Nine out of 10 secondary school teachers are experiencing moderate to high levels of stress as a result of "extreme behavioural problems" amongst pupils, according to a teaching union.
Some teachers have received death threats while others have been subject to offensive and inappropriate sexual innuendo, new research commissioned by the Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland (ASTI)reveals.
The breakdown of discipline in schools has escalated dramatically in the past decade, making teaching impossible at times, say teachers. Consequently, many secondary school students throughout the State are not experiencing an optimal educational environment, according to Mr P.J. Sheehy, president of the ASTI.
The survey, which was conducted by the Work Research Centre as part of the Teacher Stress Prevention Project, also found that just under 60 per cent of teachers were stressed maintaining class discipline. They blamed pupils' non-acceptance of the teacher's role.
Research has shown that the disciplinary climate of a school has a significant impact on the pupils' academic outcomes.
Inconsistent disciplinary policies in schools have led to a situation where teachers feel undermined, especially when school management is perceived not to back teachers up.
It has been 10 years since schools received a Department of Education circular on discipline. "The reasons for the growth in behavioural problems in schools are varied and complex and include changes in society and social problems, excessive part-time work schedules, the rise of alcohol and drug misuse and changing attitudes towards authority," said the ASTI general- secretary, Mr Charlie Lennon.
"We must protect the right of students to learn and teachers to teach in an environment free from abusive, bullying and persistently negative behaviour," he added.
The ASTI is calling for the implementation of a national action plan on promoting student behaviour. Among the recommendations are:
- greater home-school interaction;
- a review of Department of Education codes of practice for dealing with student behaviour problems;
- professional development training for principals and teachers in implementing effective school behaviour policies.
The association says there is also a need for more school psychologists. Currently, waiting lists for pupils with behavioural problems last many months.
The ASTI has discussed the issue with the Minister for Education, Mt Dempsey, who will address it next week in his speech to the association's annual conference. It has also gained the co-operation of the Union of Secondary Students and the National Parents' Council.