Steps taken to halt violence in schools

Re: Violence against teachers needs to be addressed, column by Lloyd Brown-John, Dec. 8. Lloyd Brown-John raises the important issue of violence in our schools. There is, however, one point needing correction: that teachers’ unions are “quietly working deals to airbrush violence from public discussion and review.”

Last fall, the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) endorsed a strategic framework on violence in response to this growing provincial concern. In January 2017, ETFO held a “call to action” press conference. This call to action includes: government recommendations for stronger funding and resources in special education; an inter-ministerial approach around student mental health services; supports from the ministries of education and labour around school board compliance with health and safety legislation; and better training at all levels of administration and staff.

An ETFO all-member survey was also recently conducted to collect provincial data on violence.

In response to ETFO’s lobbying, the ministries of education and labour have taken some initial steps in addressing violence.

Safer classrooms require a genuine commitment to viewing safety as a systemic priority. It begins with actively addressing and responding to all violent incidents. It requires proper government funding so that appropriate supports are available in classrooms. Finally, it is dependent on effective training and resources at all levels of governance with a focus on prevention.

The effects of violence impact the physical and mental well-being of both teachers and students. Further, when students continue to witness violent incidents in schools, violence becomes normalized. This is unacceptable. Violence has no place in classrooms.

Ensuring that classrooms are safer places to learn and work is an essential component to achieving excellence in teaching and learning. Although some preliminary steps have been taken to address the issue of violence, there is still work to be done. Adelina Cecchin, local president, Greater Essex ETFO