Objectives

Providing teachers with support in building their capacity and confidence to respond skilfully when faced with incidents of student aggression in classrooms and schools is imperative.

Opportunities for shared reflection with colleagues on the core issues, causes and dynamics at play during such occurrences can equip teachers to prepare an effective approach to intervention.

This primer is not a prescriptive or exhaustive how-to list of rules or answers that teachers must use to prevent or intervene in violent situations. Nor does it delve into school board-specific processes and procedures related to school policies and codes of conduct, all of which are more appropriately addressed directly through contact with your teacher union.

This resource provides concrete tools, strategies and language grounded in a values-based vision of a systemic approach to prevention and intervention. It is hoped that teachers and other educators can use these ideas to expand on the exemplary practices and strategies they may already use every day in classrooms and schools.

We know that prevention is key, through building non-violent classrooms, school cultures and relationships. It is also true that progressive and non-violent crisis intervention, grounded in a humane and compassionate approach, can help to de-escalate and alleviate pressures that often lead to further violence.

“Remember they are witnesses too—they need support as well.”