Oklahoma Teacher Suspended For Abuse in the Classroom: Assault Charges Filed

Adults out of control?

Rattan teacher facing assault charges

In Southeastern Oklahoma, a local teacher, Russell Bailey, has had charges filed against him for assaulting a 13 year-old female student in his classroom.

According to court documents, Russell Ray Bailey, 54 of Antlers, grabbed the arm of his student and stated, “Who are you calling old man?” after the 13 year-old female entered the 7th grade classroom and jokingly said, “Hey, old man.”

It’s hard to process because I knew this man back when he was a teenager himself. His family owned a local feed store business, and my ex-husband worked for them loading feed for local ranchers. I knew Russell’s parents and his sister. I can only imagine what they’re feeling as they listen to the news and try to figure out what’s going to happen next.

Meanwhile, Bailey is on paid administrative leave until the situation is resolved. He also served as a reserve police officer with the Rattan Police Department, and is on leave from that position as well.

Teachers today face completely different challenges than did educators even ten years ago. Yes, they face belligerent kids and parents who don’t support classroom decisions. Yes, they deal with bullies and pay that’s not keeping pace with the cost of living.

It’s not difficult to understand the pressures that could contribute to an educator reaching his or her own breaking point. While this does not condone abusive responses in any way, even still, it sheds some light on the ‘why’ of incidents such as this.

Why do some teachers (or adults) react like this?

One recent article addressing the issue says behavior plays a large part in teacher burnout and frustration:

There is an increase in classroom disruptions from student misconduct (56%) rowdiness outside the classroom (49%) and acts of disrespect toward teaching staff (48%).

The article also says that teachers feel they are not being adequately compensated for the increased insecurity and uncertainty they face every single day of work.

Do you think incidents like this are on the rise? What suggestions do you have on what the teacher might have done instead?