A Matter of Trust

No parent should feel they have to send their kids to school with a wire on, because they are suspicious of classroom staff, but I understand why they do. Its a matter of trust.

I felt compelled to post this today, not because I want to shock and depress everyone, but because I want to educate and motivate.

You may have heard by now of the father in Cherry Hill, N.J. who sent his autistic son to school with a wire on, because he suspected his sudden violent behavior was due to something going on in the classroom. Well there was. He was being verbally abused and intimidated by his own teachers and assistants.

I started out as an assistant (para professional). I know how stressful it is, and yes, I have seen this kind of treatment of special needs students. Its sickening to me and the reason I decided to not go back into the public education setting when I moved to PA. I was lucky that my last teaching experience in NJ was a good one, but what this Cherry Hill family has experienced, makes me want to cry. What this teacher did, hurts every child & every parent, in addition to making every educator look bad.

Administrators: there is discussion about installing cameras in classrooms. Sure, go ahead, do that. But how about supporting and training the staff on an ongoing basis and not just hiring them, paying them $10/hr and then letting them figure the rest out themselves? They need support and training, so this doesn't happen at all.

Furthermore, how about releasing these teachers of their duties entirely instead of just shuffling them around & re-assigning them to other classrooms. We were outraged when we found out that Bishops re-assigned priests who abused children to other parishes-why should a teacher abusing a special needs child be treated any differently? Both behaviors place all children in danger and both need to be immediately suspended/ terminated until investigated. (NOTE: only one of these teachers was fired. The rest were re-assigned and are still working as of this date.)


Educators: Ignorance & lack of training doesn't excuse you from acting right. Ask questions and use your common sense. The internet is an unlimited source of information. So are the other professionals you work with. You are a team. Work together & look for other resources to educate yourself to do your job better. Take some pride in yourself and the work you do.

If you are a teacher, para-professional or other staff member, watch this video, listen to the recordings- and think about how you treat the kids you are around. Every second of the day, you have the power to either help them-or hurt them deeply, not just with your actions, but with your words. Don't abuse the responsibility or the trust you've been given. Your actions affect everyone involved.

We chose to work with children with disabilities. The child did not choose to have a disability. These students & families depend on us for guidance and protection. If you see abuse, verbal or otherwise, report it. We ALL are accountable for children's well being. Don't stand by silently and watch your co-workers treat any child like this.

I wish the Chaifetz family the very best.

Watch the video here:

Teacher Bullies Autistic Child


Contact: barbara@bodylogique.com