A student hitting a teacher is a serious incident that merits a serious response. Although the problem occurs infrequently, when it does occur, it can dramatically alter the climate of the classroom and leave its imprint on the teacher and students.
Being struck or threatened by a student can undermine a teacher's authority -- especially if the teacher loses control when reacting to the experience -- and it can frighten other students. Teachers have an opportunity through their handling of such a situation to demonstrate their authority and control, and to restore a sense of security and calm among students.
In deciding how to respond, teachers need to consider the nature of the incident, the student's age, and his intent. There is a marked difference between a six-year old child who, in the course of a tantrum, flails his arms and accidentally hits the teacher, and an 11-year old who strikes a teacher with the intent of hurting her. The latter situation clearly calls for a more serious response.
The same reasoning applies to a student who threatens a teacher. All threats deserve a response, but some threats are more serious than others. There is a substantial difference between a first grader who says, in a fit of anger, "Next time, I'm going to hit you" and a fifth grader who says, "I know where I can get a gun and next time I might get it and hurt you." Clearly the latter comment merits a more vigorous response than the former.
When responding to a child who has struck or threatened a teacher, the first and foremost goal is to ensure that he doesn't do it again. That calls for impressing upon the student the seriousness of his behavior and providing consequences that reinforce the message. It also is important to attend to the student's emotional needs. Behind his display of bravado, you likely have a child who is hurting.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Respond to a student's threats even if he is
unlikely to carry them out. Students who are angry might make threatening comments to their teacher as a way
of venting frustration and exercising power. Even if you are certain he will not follow through, talk with him about
the inappropriateness of his comments. Help him understand that what he said could be taken as a threat (with younger
students, explain what you mean by "threat") and might cause him serious problems. Tell him that it is okay to be
angry with somebody and to even express that anger verbally, but he has to do it in a way that does not threaten or
hurt another person. Ask him what he might have said differently in this particular case.
Inform the principal immediately if a student
makes what you perceive to be a serious threat or hits you. In judging the seriousness of a student's action,
consider his age, his history of aggressive behavior, and his ability to follow through with the threat. The school
district might have a policy for how to handle threats towards teachers. At a minimum, that will involve contacting
the parents. Depending on the nature of the threat, the principal also might opt to inform the police, which will
put the student on notice that threatening a teacher is a serious issue. Consider asking the principal what security
measures can be taken at school to help you feel more at ease.
Distract a volatile student. Things can
quickly spiral out of control if a student hits you, so put your energy into preventing that from happening. If you
fear he might strike you again, keep your distance from him, but also try to distract him from what is making him
so angry. You might acknowledge his anger and then try to shift the topic: "Thomas, I know you are feeling angry with
me. I want to hear why you're so upset, but first there is something I want to say to you." At that point, you might
ask him about his favorite hobby or sports team or tell him a joke or funny story; the idea is to say anything that
will soften him up and distract him from what was making him angry. After he has cooled down, you can have a calmer
discussion with him about what was upsetting him.
Convey to the student the seriousness of his
behavior. Respond firmly if a student hits you, but maintain your composure. Tell him in a stern, no-nonsense
voice that violence towards anyone in your classroom is unacceptable and that he is never to do it again. Do not scream
at him, do not call him names, do not belittle him. That will antagonize him further and make him more determined
to find ways to upset you.
Use physical restraint sparingly. If a
student is out of control and you fear he might hit anyone who comes close to him, tell other students to move away
from him and you should do the same. Avoid physical contact, even of the supportive variety. A reassuring tap on his
shoulder might be misinterpreted and trigger a physical response. You only want to step in and restrain him physically
if he is at risk of hurting another student or himself, or if he is damaging property. Make sure you use the least
force necessary to accomplish your goal.
Confer with the parents. If a student has
been aggressive toward you, inform his parents. Insist on a face-to-face meeting rather than a phone call. You might
want to have the principal present at the meeting. After describing the student's behavior, elicit the parents' perspective,
including whether he is aggressive at home and what might be triggering his outbursts. Obtain parents' suggestions
for preventing the behavior in the future and for responding if he should behave similarly again. After gaining parents'
agreement to a plan for managing his behavior, bring the student in so he can hear that you and his parents are of
one mind about his behavior and how it will be dealt with.
Ask other teachers to be on call. This
is a useful strategy if the principal is unavailable, or if his or her office is far away from your classroom. If
you have a student with a history of aggressive behavior, ask a teacher whose classroom is close to yours to be available
to help if the student loses control or becomes physically unmanageable. If that happens, ask a responsible student
to go tell the nearby teacher you need help. Although you might never have to call on that teacher, having a backup
will help allay your anxieties and give you some peace of mind.
If concerned for your safety, request the student's
removal from your class. You might have concerns for your physical well being if one of your current students
has previously hit or threatened you. If so, talk with your principal and ask that the student be transferred out
of your class on a permanent basis. Make the point that your ability to teach will be compromised if you feel uncomfortable
and unsafe in his presence. The principal might opt to move the student to another classroom or to place him in a
special-education program where he can obtain greater supervision.
About Ken Shore
Dr. Kenneth Shore is a psychologist who has
worked in various public schools for more than 25 years. He has authored six books and produced a book
and video series on bullying for schools and parent organizations called The
ABCs of Bullying Prevention. Click to read a complete bio
or to e-mail Dr. Shore. For information on how to obtain
his books and videos, go to his Web site.
Respond to a student's threats even if he is
unlikely to carry them out. Students who are angry might make threatening comments to their teacher as a way
of venting frustration and exercising power. Even if you are certain he will not follow through, talk with him about
the inappropriateness of his comments. Help him understand that what he said could be taken as a threat (with younger
students, explain what you mean by "threat") and might cause him serious problems. Tell him that it is okay to be
angry with somebody and to even express that anger verbally, but he has to do it in a way that does not threaten or
hurt another person. Ask him what he might have said differently in this particular case. 
