BLUEPRINT FOR EFFECTIVE SCHOOL SAFETY MEASURES. Part 1
[HOW TO MINIMIZE FATALITIES AND MAYHEM IN SCHOOL SHOOTINGS]
Between the time that a violent intruder enters a school premises and fires the first shot, and when the situation is finally brought under control by law enforcement teams, students’ lives and safety depends to a great extent on the mindset/actions of teachers. Not exactly what they signed up for but that’s the harsh reality at this point in time.
The ability to maintain any semblance of mental stability and function with reasonable amount of control in the midst of automatic gunfire is not easy.
Teachers in schools that came under attack deserve a whole lot of credit for their bravery; summoning up courage in the face of stark danger as they guided students away from gunfire. Some paid the ultimate price, shot to death in their attempt to shield their students from high-powered gunfire.
Until the authorities come up with an effective school protection plan, I strongly suggest that administrators at schools across the USA take the initiative!
Even at the risk of slipping down a rung or two on the rating scale for falling short of City/State-mandated Teachers’ PD hours requirements.
Assign time and resources to get teachers better prepared to respond more efficiently through training.
Administrators should strongly consider making this a “DO NOW”!
Enlist the services of coaches to come in and do district-wide workshops/training in:
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PRACTICAL TEACHER / STAFF-RESPONSE IN A LIVE SHOOTER SITUATION.
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SAFETY MINDSET
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FUNCTIONING (effectively) UNDER HIGH STRESS.
Three or four workshops during the school year should suffice to get this very important training started.
Administrators will have no problems finding qualified coaches, who like myself are versed in the type of training that will put teachers and staff at a greater advantage in the event of their school coming under attack.
Over the next several weeks I will be posting my take on other aspects of the BLUEPRINT FOR EFECTIVE SCHOOL SAFETY MEASURES.
Most of my recommendations and suggestions will be based on my experiences and observations during my twenty years as a teacher in New York.
Twelve years in law enforcement and over forty years as a martial Arts instructor/ Personal Safety coach gave me a unique perspective on the issues of safety especially in the context under discussion.
Thanks for reading. Please share and leave me a comment.
Join me back here next week for part 2.
Teddy Crawford
Right Foot First Initiatives
I’ve spent over a decade in law enforcement, seeing hundreds of crimes and talking directly to criminals about why they target certain victims. And now I’ve dedicated myself to bringing this message to the world, to
stand against the cycle of fear and violence by teaching self-awareness and confidence.