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.
