The Elementary Teachers of Toronto is proud to release It’s A Child’s Last Resort—a groundbreaking, arts-based research report documenting educators’ lived experiences with violence in schools. This report centres the voices of teachers and challenges dominant narratives by making one thing clear: violence in our classrooms is not a “student problem”—it is the result of systemic underfunding, unmet needs, and a lack of supports. Through storytelling, visual art, and collective reflection, this report moves us from pain to power—and calls for real, systemic change.
KEY FINDINGS
- Violence is deeply connected to unmet student needs and systemic gaps
- Educators are experiencing physical, emotional, and psychological harm
- Violence includes racism, harassment, and broader social inequities
- Teachers are calling for resources, not punishment
- Schools cannot be safe without proper funding and supports
Over the coming months, ETT will be expanding this work through:
- educator stories and narratives
- audio and video features
- campaign materials and resources
- organizing tools for members
We invite members, families, and the public to engage, reflect, and take action.
