“In All My 20+ Years, I Have Never Been Part of Something Like This.”

I have been a teacher for over 20 years. I used to love my job, but lately, the increasing violence, lack of respect and discipline, plus the board and ministry mandates have made teaching very difficult. I'm counting down until retirement.

One event changed me this year: a fight broke out in one of our halls during lunch. Thankfully, a bunch of teachers were doing professional development in a nearby class, so we heard the screaming. I ran out to see one of my colleagues on the ground with two students who would not let go of each other. My colleague was screaming in pain. I rushed over to help release one of the students, who then kicked me in the thighs with both legs. I was able to pull her off but she then kept threatening to punch me. Thankfully, my principal arrived and was able to break up the fight.

I was injured as a result the fight and had to take time off work, and I'm still attending physio for the injury. In all my 20+ years, I have never been part of something like this, but this has become the norm. One of my children is in high school, and I genuinely fear for his safety.

– Toronto Teacher