Quick Check-In, Real Connection
Ready-to-use one-on-one check-in questions for every moment of the school year.
5 min
Supporting Teachers Through Challenging Behaviors
A practical guide and printable desk card that gives a clear plan for when they feel unsafe at school.
Alissa Christensen
A practical guide that helps school leaders respond when teachers don't feel safe because of challenging student behavior. It includes a printable desk card so every staff member knows exactly who to call and what to do.
Why try it
Give staff a clear plan before they need it. When teachers know who to contact and how to ask for help, they can act quickly instead of guessing what to do in the moment. Making that plan visible also reminds staff that asking for help is always the right choice, not a last resort.
Instructions
1
Review your plan
Confirm your school's procedures for behavior-related safety concerns: who staff should contact, how to reach them, and what support is available. Use one of the included acronyms, like SAFE, if it fits your school's process. Fill in those specifics before printing.
2
Introduce it to staff
Choose the version that fits your school's procedures and print one for each teacher. Share the card at a staff meeting, preferably at the beginning of the year, semester, or quarter, or during onboarding. Walk through each step together so everyone understands the process before they need it.
3
Invite early communication
Check in with staff regularly and ask directly: is anything happening in your classroom we should know about, and what support would help. Encourage staff to speak up as soon as a situation starts to feel unsafe, not after it escalates.
4
Respond in the moment
When a teacher calls for help, step in right away: remove the student, cover the class, or provide whatever support the situation calls for. Check in with the teacher before the student returns to make sure they feel ready to continue.
5
Follow up
Check back in after support has been provided. Ask how things are going, whether additional help is needed, and if any adjustments should be made moving forward.
Activity variations
Adapt to fit your school's vibe, budget, and setting.
New staff onboarding
Include the card in new teacher onboarding materials so expectations are clear from day one.
Grade-level or department check-in
Review the card during smaller team meetings to give staff a chance to ask specific questions about their own classrooms or spaces.
Go deeper
Additional tips for running this resource.
Leader Tip #1
Keep copies on hand
Store extra cards at the front office so substitute and guest teachers have the same information.
Leader Tip #2
Revisit each quarter or year
Review the card and procedures at the start of every quarter or school year, since contacts and extensions can change.
Built by Educators, for School Leaders
This resource was created in collaboration with passionate educators and school leaders who believe in the power of intentional connection.
Alissa Christensen
Head of Customer Success
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