I consider myself to be a traditional thinker, and yet, I still feel exposed on this issue. Commandment VIII raises some very real safety issues in our schools in view of the recent trend toward school violence. None of the most recent school killers had given warning by repeated prior violent overt acts at school. The warning signs were much more subtle. There are some steps teachers can take to protect themselves from legal liabilities.
Liability insurance is available and advisable.
Use of an abundance of caution is advisable. In regard to the other non-dangerous student problems, professionalism in approach will prevent many problems. Do not use labels in talking about students. Do not make any unnecessary comments, verbal or written. In contract matters regarding choices in teaching controversial matters, the best defense is to have thought your actions through thoroughly before you do them.