ABSTRACT
The data in this chapter shows what Columbine survivors who are teachers think schools should do to prepare for active shooters and what teachers should be taught to prevent school shootings. Participants identified three spheres of influence: what they do in their classrooms, what they want their school to do, and what they wish the United States would do. In their classrooms, many participants shared how the trauma of surviving a school shooting affects how they set up their own classrooms and how these safety practices are appropriate for all US teachers. The following themes emerged about safety in their schools: safety features, lockdown drills are “sad but necessary,” limitations of law enforcement, “luck where you are,” arming teachers is laughable and dangerous, and take our advice we know what we’re talking about. Some participants addressed national-level policy changes and gun reform. The best practices suggested by participants for teachers continue to be mandatory reporting and awareness of mental health concerns, the same as in 1999. While this chapter presents suggestions for best practices for school safety regarding school shootings, the question remains: how much can teachers do if national policies are not enacted for gun reform?
