Is violence against
teachers
being normalized?
In some Canadian provinces, teacher attrition in the first five years of a teacher’s career can be as high as 40 per cent.
Why should we talk about it?
According to the 2023 International Barometer of Education Staff (I-BEST) survey, 40% of Canadian teachers reported experiencing workplace violence in the last year.
The violence in some public schools is a harsh reality that impacts educators every single day. Teachers and education workers’ experiences of physical attacks, verbal abuse, bullying, and harassment are rampant. This violence isn’t just about isolated incidents; it’s an escalating systemic problem. These forms of violence create unsafe environments for staff and students and drive dedicated professionals away from their profession.
where else is violence affecting teachers?
Teachers in Colombia have been affected by violence—in all its forms—for many years.
what is
being done?
Exploring teachers' stories amid violence
A research project exploring the experiences of Colombian teachers with violence was completed recently, and the findings are being shared with the broader teaching community. This project explores the teachers’ experiences with different forms of violence in Colombia: harassment, displacement, physical and emotional abuse, political hatred, neglect, etc., and their coping strategies. Based on those experiences, support strategies can be designed for teachers affected by violence in Canada and other countries facing similar challenges. These insights are valuable for educators everywhere.
About the researcher
I’m Wilson Hernandez, and I recently completed my PhD in Education at Concordia University.
I also hold an M.A. in English Didactics and a B.A. in Foreign Language Teaching from Universidad Surcolombiana in Colombia.
My research interests focus on the professional development of teachers, including their training and education, and how sociocultural factors and violence shape their experiences.
