Assaulted

Assaulted takes the reader into a multi-layered set of problems that exists in public and private schools in America. Teachers are being physically assaulted by students and parents, producing lasting, or even career-ending injuries. Violence in schools today has become bullying on steroids, and students are becoming viral sensations amongst their peers. This book details physical and sexual assaults, and verbal and emotional abuses that occur toward teachers, both in person and Online. It contains personal stories, teacher interviews, and national survey data, as it offers reasons why assaults are occurring more frequently today. But the book does not stop there. College professors and their relationships with students also come under scrutiny. The author also challenges the practice of mainstreaming special needs and special education students, social justice and various identity movements, and the impacts these programs have upon classrooms and schools. The reader will realize students have more rights and protections than teachers. However, teachers are standing for themselves. In some cases teachers physically defend themselves, risking their careers. What are the causes of this increase of violence in schools, and what needs to be done? Assaulted provides serious answers to questions unaddressed by many school districts in America.

As a career teacher, I am wondering what is happening in our schools today that we are seeing such an increase in assaults on our campuses. Why is it happening, and what are some answers to this now common-place phenomenon that is plaguing our education system on an almost daily basis? Answers to these questions, and more, can be found in Assaulted: Violence in Schools and what Needs to be Done. This amazingly insightful, and fact filled book, is but another in the line of thought- provoking publications by Dr. Ernest Zarra. From assaults on teachers by students, to assaults on students by teachers, this book covers the topics that pertain to these complicated issues in ways that will educate readers on the changes and pitfalls that leave educators, districts, and communities alike struggling to find the answers to this ever-increasing violence. As an educator for more than 20 years, I can tell you that the pains, frustrations, and issues referenced in this book are real and ever-present in our schools and educational systems today. My hope is that many others will read this book and heed the words that are written within. I also encourage teachers to understand that the time for action is now. Continuing to sweep these issues under the rug is not an option. Our teachers and students deserve our attention and protection, as Dr. Ernest Zarra most emphatically points out., I write this endorsement as a public school teacher for over 23 years, and also as someone who has endured the victimization of assault by students.  Finally, we have a book that sheds light on the hidden violence that occurs in public schools—the likes of which often goes unreported to the public.  In reading the personal stories of teachers’ accounts in Assaulted: Violence in Schools and What Needs to be Done, I felt understood and that I am not the only teacher in the profession that has gone through these ordeals. Dr. Ernest Zarra has brilliantly captured what is happening in today’s schools and shows that school violence is a serious nationwide problem that needs to be addressed.  He also looks to possible solutions to these problems of assaults in schools. I am glad Dr. Zarra has written a book to expose these all-too-commonplace incidents and I encourage everyone in education to take the matters in this book very seriously.

Dr. Ernest J. Zarra, III is a lifelong educator. Ernie has authored eight books and over a dozen journal articles, served as a district professional development leader, and has presented as keynote speaker for various educational, civic, and church gatherings. To learn more please check out drerniezarra.com​.