WLBT 3 - Jackson, MS: Former Teacher Recalls Harsh Conditions

Former Teacher Recalls Harsh Conditions

By: Maggie Wade
maggie@wlbt.net

Last year 277 teachers were assaulted in schools across the state. In 2004 288. This is a follow up to a report on teacher attacks that we first told you about. A former Jackson teacher opens up about what goes on daily in classrooms, where students and parents threaten, verbally and physically abuse teachers.

Michael Herndon was a teacher in Jackson for almost two years. He quit in January.

"I mean the first year was unbelievable. The first week of school I had a girl call me m-f'er and I could just go m'fing wherever I wanted to go."

Herndon worked in accounting for almost 30 years before going back to school to become a teacher.

"Why did I spend $60,000 for an education beyond middle aged to teach children and end up in an environment where I'm cussed out, physically abused?"

Herndon taught at Whitten Middle School. He says he has the highest regard for the other educators he worked with and the administration at the school, but.. What he experienced drove him away from the job he worked so hard to get. Like kids using racial slurs.

"It began with the m-f, the cussing and , you just don't need to be here you honkey."

He was also assaulted.

"Knocked down on the concrete floors, children walk by and thump the back of your head, throw pennies at you."

He saw another teacher hit so hard she had a concussion.

"That child, who was bigger than the teacher, just took this teacher and slung her down on the floor. She lay unconscious for twenty minutes."

This notebook is filled with behavior reports.

"This is just the first four months of this year."

Herndon says there are 16 and 17 year old students in seventh grade. He says many of the parents just didn't care.

"We had a situation with one child, it took us five months to get a parent.. To get a hold of a parent."

Herndon says there must be quick, firm and consistent consequences for students and parents who attack teachers.

"Just like the girl who knocked the teacher unconscious, she was back in school the next day."

Herndon also showed us these test scores for his students. He says some of the highest in the district.

"I had classes with one hundred percent passage, even in this environment. But it was not enough to keep me."

Herndon says he is hopeful that one day he will be back in the classroom.

We received this statement from Jackson Public Schools in response to this report. "Jackson Public Schools takes seriously any kind of behavior that is harmful to students and staff. We have a code of conduct for students, and a code of ethics for staff members. When the district finds there is reason to take action, that is exactly what we do. We investigate when it is necessary, and when we find cause, we respond accordingly. It is the expectation of the district that adults respect children and children respect adults at all times."