SAN ANTONIO – Schools across the United States are grappling with a serious issue: teachers and school staff are getting hurt by students. This problem is not just a minor concern; it’s a dangerous reality that has led to tragic outcomes.
For instance, two years ago, an instructional aide named Alfred Jimenez from the Northside Independent School District lost his life after being injured while helping a student with intellectual disabilities. This heartbreaking incident highlights the urgent need to address the safety of educators in classrooms.
As part of ongoing coverage on this critical topic, KSAT Investigates’ Daniela Ibarra spoke with three retired educators who shared their experiences and offered insights on how to improve classroom safety for everyone involved.
All three educators recounted their own experiences of being injured by students during their teaching careers. One teacher, Costello, mentioned, “I’ve been scratched, you know, I’ve been pushed, but I’ve never been seriously injured.” This indicates that while some injuries might seem minor, they contribute to a larger, troubling trend of violence in schools.
The retired teachers, who previously worked at Edgewood Independent School District, felt compelled to discuss the issue of classroom violence, recognizing that many educators might be hesitant to speak out for fear of repercussions. “I feel there’s a need to really have conversations about this,” said Rios, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue.
These educators were all aware of Jimenez’s tragic situation, which they referred to as a worst-case scenario. “There’s been so many other issues of aggressive behavior,” noted Lara-Vargas, underscoring the frequency of such incidents.
Rios also stressed that teachers need support, particularly when they are facing challenging situations in the classroom. Understanding students’ needs is crucial. “I don’t think enough emphasis is being placed on behavior intervention, on getting to know the child himself,” Lara-Vargas pointed out.
According to Castillo, “Behavior is defined as a form of communication.” When students act out, it can often stem from an inability to express their feelings or frustrations verbally. “A child could become physical or emotional when trying to express themselves,” Castillo explained. This can lead to harmful situations for both the student and the teacher.
The retired educators believe that solutions are necessary to enhance safety for everyone in schools. “It has to be training of behavior,” said Lara-Vargas. “If we can spend as much time on disability awareness or … fill in the blank awareness and behavior intervention, I truly believe that the curriculum will just come.”
In response to inquiries about what school districts and the state could do to help, the educators emphasized the need for comprehensive training. “Training is a definite yes,” Lara-Vargas asserted. “But it has to be open.” Castillo added that adequate funding for these initiatives is essential, stating, “Funding is something that we have to really look at at the state level.”
Tell Us Your Story
KSAT Investigates reporter Daniela Ibarra is committed to further examining violence against teachers in the classroom and is seeking your help. If you have experienced violence in the classroom or are a parent of a student who has injured a teacher, your story matters.
You can share your experiences, along with any relevant photos or videos, by filling out this form or emailing Ibarra directly at dibarra@ksat.com.
Daniela is an IRE 2025 Chauncey Bailey Investigative Reporting Fellow, and this story is part of her yearlong project focusing on teacher injuries caused by students. Stay informed by checking out more reporting on the KSAT Investigates page.
