Nova Scotia educators have reported thousands of incidents of physical violence in schools over the past 18 months, according to documents obtained by CTV News.

The unions representing teachers say biting, spitting, punching and kicking are everyday occurrences for teachers, educational assistants and clerical staff in Nova Scotia schools.

“I've heard of teachers and EPAs that have had to wear Kevlar, absolutely,” said Liette Doucet, president of the Nova Scotia Teachers Union.  

The documents obtained by CTV News reveal there have been over 2,300 incidents of physical violence over the past 18 months.

Here are the numbers broken down by school board:

•    Tri-County Regional School Board: 135
•    Straight Regional School Board: 164
•    Annapolis Valley Regional School Board: 164
•    Cape Breton-Victoria School Board: 142
•    Chignecto Central Regional School Board: 444
•    Conseil Scolaire Acadien Provincial: 75
•    Halifax Regional School Board: 1,150
•    South Shore Regional School Board: 95

Those numbers reflect any physical incident reported through a program known as Power School. The Nova Scotia School Code of Conduct defines physical violence as "using force, gesturing or inciting others to use force to injure a member of the school community."

Doucet has first-hand experience, so she said she wasn't shocked to learn of the incidents.

“They should shock me, but they do not,” Doucet said. “I have had students who have been violent in my classroom, who have knocked over bookshelves, have thrown desks, have attacked other students.”

Nova Scotia General Employees Union president Jason MacLean said several things concern him about the figures.

“The numbers are too high,” MacLean said, “and I believe the numbers are higher. There's just a lot not being reported.”

MacLean wants to ensure members are being encouraged to report any situation.  

Nova Scotia Education Minister Zach Churchill was not available for an interview, but the department said the majority of reported incidents involve students from primary to Grade 5. The department also said the work of the council to improve classroom conditions will help identify more support for students and staff when it comes out in March.

But Doucet said that’s not good enough.

“Teachers are facing these issues every day. They're spit on, they're scratched, they're kicked, they're punched. No teacher should have to go to work and be afraid of what's going to happen to them that day,” said Doucet.  

CTV News reached out to every school board for a response to the numbers. Only the Strait Regional School Board responded, saying all of its educational assistants and other staff complete non-violent crisis intervention training every three years.

The board said it also looks for the right support for students involved in any situation.

“Teachers have been asking for help for their students for years now and we are seeing it increase,” Doucet said. “We're not seeing the government step up to provide those supports for students.”

With over 2,300 reported incidents in 18 months, the unions are hoping something more is done.

With files from CTV Atlantic’s Laura Brown.