NEWPORT NEWS -- Last school year, students attacked or threatened more than 700 teachers in Hampton Roads' schools, according to the Va. Dept. of Education.
They use everything from their fists to furniture
A Va. Beach teacher suffered a broken cheekbone when an eight-year-old attacked; in Newport News, a student broke a teacher's ribs.
Lynda Fairman, who no longer teaches in Newport News Public Schools, says two eighth grade girls jumped her.
"Without any warning, they both stood up out of their desks. The one behind me grabbed my belt, held me, used me as shield. I got punched in the stomach, kicked in the back and thrown against the desks," she recalled.
Many teachers say they're afraid to talk about what's happening to them because they fear they'll lose their jobs. But some are speaking out about the danger and abuse they face.
"I asked the student 'where are you going?' and the student just cussed back at me saying 'I can do whatever I want,' said David Shutty.
Tonight beginning on 13News at 5, we'll tell you why schools want to keep attacks reports quiet and which school district has the biggest problem with students going after teachers.
