Could I sue my school and resign immediately for being hit and threatened by a student?

Question

So I have a serious situation to discuss. There are 2 students who have either threatened me, my family, or have used a stapler to shoot out staples at me. I had one of those students punch me on the right side of the stomach and the 2nd student slapped me across the face. I have also had a student threaten me with scissors if I didn't give him a dollar. My question is wouldn't I have the right to resign immediately if I so choose and not have to give the school 60 day notice? I just feel like even though the last couple of days things have calmed down, I feel like they are bound to get violent again since the aid that is in my room is a big, tall, and strong man and he scheduled to leave at the end of this month. Generally speaking when he is in the room the students will generally not do anything, but the moment he leaves the room for a second this violent crap starts up again. I just feel like this is affecting my performance as I can't seem to keep up with the tremendous amount of work they want me to do.  What should I do?

Mathias · Answer

I don't know anything about the procedures for this stuff, so I would wait for someone else to respond, but here are my thoughts in the meantime:

You do seem to be in immediate danger, so I would say that immediately resigning would be justified. If you reported the student's attacks on you and the school refused to do anything about it, then probably have the right to sue them as well.

I assume you are teaching at a public school: if possible, I would recommend trying to find a private or charter school to teach at, as those schools generally don't have problems with violent students.

Jennifer · Answer

Why? because you can't control the students? If teachers sued every time something happened, there would be a lot more teachers going to to court. If you are having this much trouble with these 2 students, why not talk to your department supervisor? The vice principal or even the principal? Do you have security that works in the school? Seriously, you want to go straight to court without trying to go through the proper channels first? Sounds like your a bad teacher anyways.

Caligula · Answer

You need to talk to a lawyer about your contract.  Keep in mind that leaving early could affect future employability.

As far as a lawsuit, have you incurred medical costs?

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Could I sue my school and resign immediately for being hit and threatened by a student?

3 Answers