Columbus, Ohio – A new Ohio State University study reveals that administrative support from school principals can lessen teacher stress, but it is not enough to keep educators from quitting when they face violence from students.

Key Findings

The researchers examined national survey responses from 5,550 pre‑K through 12th‑grade teachers collected during the 2020‑21 school year. They discovered that 44% of teachers reported some form of student victimization, while a staggering 80% experienced verbal or threatening aggression.

Principal support was shown to make teachers feel safer and more comfortable discussing discipline issues. However, high levels of student violence weakened those protective effects, indicating that support must be paired with broader safety strategies.

Voices from the Study

Andrew Perry, senior lecturer in educational studies at Ohio State and lead researcher, said administrative support is “necessary, but not sufficient” when teachers endure repeated victimization. He emphasized that prevention‑based approaches that build respect, safety, and a positive school climate are more effective than relying solely on security measures or zero‑tolerance policies.

Impact on Elementary Schools

Elementary teachers reported higher rates of victimization than their secondary‑school peers. The study suggests younger students may struggle more with behavior regulation, leading to incidents such as hitting, biting, throwing objects, or screaming.

Recommendations for Retention

To retain teachers, the researchers recommend a comprehensive approach that includes:

• Strong principal and administrative backing
• Active involvement from parents and the broader community
• Clear, consistent discipline policies
• Comprehensive violence‑prevention programs that focus on building a respectful school climate

When experienced teachers leave, schools lose veteran educators, incur higher replacement costs, and often replace them with less‑experienced staff, which can further erode instructional quality.

Looking Ahead

The study underscores the need for Ohio’s education leaders to move beyond reactive security measures and invest in proactive, community‑wide strategies that protect teachers and foster safe learning environments for all students.

Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.