a “baseball bat” against a wall until losing consciousness. These incidents underscore the urgent need for improved safety measures and increased support for teachers in challenging classroom environments.
In response to the growing concerns, Education Minister Krista Lynn Howell acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and emphasized the government’s commitment to working with teachers to develop effective strategies for preventing violence in schools. The province is actively participating in a violence prevention coalition led by the NLTA to address the root causes of violence and enhance safety measures within educational institutions.
As educators continue to grapple with the repercussions of escalating violence and inadequate resources, the NLTA’s campaign for improved working conditions and increased support for teachers serves as a call to action for policymakers and stakeholders in the education sector. With mounting pressure to address these pressing issues, collaboration and meaningful interventions are essential to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment for all students and teachers in Newfoundland and Labrador.