Teaching with Valor A Veteran's Perspective Podcast "The Teacher Mandate to Not Intervene"

Welcome back to Teaching with Valor, the podcast where we explore the critical issues in education with the valor they deserve. 

I’m your host, Don J. Fessenden, and today we’re diving into a topic that’s both urgent and deeply troubling: the recent mandate from Norwalk Public Schools instructing teachers not to break up student fights. Instead, they’re told to call security and stop other students from filming.

This policy strikes at the heart of our mission as educators—to keep students safe. This is one of several district policies I strongly disagreed with, leading to my early retirement from public education so I could sound the alarm. This episode is a call to action for policy change.

Stay tuned for more episodes, and remember, every student is unique, and every classroom can be a place where all students succeed. Keep teaching with valor!

Transcript

Don: 0:08

Welcome back to Teaching with Valor, the podcast where we explore the critical issues in education with the valor they deserve. I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today we’re diving into a topic that’s both urgent and deeply troubling: the recent mandate from Norwalk Public Schools instructing teachers not to break up student fights. Instead, they’re told to call security and stop other students from filming. This policy strikes at the heart of our mission as educators—to keep students safe. This is one of several district policies I strongly disagreed with, leading to my early retirement from public education so I could sound the alarm and become an advocate for change! This episode is a call to action for policy change. And I hope is share throughout the country! First let's look at: The Mandate to Not Intervene. Imagine this: a fight breaks out in your classroom. Your instinct as a teacher is to protect your students, to intervene and stop the violence. But now, you’re being told to stand back, call security, and prevent other students from recording the incident. It sounds like something out of a dystopian novel, but it’s the reality teachers in Norwalk are facing today. This policy not only goes against our natural instincts as caregivers and protectors but also sets a dangerous precedent. Teachers are now put in a position where they must watch and wait, hoping security arrives in time. Meanwhile, the potential for serious harm to students increases with every passing second. When I first learned about this policy, I was shocked. It was one of the key reasons, I decided to retire early. How can we, as educators, be expected to neglect our primary duty—to ensure the safety and well-being of our students? I personally didn't follow this mandate! I broke up fights, and wondered if I would be reprimanded later. Next let's look at: The Potential Consequences of this policy. The potential consequences of this policy are severe. We’ve already seen instances where fights escalate quickly, leading to serious injuries. Without immediate intervention, the risk of a student getting seriously hurt or even worse increases dramatically. This policy is a lawsuit waiting to happen! Imagine the horror of standing by as a fight unfolds, unable to step in because of fear of district reprisals. The trauma this causes to both the students involved and the teacher is immeasurable. It undermines the trust between students and teachers, making them feel abandoned in moments of need. This policy also sends a troubling message to students. It tells them that violent behavior will be met with delayed consequences and that they have a window of opportunity to cause harm. It’s a dangerous precedent that can lead to more frequent and severe incidents. A Teaching with Valor Call to Action. We need to change this policy. Teachers should have the authority to intervene and protect their students without fearing district reprisals. We must advocate for policies that prioritize student safety and empower teachers to act swiftly in emergencies. If you’re a teacher, parent, or concerned community member, I urge you to speak up. Contact your school board, attend meetings, and make your voice heard. Policies like these put everyone at risk, and it’s our duty to challenge them. It's time for our b onus segment: A common question I got often from parents was: How do teachers address bullying in the classroom? Addressing bullying is a multifaceted approach that involves prevention, intervention, and support. Here’s how teachers typically handle it: First there is Prevention: Teachers create a positive classroom environment where respect and kindness are emphasized. They set clear expectations for behavior and consistently reinforce them. Teachers often incorporate lessons on empathy, diversity, and conflict resolution into the curriculum. Next is our Intervention: When bullying is identified, teachers take immediate action to stop it. They speak with the students involved, ensuring that the bullying behavior is addressed and the victim feels supported. Teachers document incidents and communicate with parents and administrators to develop a plan to prevent further bullying. And lastly, we Support our Students: Teachers provide ongoing support to victims of bullying, helping them feel safe and valued in the classroom. They may refer students to counselors or other resources for additional support. Teachers also work with the bully to address underlying issues and promote positive behavior changes. It’s a comprehensive approach that requires vigilance, empathy, and a commitment to fostering a safe learning environment. Some resources and references for further discovery. For our Teachers:"The First Days of School" by Harry Wong and Rosemary Wong"Bullying Prevention and Intervention" by Susan Swearer, Dorothy Espelage, and Scott Napolitano StopBullying.gov Teacher Resources And for our Parents: National Bullying Prevention Center Stomp Out Bullying"Raising Kids Who Will Stand Up for Themselves and Others" by Dr. Patricia Berne We have come to the end of today’s episode of Teaching with Valor. I hope this discussion has shed light on the critical issues surrounding the new policy on student fights and the importance of addressing bullying. Remember, teaching is an act of valor, and every day, you make a difference. Until next time, stay valiant!