I was teaching high school when the tragic events at Columbine High School unfolded. During a break between classes, a student rushed into my room and switched on the television. As more students filtered in, we were all glued to the screen, shocked and horrified by the images of kids fleeing the school, some covered in the blood of their peers. We listened intently as news anchors struggled to provide details about the chaos—how many shooters were involved, how many lives were lost, and whether the threat had finally subsided.
In that moment, I can’t recall what I said to my students. We were all overwhelmed with grief, but at that time, the idea of such a horrific event happening regularly seemed unfathomable; our primary emotion was sorrow, not fear. Little did we know that this would mark the beginning of an era filled with recurring tragedies, routine lockdown drills, and the unimaginable reality of young children falling victim to gun violence in schools.
Later, I watched as families and educators shared their experiences with President Smith during a listening session. Their heartbreaking stories resonated deeply with me. However, my disbelief grew as I heard suggestions, including those from the president himself, advocating for the arming of teachers in schools.
This notion is not new, but hearing it proposed by someone in a position of significant power was jarring. A classroom full of children is not a place for firearms—ever. Teachers are not military personnel or law enforcement, and it is unreasonable to expect them to take on such a role. Even if some educators express a desire to carry weapons, there are numerous compelling reasons why this would be a disastrous idea.
The primary responsibility of a teacher is to educate and guide students. They should be focused on teaching, not on the possibility of engaging in a firefight. Unlike military or police officers, who are trained to respond swiftly to threats, the expectation that a teacher could transition from explaining algebra to confronting an armed assailant is absurd.
Consider the reality of a crisis. If an active shooter were to enter a school, law enforcement would respond, but they would have time to mentally prepare during their journey to the scene. In contrast, a teacher would have mere seconds to react, shifting from a lesson on geometry to a life-or-death situation. The idea that any civilian—no matter how much training they’ve received—could accurately assess and respond to such a chaotic scenario is simply unrealistic.
Moreover, the arrival of law enforcement during an active shooter situation complicates matters further. When officers rush in, they must quickly determine who the threat is. If a teacher is engaged in defending their classroom, this creates confusion and could lead to tragic misidentifications.
Some argue that the mere presence of armed teachers could deter potential shooters. However, many of these attackers are on suicide missions; they do not intend to escape. The presence of armed guards did not prevent the shootings at Columbine, nor did it stop the tragedy at Parkland, Florida.
Additionally, the risks associated with having a loaded weapon in a classroom are significant. I’m 5’5” and weigh 125 pounds. It wouldn’t take much for a group of high school students to overpower me and seize a firearm. The idea that students would remain unaware of which teachers are armed is naive; children are perceptive, and as a parent, I would demand to know if my child was in a class with a gun.
Furthermore, I’ve seen educators lose their temper. Though most can maintain their composure, it’s vital to consider those who may not. The question of temperament must be addressed in this discussion.
Conclusion
In conclusion, increasing the presence of firearms in schools is not the solution. Arming teachers will not solve the problem. We have alternative paths to explore, including stricter gun control measures and programs designed to support at-risk youth. For the safety of our children, we must keep all firearms out of classrooms.
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Summary
Arming teachers in response to school shootings is a misguided and dangerous proposition. Educators should focus on teaching, not preparing for potential violence. The complexities and risks associated with introducing firearms into educational environments far outweigh any perceived benefits. Safer alternatives exist, and we must prioritize the well-being of our children by keeping guns out of schools.
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