Student Cited for Punching Teacher in the Face

An elementary school student was given a juvenile citation by Edmond police for allegedly punching and kicking his teacher.

Police were called to Orvis Risner Elementary School last Monday, when the teacher decided to press charges. According to a police report, the teacher was trying to get the student to move down on a gym bench. When he did not, the teacher reportedly placed her hand on the boy's shoulder. The boy then kicked the teacher in the leg and punched her three times in the face, the police report says.

Incidents like this happen often, Clifton Ogle, the president of the state's chapter of the the American Federation of Teachers said. But, Ogle said these events often go unreported to police.

"I have seen teachers get knocked out, I have seen teachers get injured, I got injured once," Ogle said.

He said teachers get no training on how to deal with these situations, though training is needed.

"I have never yet had a self defense course. We've had discussions about it.  We've had people come in and say they would like to train us about it, but the school boards by and large would not accept it, neither would the principals," he said.

When fights do happen, Ogle said most districts do not allow teachers to touch students even if they are trying to stop a physical fight.

But he advises teachers to treat students with respect to curb fighting.

"If you're respectful with them and treat them fairly, a lot of times you can avoid a great deal of violence."

He said following the Orvis Reisner teacher's lead will also help because the stiff consequences will make students think twice about acting out.

Edmond Public Schools would not comment on the subject of teachers defense, but did release this statement:

"Edmond Public Schools takes this incident very seriously and disciplinary consequences for this kind of behavior are swift and significant within the constraints of the law. While federal and state privacy laws prevent the district from sharing what specific disciplinary measures are being taken in this situation, action may include in-school placement options or out-of-school suspension."Student Cited for Punching Teacher in the Face

Posted: Tuesday, November 27 2012, 09:44 PM CST