This student should have been removed from your class after the first incident. There is no excuse for the second incident and no excuse for your response to the incident. I doubt if the union can protect you at this point. It should never have gone this far.

I'm a teacher, too. I, too, have been injured by a student but I have never been tempted to strike back. Thats just not what teachers do. Get a grip and start using your brain instead of reacting to violence with violence.

You should still be entitled to Workmans compensation. When that runs out, apply for short term disability, if necessary. Don't go back into the classroom until you can control your anger and/or your fear.

I, too, do not encourage young people to become teachers. Who needs to answer to the government (at three levels); the principal, your staff and the parents. All the while you have to be nice, accomodating and flexible. You can never please everybody no matter how hard you try and the stress is enormous. On the other hand, if it is a calling, you have to become a teacher and you do the best you can.

Good luck and get well.