What would you do in this situation? You are threatened....

1. 68

   travelespressoposted 13 years ago

   I wonder what you would do if someone in a class you were teaching threatened with "I'll PUNCH your face in!" 
   
   This has just happened to one of my colleagues.  I'd be very interested in your opinions.

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      Stevennix2001posted 13 years agoin reply to this

      well seeing as how that counts as a verbal threat and a form of harrassment.  my advice to your friend is to call 911 and/or the local authorities to press full charges against this person.  I'm assuming your friend knows the culprit's full name and remembers exactly what he/she looks like.  therefore, I don't see any problems with your friend filing a police report.

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   2. 61

      Originposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I would just call security and have them take care of the situation.

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         travelespressoposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Thanks Origin. Appreciate your advice.

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   3. 68

      OntariFamilyLawCaposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I teach pt and some special ed students. I had to deal with this recently I sent one kid for the principal. one boy then kicked another. kids were called out as witnesses. then it happend it again in the last class.
      
      document it well. also kid's can verbalize anger but you can often tell by the body language. you know the rooster struttng stuff.
      to habee not all schools have a resource officer.

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   4. 59

      tony0724posted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I am not a teacher but I know what I would do, two words " Premptive Strike "

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   5. 56

      Sab Ohposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      If they are 18 or older you punch their face in first. Then sit down and have a discussion about what the hell was wrong with them in the first place.
      
      If they are under 18 you remove them from the class in the most humiliating manner possible. Then sit down and have a discussion about what the hell was wrong with them in the first place.
      
      Although I guess a lot depends on the setting and circumstances really

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      1. 68

         travelespressoposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Hmmm easier said than done. 
         
         The person who threatened was a man and a big man. 
         
         The teacher was a woman, small framed and a very gentle soul. 
         
         The man spoke very little English so even having a conversation at an elementary level was difficult let alone a conversation about his problems.

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         1. 56

            Sab Ohposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            Then she needs to enlist people to her cause who can (but hopefully won't have to) fulfill that part of the response, physically and linguistically.

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         china manposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Take pre-emptive aggressive action - humiliate them ??   You clearly have never had normal dealings with teaching, especially in a foreign country where you are a guest; and I shudder to think about your own education.

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            Sab Ohposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            I have a great deal of varied experience teaching, including in foreign countries, and I know exactly what I am talking about.
            
            Small women and older gentlemen like yourself will need to enlist appropriate aid to be taken seriously, but there are circumstances where weakness is not a virtue (complicated philosophical concerns aside).

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               china manposted 13 years agoin reply to this

               It is very clear from your lack of any understanding, and the ridiculous ideas you post, that this is not true.

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               1. 56

                  Sab Ohposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                  I know it doesn't match the wallpaper inside your bubble, but I assure you it is true.

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   6. 58

      candice5posted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I know of a Teacher, well actually a Uni Lecturer. turned School teacher, supposedly to make his life easier. He took a Group, of I suppose what might be termed loosely as challenged. He decided to stimulate what brain they had, by putting paints into bottles, and giving them the Hugest piece of Board to go loose on.
      He was pushed over sat on and the paint ended up on them.
      Personally, I would have kicked them one, despite the fact you are not allowed to do so.
      Probably why I never took up teaching.

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      1. 0

         Several Ninjasposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Deleted
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            candice5posted 13 years agoin reply to this

            If it tipped paint on me sorry but yes.

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2. 92

   habeeposted 13 years ago

   Call the SRO to come get him immediately. The SROs know how to diffuse situations like that.

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   1. 68

      travelespressoposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Hello Habee - SRO - can you translate that for me please?  LOL

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         habeeposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         School resource officer. Our high school had two cops on duty at all times.

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         1. 68

            travelespressoposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            OK.  Thanks for that.  Yes, I agree with that.

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3. 90

   Nell Roseposted 13 years ago

   Hi, travelespresso, nice to see you again. I think it would depend on which country you are in, I am not sure if you are still travelling> but if it was in England or America etc then i would suggest calling the police to ask their opinion. Obviously go straight to the Head first, and complain, but there must be some sort of legal way to sort this out. In my mother's day, the teachers would have been able to clip them around the ear! But in this day and age, that wouldn't work, because the kids are too dangerous.

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   1. 68

      travelespressoposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Still travelling Nell Rose.  I'm in Malaysia.
      
      The teacher made a complaint to the boss.  The boss called in her superior and the teacher was blamed.
      
      Other teachers are very very nervous as the guy (he's in his 20's) was talked to for 5 minutes and sent back to the same class!

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         Nell Roseposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Hi, that's a bit old to be in class, but I take it, it must be a college or something? different rules in different countries, but he is a man, if he is in his twenties, therefore he should be arrested. But I think that maybe your friend should move to another class or maybe leave. it could be to dangerous.

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         1. 68

            travelespressoposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            Yes, I agree, it is very serious.  Management are taking it VERY lightly.  To make matters worse its his second "offence".
            
            It's an English as a Second Language class.  Actually many of us think we should leave.
            
            I know I am!

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               Nell Roseposted 13 years agoin reply to this

               Good luck, and I hope your friend is okay. nice to see you back.

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4. 61

   jamesbrownbeteposted 13 years ago

   Threatening people are some kind of demonic act. A person may just pray and leave the situation to God. That's the best thing a person can do if he is being threatened.

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   1. 68

      travelespressoposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Whoa!!!  Really???

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      1. 61

         jamesbrownbeteposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         That's how I will handle the situation if I have.

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   2. 60

      Elpasoposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      That's true. Pray! And learn to throw a combination uppercut and right cross. Can I get a AMEN?

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      1. 68

         travelespressoposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         You probably can't have it both ways!

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5. 61

   Ohmaposted 13 years ago

   Travelespresso
   My vote is with the press charges crowd. There is no way your friend or anyone else should ever have to put up with that.

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   1. 68

      travelespressoposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks Ohma.  It seems rather clear cut to me but not here???

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6. 69

   Beth100posted 13 years ago

   Follow the chain of command. 
   
   1.  Go to the principal.
   2.  If nothing happens, go to the dean, Head of College and Board of Directors.
   3.  If nothing happens, report to security.
   4.  If there is still no response, approach the police.  If there are others in the class who will bear witness to the threat and/or have been threatened, come forward together.  There's strength in numbers, especially when there is no physical contact.
   5.  During the waiting time, withdraw from the class.  Write a letter to the Head of the College, the Board of Directors as well as the Dean explaining why, what, where and when the threat occured.  If you know the full name of the person, then include that in your statement.
   
   The key is to grab the attention of the Dean and as many people within the college as possible.  Again, if there is more than one person being threatened or feels threatened, have them step forward with you when you present your concerns.
   
   Be aware that throughout this process, the aggressor can become more aggressive especially if he knows that it is you who is filing the complaint.  I suggest that you take  measures to protect yourself, including temporarily withdrawing from the class until it is settled.

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   1. 68

      travelespressoposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you so much Beth for your very detailed response.  That's a really good decision making command.
      Thank you very much.

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      1. 69

         Beth100posted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Your welcome.  Good luck, and be safe. 

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         1. 68

            travelespressoposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            Thanks so much.  I will be safe as I leave today.  However, I am concerned for the teachers I'm leaving behind.  These are BIG lads.

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               Beth100posted 13 years agoin reply to this

               If you are leaving and you are concerned for the remaining teachers, you can still write the letter to the Dean, Head and Board of Directors.  Like all organizations and companies, when the Board of Directors are notified of transgressions that will cause a negative image, they will do something to prevent or advert it.  The best that you can do is to bring awareness to the higher ups.  What happens will be in their hands.
               
               I do not know Malaysian law, but in Canada, if the working conditions are deemed dangerous, we have the right to withdraw our services.  Perhaps there is such law there?  If so, the teachers can ban together and cancel the class in protest until the student is dealt with.  Might be drastic, but if their well beings are in danger, then it would be better to be drastic than not.
               
               I'm glad that you'll be safe, but be safe on your travels too.

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               1. 68

                  travelespressoposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                  Thanks for your very considered opinion Beth.  You have given me a lot of "food for thought".

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7. 67

   Pearldiverposted 13 years ago

   Hi there Kiwi.
   
   A 13 year old guy in Te Puke stabbed his teacher in the neck with a knife last week.
   
   Aggression seems to be the norm everywhere today!  Maybe Drugs or Diets, but it isn't good enough and I don't think we should have to change OUR Lives to accommodate that BS.
   
   However the exposure to it... it comes down to a personal choice whether or not You Accept it.  If you choose not to... Don't change and do whatever is necessary to ensure that the offending party does not influence anyone with threatened or actual violence.  You Know sometimes you have to help people become strong enough to stand up to unacceptible behaviour... yeah?
   
   Good Luck and Take Care mate. 

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   1. 68

      travelespressoposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Hey PD....thanks for stopping by and thanks so much for your comments.  As always they make great sense!
      
      Yes....we are supporting the local teacher in this.  Many of us got "rather stroppy" about the lack of strong decisive action and voiced our concerns.
      
      Cheers Kiwi.  How are things in the land of the long white cloud?

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8. 0

   kclovesgodposted 13 years ago

   Well travelespresso  i am glad these rescourse are working for u...my daughter of 11 begged me to keep her with me cause she was getting tired of getting smacked n yelled at etc.   
   So we went to court and the first three made excuses to help, n we finally got a good judge will we thot...
   The judge listen to her, gave her the protection order, n we survive two weeks, she even had to see a forensic lady to make sure she wasnt lying.
   Make this quick, she had to go back to her dads, n the judge dismissed it cause she didn't give out enough to be consider child abuse...
   N like that guy told u here:"well seeing as how that counts as a verbal threat and a form of harrassment.  my advice to your friend is to call 911 and/or the local authorities to press full charges against this person.  I'm assuming your friend knows the culprit's full name and remembers exactly what he/she looks like.  therefore, I don't see any problems with your friend filing a police report."(stevennix2001)
   but in this case it didn't work... so i hope n pray for this teacher cause they are going to go through some tough decisions n will b praying....God bless kc

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9. 80

   earnestshubposted 13 years ago

   You have made the right decision travelespresso.
   
   I have worked in Malaysia. The only thing you can do in my view is leave.
   You're friend should leave too. You will get nowhere dealing with the school establishment, and the danger will remain.
   
   I do not know of any procedure that works in the Malaysian legal system. (Other than bribes.)

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   1. 68

      travelespressoposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for your comments Earnesthub.  That's just what's happened.  Three of us left including the teacher who was threatened. 
      
      All sorts of nice words were said to get the teachers back in the classroom but the reality is that the man who threatened the teacher is still in class. 
      
      It's difficult to understand the way this situation was handled compared to our part of the world.

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         earnestshubposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Well done. Yes Malaysia is an odd mix of politics and religion politically.
         I saw appalling human rights abuses when I was there.
         I worked for a very rich Indian who treated his employees like chattels.
         
         I also saw politicians take bribes first hand.
         The life of the rich is as debauched as it can be, the native people are poor as dirt. Same old.

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10. 0

    china manposted 13 years ago

    I am sure you have made the right decision to leave. I guess the situation would be much the same as here in China, the student is paying and the school is a business, and the richer kids go to these schools meaning their parents have some authority that the school must respect.
    
    The difference here in China is that violence, aggression and threats are almost unheard of in any kind of school or University.  Come up here and teach for a while !! 

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    1. 68

       travelespressoposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Hey thanks China man.  I definitely made the right decision - I just feel for those I've left behind.  There are some really good people there.
       
       Your offer sounds good.  What's the pay like?  Haha - I'm just another western capitalist!

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          china manposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          the least is around 3500 Yuan, more normal 4500 Yuan with apaprtment power water internet etc.  this is enough money to live upper middle class and go travel all of the 3 months per year holiday !!  and they are hiring now for September.

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             china manposted 13 years agoin reply to this

             Friends who come up from Vietnam tell me they do not pay quite so well but the people are lovely.

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             1. 68

                travelespressoposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                The pay varies a lot here depending upon where you're teaching.
                
                The people are fantastic and the learners are willing - and they are gentle.  The Vietnamese I've met are not aggressive at all!

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11. 0

    Precious Williamsposted 13 years ago

    Hi travelespresso
    
    I read your post with interest and some of the varied replies. I have many years experience teaching including English as a second language at all levels. I have also dealt with many young men and women  who have at times showed agression and even violence. Here's my adivice for what it's worth.
    
    1.When being verbally threatened - do not exacerbate situation by respondingin an agressive manner. It does not matter if it is not  dealt with immediately.
    
    2. If threats continue - go for security  if it exists.
    
    3. Sit down with the student, later and talk about what happened.Don't assume they cannot understand what they are saying- they will often use this ploy straight after making a threat. However, if their English is that poor find a student with higher level skills to interpret. Find out why they made the remark.Answers can be suprising. Only then in a calm voice can it be explained that it is unacceptable. With this  conversation being held sitting down the height difference should not be an issue.
    
    4. I know it's not right that your friends did not get adequate support but this is not uncommon. I personally people should always complain but one also has to be prepared for the consequences for doing so. I believe however, that you should only complain about what you have witnessed - ie you could talk about your friends distress -you have seen that. You cannot talk about the incident you were not there and third party views are rarely acceptedby  management (and I was a senior manager).

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       travelespressoposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Thanks for your considered comments.  Yes, I agree with 1 and 2 and 4.
       
       I understand your comment in point 3 but in this instance, I don't agree with it.  This guy had previous displays of aggression with someone else.  For a teacher unused to handling anger issues sitting down and talking it through one on one could place them in an invidious and potentially dangerous position.

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