Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/34960
CTA Magazine Ad – May 2011 Issue – DUE 3/25 Attacks Continued from page 20 can keep such information confidential be- cause they are trusted employees. Withhold- ing such information puts them at risk. Teachers should have walkie-talkies n that connect with security or administra- tors if they are in distress, says Linda Nimer. Furthermore, schools need to have more counselors, psychologists and behavior therapists available to help emo- tionally disturbed students. In Vacaville, says Aquino, budget cuts have turned most counselors into class schedulers, and most psychologists are reduced to ad- ministering tests and assessments instead of helping emotionally disturbed stu- dents. This trend is also happening throughout the state, according to many CTA members interviewed. School districts, says Nimer, must fol- n n low the state Education Code and state and federal laws to keep staff safe. She would also like to see security cameras in classrooms with special education stu- dents where teachers feel threatened. Safety issues can also be bargained. The n Fairfield-Suisun Unified Teachers Associa- tion and the Natomas Teachers Associa- tion were able to bargain that all teachers must be notified if a student they come in- to contact with is considered violent. “Bargaining the terms and conditions of employment, including the means and methods to guarantee that our members are able to do their job safely, is essential if school districts are to live up to the ex- pectation that all students, including those with disabilities, receive a free and appropriate public education,” says Mike Egan, CTA assistant executive director. Finally, educators need to stop tolerating the dirty little secret — and let administra- tors and the public know it is not acceptable. “Every teacher has the right to work in a safe environment, free from physical as- saults at the hands of students,” says Nimer. “It is not part of the job to tolerate behavior which threatens their safety and well-being.” 11RSE008M CTA Ad May r6 HR.indd 1 36 California Educator | JUNE 2011 3/24/11 3:23 PM