The Manitoba Teachers’ Society says violence in public schools has reached overwhelming levels across the province.
Survey shows widespread concern among educators
A new survey conducted by Probe Research between Jan. 22 and Feb. 17, 2026, of more than 3,300 educators found 70 per cent believe violence has increased over the course of their careers, while more than half say it's making it harder to do their jobs.
It also showed that the rising violence is creating growing pressures inside schools, including unmet student needs, reduced access to support, insufficient staffing and resources to maintain safe learning environments.
Teachers point to system pressures and lack of supports
MTS President Lillian Klausen says the findings point to a long-term system failure that cannot be ignored.
"Violence in schools is not appearing out of nowhere," said Klausen. "It is growing in a system that has been pushed past its limits, where funding and staffing haven’t kept pace with student need, and supports have been allowed to erode. In some cases, supports have been completely cut."
The survey found that 70 per cent of educators say violence has increased over their careers, 61 per cent say the severity has increased, 46 per cent say it is a serious problem in schools, and 55 per cent say it makes it difficult to do their jobs.
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Impact extends beyond the classroom
"Students are in the school system for as long as 12 years," said Klausen. "If these behaviours are not properly addressed with the right supports early, they do not disappear, they continue and, in many cases, escalate over time."
Educators also believe that the impact of the violence taking place reaches further than just the classroom. They say students who witness violent incidents are also affected, with learning disrupted and classroom environments becoming less stable and less safe for everyone present.
One survey respondent described multiple serious violent events over their career, including weapons seizures and repeated emergency lockdowns, while others said violence has become so routine that it is simply part of the job.
Teachers say workplace safety is non-negotiable
"Teachers have the right to a safe workplace," said Klausen. "That has to be recognized as a non-negotiable condition of the public education system. At the same time, students have a right to education, but that cannot be meaningfully achieved in environments where safety is consistently compromised. Both require the system to function properly."
She added that current conditions are no longer sustainable.
"Teachers are being asked to manage increasingly complex and dangerous situations without the resources required to do so safely," said Klausen. "That is not sustainable, and it is not acceptable."
The Manitoba Teachers’ Society is calling on the provincial government to take immediate action.
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