A union has revealed that almost two thirds of teachers in a Scottish Council area are considering leaving their jobs due to classroom violence.

Yesterday, The Herald reported that violence and aggression from pupils, and even parents in the Fife Council region was at an “alarming” level.

Figures released by the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) showed that 94% of teachers in Fife have been involved in violent and aggressive incidents in the last four years and 61% have been assaulted in the same time period.

Now, EIS has said that 61%of teachers in the area have considered quitting teaching as result, with 81% reporting that violence and aggression has impacted on their health and wellbeing.

Figures from Fife Council also show that absence amongst teachers has increased with stress and mental health issues being amongst the highest reason for absence. 

Graeme Keir, Fife EIS Publicity Officer, explained:  “These figures are a sad and worrying reflection of the state of many of our schools. Our branch survey published earlier in the year reported an increase in stress, anxiety and depression amongst teachers linked to violence and aggression.  

“We have many vacancies for secondary school teachers, and fewer people wanting to train in key subject areas.

“Our figures released today show the problem may be more serious than we previously understood with teachers leaving the profession at accelerated rates due to a deterioration of some pupil and parent behaviour.  

“We already have some of the highest class sizes in Europe and some of the longest working hours which is making the problems difficult to solve.  

“Because we represent teachers, in this survey, we’ve focussed on the impact the behaviour crisis has had on teachers, but further studies are needed to reveal the full impact of school based violence and aggression on pupils.

“The conditions in our schools must be addressed if we are to have all schools and all classes serving the needs of learners and their communities. No-one can learn in conditions of daily violence and aggression. Teachers are being asked to do the impossible because there are not enough specialist places and specialist staff.” 

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Almost half (48%) of respondents in a survey carried out by the union reported that violent and aggressive incidents were a daily occurrence in their schools. A further 28% reported that there were violent and aggressive incidents every week.  

The union also claims that 65% of state teachers in their schools have already changed jobs due to the behaviour of pupils and parents.

In response to the figures released yesterday, Donald MacLeod, Fife Council's executive director of education, said: “This issue isn’t unique to Fife.  We know that teachers and school communities across Scotland are concerned about violent incidents in schools and it’s something we’re taking very seriously.   

“Any form of violence is unacceptable, and we’re committed to safe working practices and training for our staff. 

"Some of our schools are facing specific challenges and we give targeted support to schools where or when it’s needed.

“Across our schools a huge amount of work is underway to tackle violence and we're working with partners including police, Fife NHS, and the Health and Social Care Partnership.  Together,  we are putting together a number of different programmes, practices and actions in place."

He added: “The safety and wellbeing of all our children and staff in every Fife school is a priority and we will continue to work with all our school communities to make sure our staff and young people have a positive experience at school.”

The EIS represents teachers and associated professionals in all sectors. It is the biggest trade union for teachers in Scotland representing over 80% of teaching professionals.