Sask. Teachers' Federation takes aim at violent incidents at school, blames lack of funding

Warning: This story contains distressing details and an image showing injuries from an assault.

The Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation says it's attempting to educate the public — and the government — about the issue of violence in Saskatchewan's schools.

At a virtual news conference on Wednesday, the union shared testimonials from teachers who have been punched, kicked and beaten while at school.

Shelby, who withheld her last name in order to protect the privacy of those involved in the incident, spoke about her experience as a new teacher with a Grade 3 and Grade 4 class.

In March 2023, as she was going outside to supervise recess, she was attacked by a Grade 7 student, Shelby said.

"I was repeatedly hit and kicked in the upper body and the head by the student, and I was told it took several staff members to get the student off of me and be able to restrain them," she told reporters.

Shelby was a teacher in Saskatchewan in March 2023, when she was assaulted by a student. She suffered a broken nose and a severe concussion. (Submitted by Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation)

Shelby said she was taken to hospital and eventually diagnosed and treated for a severe concussion, a broken nose and bruises.

She attempted to return to work just 27 days after the incident but struggled due to anxiety, she said. Eventually she transferred schools to close out the school year. She's since moved to another province and teaches there.

"I do not blame the student for what happened. I blame the system and the continued lack of government support that continues to let the Saskatchewan students fall through the cracks," Shelby said.

Reporting system needed: STF

STF president Samantha Becotte said any incident of violence is unacceptable, but the provincial government has done very little to address the growing problem in schools.

Unlike other provinces, Saskatchewan has no formal mechanism for reporting incidents of violence by students, Becotte said.

A reporting system would ensure there are records for incidents involving children, allowing them to be identified and for them to receive the support they need, said Becotte.

Currently, teachers often choose not to report incidents of violence, she said.

"[Teachers have a] belief that violence has just become part of our job, a belief that … reporting would not result in any changes occurring," Becotte said.

Some are also "unaware or unsure of the process for filing a formal complaint," or have "concern about retribution for themselves, or concern about the consequences for their student or students involved," she said.

In a statement, the government said its negotiators have been willing to address workplace safety at the negotiating table, as the government and the teachers' federation continue to try to reach a new collective agreement.

The statement did not address the STF's call for a reporting system.

Wednesday's press conference comes as the federation and the province are in a standstill in their contract negotiations.

Teachers have not had a contract since August. The latest round of negotiations fell apart last week, with the two sides saying they're still very far apart.

The Ministry of Education said its negotiators are prepared to restart discussions in Regina this week but have been left waiting for the federation.

"Another invitation was extended this morning, which has not been responded to by the union," a spokesperson wrote.

The STF insists that classroom size requirements and classroom complexity need to be part of a contract. Education Minister Jeremy Cockrill insists that will not happen.

If the two sides don't hammer out a deal this week, more job action is likely on the way after this week's February school break. The teachers' federation has yet to make any announcements on what that might look like.