Teacher Intimidation by Students. Research Brief

What is the best course of action when students engage in non-aggressive intimidation of teachers? Fortunately, only about 34% of teachers in Wyoming report ever being harassed, threatened or intimidated by students at anytime during their career. As such, Wyoming Schools are considered some of the safest working environments for teachers in the United States. Because Wyoming teachers are so seldom harassed or intimidated by students there are very few (if any) specific laws, rules or regulations regarding such behavior. Student behavior that intimidates teachers may be dealt with using a statute that permits suspension or even expulsion in cases where a student's behavior is, in the judgment of the local board of trustees, clearly detrimental to the education, welfare, safety or morals of other pupils, including the use of foul, profane or abusive language or habitually disruptive behavior. "However, because the behavior of the students is not overtly aggressive, a conference with your school board attorney is a good first step before disciplinary action is taken in this situation." While there may be grounds for disciplinary intervention under this statute, it may be more useful to explore current research pertaining to bullying in schools as the students' behavior clearly falls within the definitions of school bullies. A solution would seem to have two parts; first, quickly and firmly intervening with the offending students, and working with faculty and staff to develop a comprehensive anti-bullying program for the school. (Contains 5 online resources.)