Quebec Teachers Endure Rising Violence in Schools

Survey conducted by Quebec’s Fédération autonome de l’enseignement (FAE) has revealed a troubling reality for teachers in the province: 90% of respondents reported experiencing some form of violence in their workplaces. The survey highlights an urgent need for policy intervention and greater support for educators who face daily challenges beyond teaching.

Catherine Renaud, vice-president of the FAE, emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, “Teachers have the right to work without violence. We are here to teach, not to be hurt.” She added that the findings show a growing problem that affects teachers’ well-being and the quality of education.

The survey revealed that 81% of teachers have faced verbal or psychological abuse, while 63% reported physical attacks. Nearly 11% disclosed incidents of sexual violence. Physical violence was particularly prevalent among pre-kindergarten and kindergarten teachers, with 85% reporting they had been hit, 75% suffering injuries, and 65% pushed around during daily interactions with students.

One particularly alarming testimony described a preschool student hitting, biting, kicking, and head-butting a teacher, resulting in a minor head injury. Such accounts illustrate the high level of risk even in early childhood classrooms, challenging the perception that young children cannot cause serious harm.

Elementary school teachers reported all types of violence, whereas high school educators mostly experienced verbal abuse and bullying. In vocational and adult education settings, bullying was identified as a significant concern, showing that the issue spans across all levels of education.

The union stressed the need for more specialized support staff to assist teachers in managing disruptive or high-needs students. Lack of proper support, they argued, not only endangers educators but also affects the learning environment for other students.

The survey also highlighted the emotional toll on teachers. Many respondents reported stress, burnout, loss of sleep, decreased motivation, and depression. Alarmingly, three out of five teachers indicated they are considering leaving the profession due to unsafe working conditions.

More than 2,400 teachers across Quebec’s major cities participated in the online survey. While online surveys do not provide a formal margin of error, the results underscore a growing crisis that requires immediate attention from policymakers and school administrations.

Renaud concluded, “Violence should never be part of a teacher’s daily life. Immediate action is needed to ensure that classrooms remain safe spaces for both educators and students.”