Assaults on teachers are on the rise in Texas, with an 18% increase in reported incidents over the last two school years.
According to data obtained by KPRC 2, more than 3,500 school staff members statewide have been injured by students, raising serious concerns about safety and support systems in schools.
Jackie Anderson, president of the Houston Federation of Teachers, says the growing violence is linked to a lack of mental health resources for students.
“Right after COVID, there has been an alarming pull from our classrooms by counselors, wraparound services, and people who would offer mental health services to our students,” Anderson said. “Students are not getting the supports they need. So I’m not surprised at all.”
READ MORE: Houston area schools face spike in violence against staff
The lack of transparency in reporting these incidents is another major concern.
“What shocks me the most is the lack of transparency—they won’t even put out the information so we know where to go from there,” Anderson said. “We have to have a baseline, and we can’t get that information.”
Teachers have increasingly reached out to the union, fearful for their safety.
“Unfortunately, we have seen more educators coming forward—not just from physical assaults, but from emotional and psychological threats as well,” Anderson explained. “The threat alone can keep teachers from wanting to be in their classrooms.”
Educators are encouraged to document and report incidents, while Anderson stresses that school districts must step up by providing more mental health resources for students.
One solution being discussed is “assault leave,” a program that allows teachers injured by students to take immediate time off. However, districts can later deny the leave after investigation, forcing teachers to use their own accrued leave.
“Even though a teacher may ask for assault leave and receive it immediately, there are still criteria that must be followed,” Anderson said.
Despite the rise in incidents, Anderson urges educators to prioritize their safety and encourages parents to take an active role.
“If you know your child is experiencing emotional stress, reach out to the school. Document it so the district is responsible for providing services.”
