I taught high school in Arizona for a number of years after graduation from college. There were 4 teenaged gangs at the school that were constantly warring with each other and trying to intimidate teachers and administrators.

Because of my large size and successful manner in dealing with disciplinary problems, I ended up teaching large classes filled with gang members, drug dealers, potential dropouts and borderline psychotics. Over the years I was threatened, intimidated, and challenged both mentally and physically.

My house was defaced, my vehicle's tires were slashed and my family received obscene phone calls at all hours of the day and night. I eventually got burned out from this constant tension and quit my chosen profession to pursue other opportunities.

I have never regretted leaving the teaching profession. The pay was very low, the responsibilities were enormous and (despite the lip service of polititians) today's teachers get very little respect from their communities.

Good luck with your students dianavan. I hope you find a solution to this problem and others that I know will arise. But keep in mind, its a big world out there and the skills you develop as a successful teacher are in demand in the larger work place. If it gets to be too much, find another path.

Best wishes,
Mike