ABSTRACT
Personnel problems in elementary schools are similar to those in middle schools, junior high schools, and high schools, with one significant difference. Most elementary schools are organized into self-contained classes, where one teacher teaches the students all day, every day, all year. Students at the elementary level may not be aware of their teacher's problems, but the psychological impact may cause problems for them for many years to come. Elementary principals need to address quickly the immediate problem the teacher is having in order to avoid more complex, long-range problems involving students, parents, and community. Cases dealing with parents include accusations of physical abuse by teachers; complaints about teachers' teaching; a request for student placement with a specific teacher; and an alleged sexual assault by a parent. Student-focused cases include issues such as misbehavior on the school bus; classroom discipline problems; school phobia; school adjustment problems; drinking; stealing; and erratic behavior.
