10 Reasons Why Teachers Need De-escalation Training

When teachers use de-escalation techniques, a more positive learning environment is just one benefit. Read on to learn about all of de-escalation’s advantages.

Published: December 4, 2024Author: Robin Hattersley

10 Reasons Why Teachers Need De-escalation Training, school safety, teacher training, workplace violence, classroom management

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As a senior instructor for the National De-escalation Training Center, I train law enforcement officers how to de-escalate situations that have the potential to turn violent. A couple of weeks ago I was in Michigan, and one of the students in the class was a school resource officer (SRO). During a break, he explained how the course would help him work with students and parents. He also said the course would greatly help teachers too. I could not agree more.

1. Improved Classroom Environment

Reduced Conflict: De-escalation training helps teachers prevent or minimize confrontations by recognizing early signs of agitation and addressing issues calmly and effectively before they escalate.
Safer Learning Atmosphere: When students feel safe and respected, they are more likely to engage positively in the classroom. De-escalation promotes an environment where emotional regulation is encouraged, benefiting everyone in the classroom.
Increased Focus on Learning: With fewer disruptions and conflicts, more time is available for teaching and learning. Students can focus better on their lessons, and teachers can concentrate on educational goals.

2. Improved Teacher-Student Relationships

Trust Building: When teachers respond to challenging behavior with empathy and calmness, students are more likely to trust them and feel understood, which can reduce resentment or defensiveness.
Emotional Support: Students often act out due to underlying emotional issues (e.g., stress, trauma, or frustration). De-escalation training equips teachers to recognize and address these issues, fostering a supportive environment.
Positive Role Modeling: Teachers who model de-escalation techniques demonstrate emotional intelligence, which can influence students to adopt similar behaviors in their own interactions with peers and adults.

3. Enhancing Emotional Regulation

Teacher Resilience: De-escalation training helps teachers remain calm under pressure, which can prevent burnout and emotional exhaustion. Managing tense situations without escalating stress levels improves overall job satisfaction.
Reduced Teacher Stress: Teachers who know how to manage challenging behaviors in a constructive way are less likely to feel overwhelmed or discouraged by disruptions.
Empowerment: Teachers who are equipped with practical tools for de-escalation are more confident in handling difficult situations. This sense of control can reduce feelings of helplessness.

4. Prevention of Escalating Behavior

Early Intervention: De-escalation training helps teachers identify warning signs of potential aggression or withdrawal in students and intervene before a situation gets out of hand.
Proactive Strategies: Teachers learn not only to respond to crises but also to implement preventive measures, such as setting clear expectations, using positive reinforcement, and creating structured routines that reduce stressors.

5. Better Communication Skills

Active Listening: De-escalation techniques often involve listening attentively to students’ concerns, which can defuse anger and show the student that they are valued.
Effective Conflict Resolution: Teachers learn to facilitate respectful conversations that help students work through misunderstandings and conflicts constructively, rather than through aggression or avoidance.
Non-verbal Communication: De-escalation training often emphasizes the role of body language, tone of voice, and other non-verbal cues in diffusing tension, which can improve overall communication in the classroom.

6. Reduction in Disciplinary Issues

Fewer Suspensions and Referrals: When teachers are trained in de-escalation, they are more likely to handle challenging behaviors effectively without resorting to punitive measures like suspensions or office referrals, which can have long-term negative impacts on students.
More Inclusive Discipline: Teachers can address behavioral issues in ways that are less stigmatizing and more focused on restorative practices, fostering greater inclusion and fairness in the classroom.

7. Support for Diverse Student Populations

Cultural Sensitivity: De-escalation training can include strategies for recognizing and addressing cultural differences, helping teachers work more effectively with students from diverse backgrounds.
Trauma-Informed Approaches: Many students face trauma or emotional distress, and de-escalation training often includes trauma-informed practices that help teachers understand how trauma can affect behavior, enabling them to respond with greater empathy and understanding.

8. Positive Impact on School Climate

Fostering Collaboration: De-escalation training can promote a collaborative approach to problem-solving, involving not just the teacher but also the student, parents, and school support staff when necessary.
Improved Relationships Across the School: As teachers learn to manage conflict calmly and respectfully, this can have a ripple effect throughout the school, leading to more positive interactions between staff, students, and families.

9. Long-Term Benefits for Students

Development of Social-Emotional Skills: By observing and participating in a de-escalation process, students can learn essential life skills, such as emotional regulation, empathy, and conflict resolution, which are valuable beyond the classroom.
Reduced Risk of Violence: When students see that their emotions and concerns are addressed in a non-confrontational manner, they may be less likely to resort to violent or disruptive behaviors.

10. Support for School-Wide Initiatives

Aligns with Restorative Practices: De-escalation training complements restorative justice or restorative practices initiatives by promoting understanding, repair of harm, and community building instead of punitive actions.
Consistency Across the School: When all educators and staff members are trained in de-escalation, students experience consistent responses to behavior, which reinforces expectations and reduces confusion or mixed messages.

Training teachers in de-escalation techniques is an investment in the well-being of both educators and students. It helps to create a positive, supportive, and safe learning environment where conflict is addressed constructively, relationships are strengthened, and learning thrives. Ultimately, it contributes to better outcomes for students, teachers, and the entire school community.

Gary L Sigrist Jr. is CEO and president of Safeguard Risk Solutions and a senior instructor for the National De-escalation Training Center. A nationally known speaker, consultant, author, and expert on emergency preparedness, Gary has more than 35 years of experience as a K-12 and higher education faculty member, school administrator, and law enforcement officer.

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