Sufferer Teacher Assaulted By A Student

[sarahndipity]

Hello. I have been a teacher for ten years. Due to lay-offs I have fought to keep a job. I enjoyed working with my middle school students despite our the decline of safety in our building. The students slowly seem to be taking over the hallways, lunchroom, and referral area (where they are sent if they make poor choices.) I have worked in this building for three years and have always been given the below-level math classes. This is a tough job, but I like to help others succeed, and enjoyed coming to work every day. However, earlier this month I was assaulted by a student.

In my mind the event plays over and over. I used a calm voice, I told him he couldn't enter a room he was not suppose to be in. He used force to get what he wanted.

The events that followed have not been in my favor. I have no bruises, so I should just go back to work I've been told. The school will have a plan to make our school safe AFTER I return they said. They cannot confirm the student will not return to school nor will they acknowledge that I am trying to get better, it just takes time. I cannot make the anxiety or nightmares go away without help and time. I am so alone.

 

[KP the nut]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

Can I ask if you have been diagnosed with PTSD and are you seeing a professional? I think if you aren't seeing anyone it would be helpful if you did.

There is plenty of great information and support here.

 

[sarahndipity]

Yes to both questions. However, my journey has just begun, so this is why I think I feel so alone.

 

[KP the nut]

this is why I think I feel so alone

Hopefully, as you read the posts and information, you will realise that we are all experiencing similar symptoms. When I first came here, I read things and kept thinking, yes, I could have written that. Since then, just over 2 years, I have made huge progress.

This forum, an amazing therapist and a supportive family have helped so much. However it is here, in this online community, that I know I am understood. I have made a great many friends, some of which I have met in the real life.

I wish you well on your journey.

 

[MagiLisu]

I'm sorry to read about what happened to you and that you are struggling to return to work. As KP the nut said you are not alone here. We have all been through tough times, all of us are at different stages of our journey but we all understand and we are here to support each other.

Hopefully with help from your therapist and from the amazing support you will find here you will begin to feel more in control of your thoughts and feelings.

 

[Deleted member 12723]

Hi and welcome to the forum. I agree with what everyone said. This is a good place to recieve much healing over time. I hope you lide it here and get comfortable and get to know the people here. For fun go to the chit chat section, there are uplifting threads there.

 

[Lady of Longbourn]

Welcome to the forum. :)

 

[Pinkcake]

That would be difficult. The feeling of safety in the workplace is important. I am glad you are seeing a therapist as well and that you've gotten your diagnosis. I hope that as time progresses, you are able to return to work. In my area, students who have committed a violent act or repetitive bad behavior are placed in a high risk alternative school program. This school has very strict requirements and if you get kicked out of the school, you are out of the district period and must move districts. I am not sure why all districts don't have something similar to deal with problem students.

 

[Marguerite]

Hi, you are not alone. I understand your experiences and your fear. You will find much support here. Welcome.

 

[safenow]

Hello, Sarahndipity. Welcome to the forum. I'm sorry you went through that experience. I can only imagine how difficult it must be for you to return to school. I've never been a teacher, nor had it happen at work, but I know what it's like being attacked in my own home by strangers. I had to move because they did things in every room. I stayed triggered in that place.

Here, I had a breakin last year, and while I wasn't home, thank goodness, the person wanted me dead, so even thinking about that triggers me. This time I can't move, so I have to face it each and every day and that is not easy. Just this morning, my alarm went off and since I didn't set it, I got anxious. Not sure how it got set, but don't like how it made me feel. The first thing I did was check the window to be sure no one had come in. I mean, how silly was that? I haven't been out of the house since last Sunday.

I'm glad you have a therapist. I hope the two of you are a good match, and they can help you process things and be able to go back to work soon. You sound like a very caring teacher. Bless your heart.

You will find this forum to be a very supportive place, with lots of good information and supprotive, caring people. I've only been here a couple of months, but it has sure been good for me.

 

[ms spock]

Hello and Welcome to the Forum.

 

[anni]

Hi, I love your username! :) Welcome to the forum, please do know that at least one of your concerns is already defeated, promise. You're just plain not alone, in a very real sense. There are fleshy, pink and white and brown and whatever people behind these typed words, it's just that someone keeps insisting there's no such thing as transporters. We can't show up for each other without plane tickets, so hang out here instead.

Aren't schools GOOFY sometimes, to the point of schizophrenicly confusing pronouncements? Geesh. Yours does sound like one of them. Ours disallows children to defend themselves, when attacked, they're supposed to go find a teacher. Little tough to DO that with a bully sitting on your chest. My son is nicely large, I told him well, pick the kid up and take him with you then. My daughter was on some wierd death list, a poor disturbed girl had a specific plan to KILL several students. The school was going to 'poof' allow this child back into the population, no help for her, no protection for her intended victims. Goofy, huh? ( In the latter, I waited for a school board meeting, then called the local news station to come show up. Kind of fun day. :) )

Anyway, I know I'm not the only reading your post who understands. Hope you can come here often now that you've found us. Do take care. :)

Anni