We live in a country that makes up 5% of the world’s population, but is home to 28% of the world’s lawyers (there is a myth being circulated on the internet that the U.S. has over 70% of the world’s lawyers…that is not true). What IS true is that for every 265 Americans, there is a lawyer. With this in mind, it is important to make sure that we do not do anything to encourage people to sue us. Here are some helpful hints for new teachers (or any teacher, for that matter) to avoid litigation:
1. Special Education accommodations are the law
2. Also the law…504 Plans!
3. Supervision
4. You are a “Mandated Reporter”
5. Learn how to break up a fight
6. Don’t be a “hugger”
7. Do not use the student’s bathroom for any reason
8. Don’t forget about FERPA
9. Watch your searches
10. Confiscations