When your children come home from school and say that they are upset by the way they were treated by a teacher, it is likely that you will be unsure of how to react. Usually we trust teachers because they have authority over our children, and they have the responsibility to act with care and compassion, while giving out discipline when necessary. As a parent, it is important that you understand where the law stands when it comes to the behavior of school teachers in Missouri.
Different states have slightly differing rules when it comes to what type of behavior is permissible for teachers. In the state of Missouri, teachers may face suspension for neglecting their duty to teach and supervise their pupils.
They can also be suspended or dismissed because of drunkenness, acting with cruelty or immorality. Acting with cruel intent or immorality is quite subjective, since not everyone agrees on what type of behavior is cruel or immoral. Ultimately, the courts have the final say on whether the teacher’s behavior meets the definition. However, there are many standards and codes of conduct that teachers should adhere to at all times.
School disciplinary policies
If your children believe that they are being bullied, abused or that they have been discriminated against by a teacher, it is important that you listen to their story in full. If you are unsure if the behavior that they described would be considered unacceptable, it is a good idea to first look into the discipline policies of the school that your child attends. This will outline the general procedure that occurs when a child has broken the code of conduct. If your child has been treated in a way that does not conform to general procedure, it may be time to take action.
Bullying and discrimination
Bullying does not just happen from student to student. Teachers can be guilty, too. If the issue is a recurring one, your child may want to keep a log of each event so that it can be presented to the courts as evidence.
If you believe that your children are being bullied by a teacher in Missouri, it is important to take action in order to protect them and other children.
