I wrote this a while back when arming teachers was all over the news. I recently attended a town hall meeting in the community I work. I found that many others feel exactly as I do about arming teachers.
I've been a pretty laid back blogger and do not really talk too much seriousness or controversial topics, however I came across this article in the news and it really just disturbed me and I just felt the need to speak my peace on this topic.
I've been a pretty laid back blogger and do not really talk too much seriousness or controversial topics, however I came across this article in the news and it really just disturbed me and I just felt the need to speak my peace on this topic.
AUSTIN — Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst wants the state to pay to train school officials to carry concealed guns in public schools as an added measure of protection for campuses.
Why are we focusing on wanting to arm our teachers? Do we realize all that comes with arming our teachers? Where do you suggest we store the weapon when it's not in use? Have you thought about the curious child that grabs the weapon at home and now we want to provide this same environment at school?
Lots of funding was cut and schools were forced to do without quite a bit and school districts were forced to do more with less. Yet, we are going to find funding to arm teachers?
Right now teachers are responsible for educating the child, bringing the kids who are below grade level to grade level, counsel children, seek all kinds of ways to ensure success for each child, monitor progress, write lesson plans, provide quality instruction, attend professional development, maintain open communication with parents, get kids to pass their standardized tests and many other tasks on a daily basis. On top of what they are already responsible for making sure is happening, we want to give them a gun too?
Have you been to a government office lately where there is not an armed officer at the entrance? Why can't we look at funding a program where we place armed officers at schools? An armed officer has the experience, the knowledge and the professional training to handle difficult situations. They are also more experienced in identifying tell tale signs of oncoming danger. There presence alone can aid a situation. They have the experience and receive the crucial training that comes with carrying a weapon.
Obviously I'm just in awe that right away the answer was arm our teachers. Really? Let's really take a long hard look at that and open our eyes to the can of worms you are opening up. I can see it in the headlines now "Student gains access to teacher's weapon at Somewhere Elementary" news at 5.
Lots of funding was cut and schools were forced to do without quite a bit and school districts were forced to do more with less. Yet, we are going to find funding to arm teachers?
Right now teachers are responsible for educating the child, bringing the kids who are below grade level to grade level, counsel children, seek all kinds of ways to ensure success for each child, monitor progress, write lesson plans, provide quality instruction, attend professional development, maintain open communication with parents, get kids to pass their standardized tests and many other tasks on a daily basis. On top of what they are already responsible for making sure is happening, we want to give them a gun too?
Have you been to a government office lately where there is not an armed officer at the entrance? Why can't we look at funding a program where we place armed officers at schools? An armed officer has the experience, the knowledge and the professional training to handle difficult situations. They are also more experienced in identifying tell tale signs of oncoming danger. There presence alone can aid a situation. They have the experience and receive the crucial training that comes with carrying a weapon.
Obviously I'm just in awe that right away the answer was arm our teachers. Really? Let's really take a long hard look at that and open our eyes to the can of worms you are opening up. I can see it in the headlines now "Student gains access to teacher's weapon at Somewhere Elementary" news at 5.
