U.S. teachers and school staff have experienced more violence and aggression following the pandemic, according to a study released by the American Psychological Association (APA). This increase followed a noticeable decline in threats and violence experienced by educators across the U.S. during COVID-19 restrictions.
In 2019, the APA established a task force to investigate the experiences of teachers and school staff with respect to violence and aggression in schools. This research built on a national study conducted a decade earlier by the APA, signalling that this is not a new area of concern.
“Aggression and violence against educators and school personnel are major concerns that affect the well-being of school personnel and the students and families they serve,” said the study’s lead author, Dr. Susan Dvorak McMahon, “This study highlights a growing crisis in our schools that needs to be addressed nationally.”
For the current study, approximately 15,000 participants from across the US completed a survey during the pandemic and another 12,000 completed a separate survey after restrictions lifted. The first survey asked participants to report on their experiences with violence and aggression both before and during the pandemic, while the second survey gauged participants’ post-pandemic experiences.
The study’s results showed that instances of violence and aggression decreased when COVID-19 restrictions were in place, and that post-pandemic incidences then returned to and, in some cases, exceeded the pre-pandemic numbers. Results showed, in particular, a marked increase in verbal harassment toward educators by a student or a parent or guardian. For instance, the proportion of teachers having experienced verbal or threatening aggression decreased from 65 per cent pre-pandemic to 33 per cent during pandemic restrictions, rising to 80 per cent post-restrictions. Instances of physical violence showed a similar pattern, falling to 14 per cent during restrictions and rising to 56 per cent post-restrictions.
Aside from concerns related to experiencing violence and aggression, teachers reported feeling anxious, burned out and stressed, and wanting to quit. Participants also made suggestions related to policies and resources, such as targeted training and additional staffing (including mental health personnel), to support educators.
Looking at these results, McMahon emphasized the need for stakeholders and policymakers to develop a comprehensive approach to build safe schools that promote the safety and well-being of educators and the school community.
“We need to address the entire ecology of the school, as well as engage with parents and communities in order to improve school climate, work environment and student learning,” McMahon said.
The Alberta experience
The APA’s report comes a few months after the ATA released results from a pulse survey that revealed Alberta’s teachers are also grappling with aggression in schools. Conducted in December 2023, the ATA study found that half of Alberta teachers have encountered bullying or aggression, with 95 per cent of this being experienced in person at school.
Dr. Philip McRae, ATA associate coordinator of research, sees parallels between what the APA has reported and what Alberta teachers are experiencing.
“The APA and ATA research reveal shared struggles and unique challenges in addressing post-pandemic aggression in schools,” McRae says.
McRae adds that the American and the Alberta-based research both signal the need for systemic changes to address the corrosive impact of aggression in schools and school communities.
“By looking at meaningful changes — reducing class sizes, enhancing supports and resources, and providing comprehensive training — the Government of Alberta can mitigate the impact of aggression and foster a safer environment for teachers, and, ultimately, a more positive learning environment for all students across Alberta’s public schools.” ❚
