Harassment in the educational setting is quite common. While we generally think of harassment in school, images of students bullying one another is quite common. However, in some schools, the victims and perpetrators may be parents and teachers or counselors. Because traumatic outcomes can occur with stalking, many schools take the threatening actions of parents quite seriously.
Stalking is a general term used to describe the relationship between two individuals when one intends to inflict fear or harm upon another. In some cases, the intent of the stalker is not even taken into consideration if the person who is being stalked simply believes it is stalking. The methods for stalking are just as varied as the definitions and state laws as they pertain to stalking.
The stalking of a teacher or school counselor, by a parent, is quite common. While most methods of harassment and stalking occur via e-mail or phone calls, some school officials are verbally or physically threatened or stalked in person-to-person contact. In some cases of stalking and harassment, teachers and school counselors even report parents have followed them home and made threats upon their family or their property.
If you are a teacher or school counselor who feels you are a potential target for stalking or harassment, it is important to report the activity to law enforcement and to let your school district officials. Often, when a parent of a student is involved in the stalking or harassment, measures will be taken to address the issue with the parent without involving the student. This, of course, would be protocol unless the student is directly involved in the activity of the parent.
As an additional safety precaution, avoid staying at school after dark or coming into the school property before sunrise. Taking safety precautions such as leaving money at home and driving a different route each day may be important to do while the steps are being taken to reduce the harassment and stalking incidences. In addition, you may want to list your phone number as non-published and obtain a phone screening device and recorder.
In dealing with students and parents, it is important to set clear boundaries at the beginning of the school year and utilize peer teachers or counselors when needed in resolving dispute. In addition, the school should install panic alarms or buttons and outline a clear Code of Conduct on harassment or stalking. Providing teacher in-service training on stalking and anti-stalking measures is also important.
As with any high profile or public service professional, working within the education or counseling field can be a risk, especially when volatile parents are involved. In many cases, when parents are involved in disputes with students and teachers, the matters can be resolved with school district involvement. However, there are some parents who choose to handle matters as they deem appropriate, even go so far as to stalk and harass the teacher or counselor involved. If you are considering a profession in the educational field, be certain you understand these risks and are familiar with the appropriate safety and legal processes to protect you and your family from such activity.
