How did I get to this place?
Submitted by an educator who prefers to remain anonymous.
I moved from the West Coast to a city in the Mid-West four years ago. I thought working in an inner city area would be a good place to be useful, since I love teaching children. I wanted to really help children in the inner city rumored “unteachable” in by some educators on the West Coast.
So, my family and I relocated. We eagerly awaited what great things we would experience in our new home. However, never did I ever imagine four years ago when I became part this particular urban school district that the experience I am describing would be mine. This spring a student assaulted me. The student was suspended and five days later he was sitting in my class, appearing to gloat.
Our school’s administration changed a few months prior to the incident. This new administration had no idea of student’s history, nor did they seem interested. As far as they were concerned, every child started with a clean slate when both school heads changed. However, we the teachers did not buy into that philosophy. Needless to say, we had no support. We did not matter.
One month later, a different child assaulted me again this time. I was punched in the back with a closed fist and suffered injury to my back by a muscular seventh grader. Again, this child was suspended for ten days. The board denied the expulsion of both boys as recommended.
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