to not want to shake hands with all my students every lesson

[DrSeuss]

New directive from on high at the school where I teach. As of next September, all staff must greet staff at the door (most, including me, do this already) and offer a handshake, fist bump or high five to each child.

I don't really want to and can see so many pitfalls.

1. Some of my students have ASD. Social interaction for them is difficult at the best of times.
2. A couple are survivors of abuse. Touch is a major issue for them.
3. At least a quarter are Muslims. Touch between adults and children past the age of puberty is a major issue. I have no wish to give offence and am more than happy to respect their faith.
4. Bodily autonomy. Why/how do I compel them to shake my hand?
5. quite a few will just see it as another reason to be difficult or play the clown. I expect numerous "near misses" which they will find hilarious even if I refuse to react.
6. DD, aged 15, thinks it's ridiculous. She's fairly average. If she hates it, they probably all will.
7. I know where their hands go and suspect how little they are washed! What am I supposed to do, shake thirty hands then use hand sanitiser in front of them? How will that "foster good relationships"?

As I say, this is for all staff, it is a directive from SLT and I don't see how I can just ignore it. They have form for actively watching to see if such directives are followed. Any ideas appreciated, thanks!

What a waste of lesson time! I would have hated that as a student. Surely a verbal greeting is fine?

Nightmare and just watch the viruses and minor illnesses spread. No idea how you can change it though.

Good grief no.
I have seen this as a gimmick on FB a few times, but there are so many reasons why it is a bad idea.
Can you not speak to colleagues and all agree it is not a wise thing to start ? whilst looking for a school with a more sensible SMT ?

I worked in a primary school where one teacher did this - it was great and really effective and the kids responded well to her. Wasn’t an SLT thing, and I’m sure it’s different for different people, but I think it can have a place in things. ASD/religious views are separate though - can you offer a wave instead? It’s what I do with my 3 year old when she doesn’t want to touch people.

What is wrong with coming in in an orderly fashion, sitting down and then being greeted by the teacher?

Like in the videos from American primary schools that are on facebook (and probably elsewhere)? I think they usually have a non-touching option too. Have a look at the videos again.

I’ve seen several videos like this on social media, usually it’s primary age kids though who I imagine respond to it much better!

I think they should have an option like a wave where no touch is required

Paul Dix is responsible for so much shit in schools at the moment.

Email your HOD and say that as you feel uncomfortable with this breach of your personal boundaries you are sure that many pupils will feel the same way but unable to speak up and it is not appropriate for adults to be imposing this on children. And that you won’t be doing it.

Appropriate in primary schools, where children do it once each day on arrival, and have a choice of greeting including non-contact options.

Utterly ludicrous in a secondary school. The queues of students in the corridors will quickly become a safety issue, quite apart from all the very reasonable points you make OP.

Horrendous.

A nightmare for kids with hypermobility or inflammatory arthritis, never mind staff.

And where is the ability to consent over somebody else touching them?

I wouldn't be doing it - but I do have the protection of a diagnosis that makes handshaking, fist bumps and being slapped across the palm/being struck on it and the shock transmitting up to my elbows the most fucking stupid idea since academies suggested that teachers should teach all day without access to a chair.

Should read, greet pupils at the door, sorry. Never post and cook!

One staff Muslim member already mentioned their issues. Shot down in flames.

I would have hated this as a kid. My dream would be to spend the settling time of every lesson sitting reading in silence. Teacher appears, says good morning, and you begin. Pretty sure a hefty chunk of all students would love this too.

Urgh, fuck that. I would have hated that as a child and a teen, and to be honest as an adult.

There is no need

Breach of personal boundaries, germ spreading, over-familiarity and a complete breakdown of student/teacher relationship. We are not students 'mates' to give them high fives or fist bumps ffs.

Would professionals greet their clients like this in other industries??? "Oh hello Mr. Big, the CEO of this Engineering Company. Would you like a high five, fist bump or should I just shake your hand?"

As an aside, I got my 1st ever wart on my hand at the age of 30...in my first year of teaching...coincidence?

Go to your union rep. You can’t be made to do this.

staff Muslim member already mentioned their issues. Shot down in flames.

Union union union union union

School has spent a fortune on a training package. For those in education, the name brings to mind the episode of Friends where they try to get a sofa upstairs!

Hah, knew it was Paul Dix. Tosser.

School has spent a fortune on a training package.

Can they get a refund?

My daughter's preschool had this, but there were more choices. It was handshake, hug, fist bump, wave, smile, and some sort of animal based greeting that was non-touching (gorilla wiggle? I don't remember).

Noble girafe- so much was spent. We must drink the Kool Aid!

The school has paid for a training package for this? Hmmm....

What a fucking waste of money!

Oh I know what we need to spend our schools stretched budget on, an overpriced and wholly irrelevant training course on how to fist bump with the students. Word!

Fucking idiots. I'm not surprised you're pissed of.