In the Northwest Territories, there has been a consistent rise in violent incidents targeting education staff over the past two decades, as per data from the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission (WSCC). Rita Mueller, the president of the N.W.T. Teachers’ Association, recounted a disturbing event from last spring when a 13-year-old student severely injured a teacher by breaking their hand.
Mueller highlighted this incident as indicative of a broader trend of escalating classroom aggression throughout schools in the region. The WSCC has observed an increase in violence-related claims from education staff, including teachers, teacher’s assistants, principals, and counselors. While the number of approved claims saw a temporary decline during the school closures amid the COVID-19 pandemic, post-pandemic figures now surpass pre-pandemic levels.
Accepted claims encompass both intentional and unintentional acts of violence, as well as instances of harassment and bullying. Mueller attributed the surge in classroom aggression to underfunding in the education system and noted that reported incidents may not fully capture the extent of the issue due to teachers’ reluctance to report.
Teachers in lower grades, particularly from junior kindergarten to Grade 6, have reported a rise in aggressive behaviors such as slapping, kicking, spitting, and scratching towards classmates and educators. On the other hand, older grades tend to experience more verbal assaults and bullying. Mueller emphasized the need for behavior specialists in schools to provide tailored support for students with complex needs.
Previously funded through Jordan’s Principle, which covered costs for academic and emotional support, mental health counseling, and cultural education, the federal government’s support has been crucial. However, with cuts to this funding, the Northwest Territories government allocated $35 million to address the resulting budget shortfall.
Angie Holstein, a trauma therapist and founder of Shanti Psychotherapy in Toronto, emphasized the importance of mental health services in schools, noting their role in intellectual well-being and risk mitigation. Without adequate mental health support, teachers may face increased responsibilities leading to burnout and staffing challenges in regions like the Northwest Territories.
Holstein highlighted a similar rise in classroom aggression in Ontario and noted reports of increased violence towards teachers in other Canadian provinces like Nova Scotia and Quebec. Despite attempts to reach N.W.T. Education Minister Caitlin Cleveland for comment, she was unavailable for an interview. However, a department spokesperson affirmed the territory’s commitment to ensuring safe and respectful workplaces and addressing reports of workplace violence seriously.