Stop Bullying Before It's Too Late

Sometimes I question how I've made it this far without hopping in my car and just driving away from all the madness I've experienced at my placement school. I feel that "baptism by fire" is the most appropriate metaphor for my student teaching experience thus far. Though I experience a moment of weakness from time to time, I've been able somehow retain a strong sense of accomplishment after a full day of teaching. Receiving the hands-on experience has truly prepared me for the real world in ways that the countless pages of textbook knowledge could not. My many successes and missteps have led me to become the more confident educator I am today. Yet last week, I was abruptly hurled into the one aspect of teaching I prayed I would never have to confront.

After a successful day of textual analysis with my 4th hour class, I was ready to bask in the sunlight of the spring afternoon while driving off to get some fresh sushi for lunch. Suddenly I was stopped by the school's secretary, who needed to inform me that a certain student's mother called with high concerns.

Concerns about her daughter being bullied.

I could feel my brows furrow uncontrollably as I experienced high levels of both confusion and disappointment. As my heart sank to the heels of my feet, any previous thoughts I've had went completely blank. Suddenly a barrage of questions barreled through my mind like a train rushing at full speed. This happened in MY classroom? How have I not noticed what was going on? How could I be so careless and naive? WHY WASN'T I BEING RESPONSIBLE?!

I blamed myself so much for letting it get this far. It really affected me personally knowing that I was not more aware of my classroom environment and the malicious intent students had against one another. Yet, I decided to clear my mind and approach the situation in the most professional manner possible. I pulled the targeted student aside from the class during an appropriate time and asked her in private what had happened in our classroom. The troubled look in her eyes said it all and she barely had to explain the situation before I knew what needed to be done. She was sent to the office to file a report while I confronted the entire class on the issue of bullying. A few snarky students decided to act up and take the whole situation as a joke, and my passive demeanor went dead at that moment. It was addressed that the disrespect to one another will no longer be tolerated and that those who choose to continue the malicious sport will face severe consequences. Smirks remained that day, but soon disappeared as suspensions and phone calls home were made. Though the situation was taken care of, I still felt very unsatisfied with my part in this whole fiasco.

As educators, we carry such a heavy load on our back due to our countless responsibilities. But we cannot neglect the safety of our students at any given time. Research from CrisisTextLine.org has indicated that one-fourth of students from grades K-12 have reported that they have been harrassed and/or bullied for reasons including race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or disability. These kids need to be worried about their next math exam or who they're planning on taking to the school dance--not the safety of their well-being in school. It's our job as teachers to safeguard every students' learning environment and to prevent these kinds of situations from escalating into a more dangerous outcome. Be aware. Be brave. Be ready to stop bullying before it's too late.