Description

In early 2003, I was a supervisor for pre-service
teachers. During a visit, I noticed a child's letter-
writing practice asking the then-President Bush to
avenge 9/11 (2001). I asked if the teacher had
noticed what the child wrote and she responded by
telling me she hadnt even looked at them, it was
just practice. I grew up exposed to gang violence, I
taught Kindergarten knowing some of my students
witnessed domestic violence; I know violence affects
children and their healthy development. I wanted to
know how other teachers responded to the types of
violence they believe their students experience. The
only way to know is to ask. This is the culmination
of surveys, interviews and focus groups with pre,-
first year, and veteran classroom teachers from very
different elementary schools. I learned that
responses vary. Violence is an epidemic sickening
children all over the world. I hope this book will
add to or begin the conversation that will result in
how we treat children around the world. They are
more than, "the future." Children are the barometer
by which we measure our goodness. We need to do
better.