You are right, you do need to address recoil but I liked to teach beginners safety and basics first then I would transition to either a 38 special or 9mm depending on the students preference. It is easier to control new shooters with a .22 than something that can jump out of their hands. ( and yes, I have seen this happen ).
I control the jump out of the hands safety issue by having them load only 1 round. No chance for another shot going off.
But I never had that issue. I have them stand close to my left side and I fire the pistol. This kind of indoctrinates them to the muzzle flash/recoil without the fear of holding the pistol.
Works fine for me and those it worked for