“Disruptive Behavior Keeps Teachers from Teaching”

Lt. Governor candidate responds to findings in DSEA’s teacher survey

 

WILMINGTON, Del.– Republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor Ruth Briggs King today addressed the recently released findings from the Emma White Research survey of unionized state teachers in Delaware sponsored by the Delaware State Education Association (DSEA), the union representing Delaware’s public school teachers from pre-kindergarten through grade 12.

 

“This survey amplifies the tremendous dissatisfaction teachers are experiencing with the level of student outbursts and outright violence in our public school classrooms,” said Briggs King. “And the lack of support from school and district administrators, state resources and parents are now completely out in the open.”

 

The teacher survey shows that 75 percent of DSEA members who responded said they’ve experienced verbal outbursts by students that disrupted learning, while 40 percent of respondents say they’ve evacuated classrooms due to unsafe student behavior. Another 58 percent say they’ve experienced students damaging property, and 20 percent have been physically hurt by a student. In addition to having a severe teacher shortage, nearly 60 percent of educators in Delaware are considering early retirement or a career change primarily due to student behavior challenges.

 

“If these results are a revelation for DSEA leadership, it shows how out of touch they are with the conditions in many of our classrooms, said Briggs King. “I talked with teachers all across Delaware prior to leaving the State Legislature and, more currently, after announcing my candidacy, and I learned that disruption in the classroom has been an under-addressed issue for years. Today, class disruption and violent behavior in their classrooms are the first things they discuss with me.”

 

“I find it hard to believe that the DSEA is only just now becoming aware of these educators’ concerns,” said Briggs King. “Teachers need to be able to teach and students need to be able to learn without these disruptions and physical threats. As lieutenant governor, and as a parent, grandparent and former educator myself, I will address all of the issues that our teachers are dealing with from a very informed perspective. raised in the survey.”

 

Briggs King said that she brought up these concerns to DSEA leadership in July 2024. Regardless of DSEA’s choice to endorse her political opponent, Briggs King posted her education priorities for Delaware in August, in which she clearly states her top educational priority is “addressing disruptive behavior and improving school climate.” She also stated at that time that the state government, “… should conduct a statewide school climate survey for parents, students, and staff to gather valuable feedback.”

 

“Perhaps I should feel gratified for being proven correct since the DSEA conducted this member survey in July – after my interview and answers were submitted.” said Briggs King. “But the fact is that the vast majority of our teachers have been talking all along about what’s going on in our schools. They fear for their safety and the safety of other children in our classrooms. This is no cause for anything but shame. Violence, high absenteeism, and all other issues our teachers face have gone on too long. We must take action.”

 

The full text of Ruth Briggs King’s DSEA Responses are a matter of public record. “We have seen a steep decline in student achievement in Delaware that we can’t just wish away,” Briggs King added. “I proactively outlined my agenda for education for all to see and decide for themselves. I encourage my opponent in this election to post her responses to the DSEA questions as well, to allow teachers, parents, administrators, and voters to compare our respective visions for improving education in our state.”