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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I’m the teacher who was told to be vague in the note to the sub. I am really not looking forward to Tuesday. We are supposed to do a class activity with scissors. It’s from our curriculum and one of those experiences that basically every student does at this grade. Yesterday, my AP told me that I could not problem-solve either of two logical solutions: 
A) send Larlo to another class with an alternative lesson.
B) do an alternative lesson with the entire class.

No. We have to give him “the opportunity to make mistakes and learn from them.”

I requested a second adult be present. No word yet.[/quote]

Hi, I'm also a teacher.  I have two pieces of advice for you.  1) Document, in writing, your concern for the safety of the student and the entire class.  Specifically, write the words, "I feel unsafe.  I am afraid the safety of my students is in jeopardy."  (assuming you do feel this way)  Send the email to the principal, the superintendent and your union president and to the school board.  2) If ANYTHING happens, please, please, please SUE THE CRAP OUT OF YOUR DISTRICT.  They are obligated to provide you with a safe working environment.  Period.  That could mean more support for said student, it could mean an alternative lesson, it could mean an alternative placement, it could mean a 1:1 aide, it could mean an emergency psych hold for the child or any number of other things.
I have 100% sympathy for the parents of children who are violent or disruptive and in general, I do NOT blame them.  They are doing the best they can for their incredibly challenging children.  I cannot imagine living 24/7 with such a kid.  The mental health stress placed on the parents is just enormous.  But it is NOT my job or your job to worry about that.  It IS my job and your job to teach students, including those with behavior issues.  However, when the issues threaten safety, it is NO LONGER OUR JOB as gen ed teachers.  It just isn't.  I had a kid that harmed other children and harmed staff many, many times this year.  It took me going to the superintendent and putting it in writing that I felt unsafe and I was worried about the safety of the other kids, along with an incredible principal, to get the kid outplaced.

I have simply come to the point where I am ready to resign and take legal action against my district in the future if I am placed in a similar situation.  I'm a gen ed teacher and have had my share of hard kids.  There are hard kids and then there are UNSAFE kids.  I can deal with hard kids.  I refuse to deal, in a gen ed room, with unsafe kids.  [/quote]

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