A Federal Way teacher was hurt on the job when a student jumped on her back.
An Auburn teacher was forced to regularly evacuate her elementary school classroom because of a student acting out and throwing scissors.
A Renton teacher was brutally beaten and sent to the hospital.
These are just a few cases KIRO 7 uncovered of teachers overwhelmed – or even under attack in the classroom.
“It’s not a safe environment,” said the Federal Way special education teacher. She was injured so severely in the classroom that she’s been on worker’s comp for more than a year.
“The mental health needs of our kiddos far exceed the supports that we are given in any school district,” said Cathy DeJong, a teacher in the Auburn school district.
Both teachers say the lack of support means teachers and students end up in stressful, unsafe situations.
They say it also creates an environment where kids cannot learn in class.
Now, KIRO 7 is taking the concerns of these teachers straight to Washington State lawmakers as the new legislative session kicks off on January 13.