How do I report a teacher for abuse in the classroom?

Judy - posted on 04/01/2012

i don't think it is over reacting when a once happy child is now afraid to go to school. this child is not playing the mother. this teacher is out of line. i have seen it happen. write a letter to the editor expose it big time. get as much publicity as you possibly can. do not say anything you can not back up with proof. get the media involved. in nj there used to be channel 6 action news. do whatever it takes to force this principal to act. why did they move him in the first place?

Alisha - posted on 04/01/2012

contact the principal or even the school board ,call the school write a letter what ever you have to do...that teacher should not be teaching.

Vicky - posted on 04/01/2012

As you have already been in touch with the principal and they have done nothing, you need to get in touch with the board of education, or even the police and bring formal abuse charges against the teacher, I feel so sorry for your little boy, you are supposed to be safe at school, especially from the teachers. I hope that the teacher gets fired as the way she is she shouldn't be in teaching at all. Good luck.

Kathlyn - posted on 04/01/2012

talk to the school principal and the school district superintendent. we dont want our kids to be traumatized. that teacher need to be fired

Judy - posted on 04/01/2012

absolutely fight for your child. i have seen where kindergarten teachers have destroyed children against school permanently. they were emotionally and borderline physically abusive. unfortunately it is very difficult to get them out of the system because of tenure. you have to have solid proof because they never take the word of the kids over the teacher. document everything. do not send him back until they change his class back. meet with administration, the board if needed to make the change happen. good luck.

Jessica - posted on 04/01/2012

Call the school board

Birgit - posted on 04/01/2012

I would call Child Protective Services. As a school official, tey are mandated reporters of child abuse and that includes if it's their own staff. You can call anonymously if you want. I don't agree with the person who stated that calling them means they will pry into your business. Anyone can call CPS at any time and state laws protect people who report child abuse. But at any rate, you can call and not give your name. I would be curious to know if she's doing this to other kids or if she's targeting your child in particular. I hope that the school officials look into it and that the principal's seemingly lack of concern was really just an attempt to appear unbiased. Also, I would start photographing any scratches or injuries that appear on your child. And I would also start documenting everything. And at the same time, you could go to the school board. But I would start with CPS. They are mandated by law to look into any child abuse and neglect whether it's from a family member or outside the home, so please call them. I am surprised the school social worker hasn't done more. That worker is mandated to report as well...

Chelley - posted on 04/01/2012

Visit the school and specifically that class yourself.

Robyn - posted on 04/01/2012

I would call the state or county child protection facilities and the police ASAP! School is one place your child should feel safe besides home!! How horrible for that poor little guy!!

Kylie - posted on 04/01/2012

Omg this is terrible and I bet its breakin ur heart. I'd go in to the school and demand to see the head teacher, if nothin is done after tht I'd contact the police. U send ur son school to be taught and treatd with respest not t be abused by someone who is meant to be takin care of him x

Ashleigh - posted on 04/01/2012

As someone who has dealt with something similar, I say have a therapist outside the school system talk to your son, and then report everything to the principal, and also directly to the school board. Sometimes the principal can't, or won't, do anything, so reporting to the school board as well guarantees something will be done. Also if you can try to encourage other parents to talk to their kids and see if any of them have been hurt as well, or if they've seen it happen. More witnesses can only help.

Kimberly - posted on 04/01/2012

Demand to speak to principal and if they don't listen, make sure you document day and time of meeting. Go to school district office if you have to, your son and his safety is most important.

Rebecca - posted on 04/01/2012

Schools are mandated reporters, call the principal and kindly ask if the social worker reported your concerns to the Child Abuse registry and if so (which they legally have to) ask for the case #. Kindly explain, that all concerns whether founded or not need to be reported and it is up to Child Abuse Registry to investigate situation. Since your child is presently enrolled, there is concern of continual verbal abuse.

Now with that said, there is a fine for false allegations, but it sounds like you are not knowingly making a false allegation. Just be sure not to plant any ideas in your sons head. A misunderstanding could cost her a career of never working with children again.



If this teacher is verbally abusing children you should feel obligated to protect all children in that classroom, even difficult or head strong ones.

Hope this helps.

Shannon - posted on 04/01/2012

Hello-



I am a school principal and I really, really feel for you. There are a few things you need to do:



1. Speak to the teacher. Be sure to be non-confrontational. Putting her on the defense will lean her towards lying, and give them a heads up that you have a plan.



2. Have your son's ears/hearing tested. He is in speech; he may be overly sensitive to sounds when in a social setting.



3. Sit in the class and observe.



4. Document everything



5. Meet with the principal one more time to share your findings.



6. Hire a lawyer, and keep your boy home until there is a safe setting for him.





Goo luck!

Melissa - posted on 04/01/2012

My older sister took my younger sister straight to the police. If the teacher is physically leaving marks u turn her in! Chances are your son isn't the only one she is doing this to! STOP HER NOW!!!!!

Anna - posted on 03/31/2012

I went through a similar situation where the teacher took a dislike to my son he came home from school with a hand print on his back. the teacher had slapped my son across his his back leaving finger marks, I took him straight to the doctors where it was documented then i went to the principle the next morning, gave him the report and told him if he did not do something about this teacher i was going to take legal action. They soon took notice The teacher was transferred the following week to another school. her excuse when cornered was that she was frustrated with him.he was 7yrs old. yelling and screaming is verbal abuse

Abida - posted on 03/30/2012

You must talk to his teacher privately and explain what has been happening She may know everything already ask her for her suggestion and advice on this matter. Your son may need support from other agencies as well not just the school Get other parents in similar situations to meet up with you to find a solution to this problem. I know that this incident can traumatise your child so much that he may not want to attend school out of fear or being verbally abused and harrassed Also the principal guidance officer and health nurse need to be involved As a teacher for 30 years and now head of department this is my advice Iwill be praying for your son

Maeve - posted on 03/30/2012

I am quite amazed at the amount of suggestions to either record or video a meeting or a classroom situation. I don't know what child protection laws are like in the states but where I live in Ireland this would be a breach of child protection. No class could ever be filmed without consent from all the parents of the kids. As for recording a meeting, I'd imagine this would not be legal without the consent of the other party. If you are that paranoid you need to bring a witness to the meeting with you.

There is no mention of why your child was moved from his original class to begin with. just curious

Beth - posted on 03/30/2012

I wouldn't be hesitating to go directly to the school principal, teacher, EVERYONE and demand my child be moved. Your child is being traumatized and is only 5 years old. You have to be his voice! The teacher should be investigated, of course, but first get your child out of there.

Joy - posted on 03/30/2012

I know they are young but have you tried speaking to any of the classmates or parents of the classmates. Maybe they can give you some insight on what is going on

Susana - posted on 03/30/2012

Im so sorry to read this. I dont live in the States right now I live in Venezuela where any crazy things could happen but this is something that I think it will never do... I will come straight up to the teacher and talk to her, I will record my conversation with my celular and use it when I can have a meeting with the principal if I need to or if theres anything that they need to hear. I know this is something that no one should do but this is about your son. Your Child needs help and if they can not change the teacher or give you another solution you will have to talk or send letters to the Goverment. Somebody should have the power to help you. I wouldnt send him to school any more just like you are doing untill this problem gets solved. Blessings and I hope you can solve this soon.

Shelly - posted on 03/30/2012

My youngest son went thru pretty much same sort of drama at a school. I had same sort of response from our principle and finally pulled him out at the end of the year and sent him to another school. My sons class was a split teacher class and the teacher he hated was only supposed to teach 2 days a week however due to the main teacher being sick a lot that year and having a bad year of other things, the nasty teacher got to teach quite a lot. It severely affected my son for the rest of his school years. He is now in gr 7 and we have since had to transfer him to yet another school because he got another teacher who didn't like him and even though she didn't yell and abuse him as such she made the child feel very inadequate. This severely reduced his learning ability. You will rarely get a principal to back you over a teacher. Sadly it takes extreme proof for this to happen. the best thing you can do for you son is to remove him from this school to another school checking out the teacher as thoroughly as possible.

Stephanie - posted on 03/30/2012

Ok im sure in school growing up we all had one maybe two teachers that we didn't like but not at the tender age of 5, poor little darling, Im so sorry to hear that both you and your precious little one have this problem, it must be awful to see yor little one so afraid to go to a place were they are supposed to be cared for and looked after and feel safe, have you spoken with this teacher in question and spoken to the head of the school? if she can not control her temper then she sholudn't be a teacher period. ok children can be very hard work make up stories and tell tales and most of the time we pass it over but it seems to me that there maybe something to this especially as he keeps saying the same thing over , children who make things up tend to change things about stories or totally forget them we all as mothers know that, i would certainly take this matter further if it continues as it may have a terrible affect on your little one regards going to school in later life if it not sorted sooner rather than later, dam me children and parents have enough to deal with in this day and age, trying to make a safe enviroment at school for your kids should not be a problem, also find out if anyone else's child has reported problems and if so organise some sort of parent teacher school meeting, i certainly agree with Jen Kowtalo contact the local press and take photo's and document everything, people won't stand for it when children are involved,

Kristin - posted on 03/30/2012

I haven't read all the responses, but I would ask to observe the class room. Or just show up to school one day unannounced (still check in, but go when the teacher isn't expecting you). That way, you can observe for yourself what may be happening. As at teacher myself, I am horrified that your child would feel so scared about school. Don't let the principal blow you off. (or the teacher, for that matter.). But do make sure you go through the chain of command before going to the school board or superintendent, that way no one can tell you you haven't done your due diligence. Good luck and don't give up.

Amy - posted on 03/29/2012

As a mom, I don't think you are over-reacting. Actually, I wouldn't have sent my child back after the 1st incident.

My oldest son had a problem in school & I went straight up the chain of command until someone did something. (Ended up homeschooling him, which I know is not for everyone, but it worked for us.) Start with the principal.

IF YOU DON'T FIGHT FOR YOUR KIDS, THEY WILL NEVER LEARN TO FIGHT FOR THEMSELVES.



As a pre-k3 teacher, I can tell you that if a child was in my class & was coming to school with scratches, saying he was yanked, telling me his parents hurt him & saying 'it's a secret', I would've already made some calls.

Jennifer - posted on 03/29/2012

Amanda - Yelling IS, in fact, child abuse. It's a form of verbal abuse. Let someone yell at you day after day after day & see if you don't call it abuse. If you need confirmation, check ANY online resource on Child Abuse. Or call CPS & ask them.

Mary - posted on 03/29/2012

I have only read a few replies to your post, Roseva, but I immediately recognized the spot-on advice of Robin Richards. In order to accomplish anything, you must follow the proper procedure (conference with teacher first). Don't be intimidated by anyone as you move up the chain of command (if that becomes necessary). And whatever you do, DOCUMENT!!! Bring a notebook with you to each of your appointments and write down everything you are told in the appointment. A good notebook would be a composition book because the pages will always remain together (spiral notebook pages become loose and may be lost). If you are given papers, place them in an expanding file (where you will be keeping your notebook). Be sure to keep all of your documentation up-to-date; don't rely on your memory to fill in the gaps. It's perfectly okay for you to ask the other person to let you get the whole conversation down on paper. Whatever you do, don't use a recording device because it isn't legal to tape someone without their permission.



It's terrible that this is happening to your little one. My heart goes out to you. You're in my prayers.



Retired educator and mother of two children who occasionally had their own difficulties at school.

Leslie - posted on 03/29/2012

You can also make a report to the Department of Social Services. You might want to take your son to a therapist and if he reports to the therapist that his teacher was abusive, the therapist is a mandated reporter and is required by law to call the Dept of Social Services who would then have to investigate. Child abuse is a reportable offense and required by law to be reported to DSS!

Diana - posted on 03/29/2012

Im sorry but if a child at 5yrs of age is doing well and gets transferred from class there is no reason for him to feel he doesn't want to attend school. There is something obviously wrong there. This child already receives therapy, he already may feel more vulnerable. It would be wrong to minimize what he is saying. Yelling IS a form of abuse!! There is no reason any person to yell at a child, especially if its not your own. If there are scratches that were not reported to a parent by the nurse the parent should definitely show concern!!!

Wendi - posted on 03/29/2012

Run to the principals office and calmly state the different points in your letter. Ask politely for a transfer. If this fails go to the school superintendent and share the same info above and request a transfer to a different teacher. The PTA or school board can also be a powerful ally. If all else fails go to a lawyer and have them send an official complaint and request for a classroom transfer. There is nothing like a lawyer's letter to get a school's attention. I went through something like this in the 6th grade - no physical abuse but emotional abuse. The teacher happened to be the area superintendent's wife but the principal listened to my mother and politely questioned me. That was the end of the abuse. All teachers were called to a meeting and told to desist making comments about religion, ethnicity, race or economics. I stayed in the same classroom and never had another problem which is really amazing.

Tabitha - posted on 03/29/2012

This is so sad to hear! A child should NEVER be scared to go to school. He should feel safe with his teachers and staff. And you shouldn't have to worry about what's happening to him when he's there. I agree with previous posts, Go to the school (unannounced) and see if you can find anything out. Of course, once they know you're there, they'll behave differently so you only have the element of surprise for a minute. After that, request a meeting with the teacher, speech therapist & principal, include the superintendent if you need to. Try to get your son to tell you the "secret". It's never good for a child to be keeping a secret with an adult, especially if it involves marks or bruising. Talk to other parents with children in his class and see if they've noticed anything with their own children. I'll be praying for this to be resolved, please keep us updated!

Robin - posted on 03/29/2012

usually the chain of command is talk to the teacher about your concerns.( Seriously, you need to do this) Document the conversation date and time! Go to the principal talk to her about the meeting with the classroom teacher, let her know in writing what has transpired and about your meeting. If the prinicipal is no help go to the superintendent of the district or superintendent of elementary education. I would have all of your concerns in writing for the Superintendent. The plan of action you have taken...all dated and written response to meetings. I would definately let the superintendent know you will take it to the next step if something doesn't transpire.But don't expect her to be fired or removed) If they blow you off then you take it to your school board. You will need to make an appointment and they will have to put you on the agenda. This will be done in a private session on the evening of a school board meeting because you are addressing actions of a certain person. It wouldn't make a difference if it was a principal, teacher or lunchroom aide. If the school board does not listen to you find a lawyer and find out what steps can be taken. It may be hard to prove. I am sorry but keep fighting for your child. Document, document, document!

When you have things well documented and dated you are taken more seriously than sounding like you are saying "your teacher is mean to my kid". Dates and documentation are your best defense right now! As emotional as this is because it is your child, be cool, calm and collected because you will be listened to much easier and taken seriously.Good luck!

Iridescent - posted on 03/29/2012

I'm also amazed how many people say the child is mistaken or lying, and the teacher has every right to act that way. My kids do not come home from school covered in scratches and bruises, and if they do have a rare bruise, they can clearly tell me it was from X. And I believe them! Even my special needs kids, even though they are young, can do this. I'm glad my children can grow and learn knowing that they are safe, and if they are hurt they can tell us and we will defend THEM, not the person that hurt them.

Jessica - posted on 03/29/2012

Personally, I choose to always risk looking like a fool to defend my children and believe them than to trust what a teacher is saying. I found out this year that my son's first grade teacher was telling the class not to ask questions unless they were "broken or bleeding". You can bet as soon as he told me that I was on the phone contacting the teachers and the principal, and things have improved 10 fold because of my actions.



Nobody else is going to fight for your child, as parents that is our job, continue to fight for him! Sorry for your situation, I know it stinks :(

Donna - posted on 03/29/2012

I am amazed by how many people think it is ok for a teacher to be yelling at their kids. As a qualified early years specialist I have taught hundreds of 4-7 year olds over the years and can say with all honesty that I have never, ever shouted at a child. It is completely unacceptable. I also, typically, got the most disruptive children in my class and that is not an excuse at all. With my own son, if a teacher was shouting at him I would have a HUGE problem with it. I think more parents need to be looking out for their kids instead of accepting things that they shouldn't be. My only thought is that yelling must be an acceptable thing to do in their house.



Do not be made to think you are over-reacting. YELLING AT A CHILD IS ABUSE. Period.

Joellen - posted on 03/29/2012

i wouldnt put him back in that class either. Something is obviously going on in the classroom. Talk to the principle, if that doesnt get good results go as high as you need to be heard.

Maeve - posted on 03/29/2012

While I do sympathise that your child is upset I think you are completely over reacting. When a five year old comes home with his side of the story you must remember that it's only 50% of what actually happened. Maybe she has good reason to be annoyed and yell. Is your son being disruptive in class. As for minor scratches and accidents, these things happen every day at school. Have you requested a meeting with the teacher to try and resolve the issue. Taking your son out of school is sending the wrong message to your child. He has already figured out that hysterical screaming is a win for him.

Donna - posted on 03/29/2012

A teacher yelling at a child ABSOLUTELY is a form of abuse.

Amy - posted on 03/29/2012

just an FYI, in some states, teachers cannot be charged with child abuse and the police cannot do anything. I just wanted you to know so you are not disappointed if they are not able to do anything. All states have a board that deals with disciplinary concerns.

Aunt Cece - posted on 03/29/2012

You need to go straight to the superintendent. No child deserves to be screamed at and/or scratched..If she is telling him it's a secret not to tell what happened, she is definitely an abuser.If you don't get anywhere with the super, go to the Board of Education who are her superiors..If you can afford an attorney, I'd check it out with him or her. The idea that the principal would back up this teacher is beyond me..Makes you wonder if they are in cahoots with one another.

My grandson begins kindergarten this August, and as a former teacher myself, I can assure you I'd press charges so fast, it would make that teacher's head swim..Don't take it lying down..You don't want your little boy being afraid to go to school anywhere because of his past experience..If the Board of Ed says they will look into it, ask them when, and keep on them even if you need to call them on a daily basis..The squeaky wheel gets the attention. Im just so sorry and on behalf of all the wonderful, dedicated, and inspiring teachers out there, I apologize for the rotten ones..Good luck!

Anna Lucia - posted on 03/29/2012

Stand your ground. Simply said, but not simply done. Present all that you have stated here to the Social Worker at the school, making sure that you have a silent witness there with you. Make sure you document the date and time the meeting took place. Then give it a few days and do the same thing, with the same silent witness and present the same information to the Principla of the school. Again, wait a few days, and ask for a second meeting with the Principla AND the teacher and again, your silent witness. I encourage having a silent witness....someone who you trust to be observant, impartial, and silent......you don't want someone else's opinion at these meetings. Just someone to impartially verifly what was said, how it was said, aware of people's body language, voice tone, etc. BE CALM at these meetings. If you do not think you are getting what you feel you and your son need, then take it higher up...school superintendent. As a tax payer you have the right to do this. I speak from experience as a parent AND a now retired elementary school teacher. I wish you and your son well in this nasty sounding situation you appear to be in....

Iridescent - posted on 03/29/2012

Last - I've seen a few suggestions to contact Child Welfare. We did this as well, but we were informed that they can do nothing. They are ONLY in existence to deal with cases of children being abused in the home; in other settings they have no authority and no control. They can help set up services in the home to replace school, help with proving your child is not truant, they were abused, and protect you from the school if they retaliate by malicious reporting afterwards, but they cannot do anything against the school or school staff no matter what the situation is. We continued with the report to them as a safeguard against malicious reporting, but it is not required.

Iridescent - posted on 03/29/2012

I have not read all the replies, and don't have the ability to take the time to right now.



My son was abused this past year in school as well. He has special needs and medical needs at school and the staff and nurse abused him. The school did not believe me and said I'm being unreasonable about my expectations. He was 4 at the time.



The steps we had to take...

Make a timeline of when things have happened and what they were. Take pictures when possible. This is just the start.



Call the Department of Education to speak with someone to help. If this gets you nowhere, file a report with the police department in your area - the school's area (yes, it's hard to do this) as well as put a complaint in writing to the Department of Education, Maltreatment Division. It must be in writing, not phone calls. There are online forms for each state on the Department of Education sites.



Call a child advocate to help you.



If it's a special education teacher, file a report with the Board of Administration under the Department of Education (I think it's called?). They have oversight to professional staff within the school. This report takes up to a year to get anything done, so just sit it out after they have received it.



Request, in writing, mediation for an IEP meeting. Discuss your concerns and state that if they cannot provide for his education in a safe classroom then you are requesting Homebound Education until a safe environment can be provided. If you'd prefer, you can also request they enroll him in another school district that you feel is safe (take tours and make your request) at THEIR expense. They hurt him so they need to provide the safe environment for education.



If necessary, hire a lawyer. If you do hire a lawyer, you lose your child advocate and it makes mediation/facilitation for IEP's much harder. If you don't have pictures or police reports it can be difficult at best to prove he is unsafe. Good luck!



Edited to add: since ours also involved health care, we had to file charges with the Board of Nursing and the Department of Health as well. The case is under review for criminal prosecution (meaning enough evidence was found to confirm criminal harm - which means intentional on the part of the nurse and staff providing care) through the DA. The Department of Education is actively investigating - it was 4 months ago and the investigation just fully started, and the school DID destroy all of the medical and health records they had on him. Fortunately we had copies, and also proof the school had them (the school had faxed them out and we got copies from those places that show the fax originated with the school, and the school staff also has their signatures on it to show they had them). The Department of Health is not going to actively do anything more than help make sure his health plan in school is appropriate. The school nurse was fired, his personal staff was retrained, and a new school nurse was hired this month allowing him to return to school. The Board of Administrators is not actively investigating until all other charges/investigations are completed.

Raquel - posted on 03/29/2012

Go to school with him. Talk to the teacher. Sit in the classroom and observe how the teacher interacts with your son and the rest of the kids. Bring a video camera. Talk to the principal again. Contact the other parents. Talk to your son's speech therapist face to face (why did they need to write you a letter?), and be present during his sessions with him/her. See if there are other issues with him, that the teacher is not qualified to handle. You need to assess, first-hand, what is going on with your son. Don't send a hysterical child off on a bus, and don't use your neighbors' help in doing that. In short, I suggest you get into everybody's face at school (literally) and get this matter dealt with immediately. At the same time, I would start doing some research as to other alternatives for your son. Hopefully, there are better options in your area.

Terri - posted on 03/29/2012

You DO NOT involve the police until, as the adult, you have talked to the Principle, who in turn should talk to the teacher and then all of the "Adults" should have a meeting before you drag your FIVE YEAR OLD through police reports....Get a grip, calm down and be the parent/adult here and deal with all the adults involved here and if you receive no satisfaction, then involve the Police....

Terri - posted on 03/29/2012

Did you speak to the Principle? That's where you should have gone a while ago...

Brandy - posted on 03/29/2012

Don't deal with the teacher.....she is a complete idiot and the principal, therapist and nurse are no better. Did you know it take a child talking to 10 different adults about being abused before someone will step in. Take things to a higher power call the police, the school board, write the local paper. They cant get away with something like that. Get any one and everyone involved. If its happening to your child then chances are hes not alone. Your job is to protect your child so do it.

K Maria - posted on 03/29/2012

This is a very difficult and painful area. My son too is going through bullying and harassment by his NEW teacher and classmates. My son and I have a very strong agreement--NO MATTER WHAT IT IS, GOOD OR BAD, WE WILL TELL EACH OTHER AND NEVER HIDE ANYTHING, We will work through it together. He and I talk about everything, let your son know you are his "safe place". I have finally grown weary of reporting incidents to the principal, asst. principal, and school district - we are now going to our police department and filing a formal complaint. My son wrote this poem (copied & pasted here). It took him alot of courage and NO CHILD should ever be treated this way!



Cruel

By M.F.G (10 years old)



They say what I feel is just my perception

The words that they use just hide their deception



Depressed at 10, feeling the pain

The students, the teachers, their behavior a shame



To be ignored, closed out of the games

Turning your backs while you whisper my name



How cruel you can be with such a great ease

When calling me fat, saying I have cooties



Invite me to a pool party, laugh when I show

Calling me a whale, waiting to blow



And YOU - you’re here to help me with my needs

Instead you scream and mock

And in front of the class tease



If something is not what you like, different from your rule

Your words become hostile ~ become very cruel



The damage you cause, memories of pain

To embarrass me in class, this child will never be the same

Nicole - posted on 03/29/2012

Great post, I agree, Always believe your son!

Nicole - posted on 03/29/2012

I am so glad that you are taking steps to protect your son. There are often things that go in within a school that the parents do not know about, as I am an occasional teacher. I have also had issues with the school system and it often appeared as though the school and administrators were not interested in trying to fix some of the obvious problems. One approach that often gets people in charge listening is negative outside attention and lawyers. Sometimes it really has to get that blatant before change will happen, unfortunately. Don't stop until your son gets the education he deserves and the education that tax payers should expect. Good luck.