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June 15, 2022, 5:04 p.m.

‘Teachers are not okay' after school shootings

Summary

Teachers from around the country told our team of producers they have long been frustrated with the larger public response to shootings and school safety and many have been particularly angry about the way this has long played out in Washington and state capitals. Tragically, the shooting in Uvalde reinforced and exacerbated many of these concerns. Here's what some of them had to say. For a transcript of the story, click here .

Five Facts

  • Who is Trina Moore, and how does she feel about teaching today?
  • What are some common attitudes held by the teachers interviewed for this story towards school shooting drills?
  • Where (as in which school) does teacher Sarah Lerner teach? Why is that significant?
  • Why does teacher Tim Smyth mention that he would “retire from teaching”?
  • How do teachers want to be treated in the wake of school shootings? What policies do they want?

Focus Questions

While school shooting drills aim to help teachers and students be prepared in the case of a mass shooter, many teachers oppose them because of the trauma these drills can inflict on students. What is your opinion on shooting drills, and do you think they should continue? Why or why not? Media literacy: Do you think there were any voices not represented in these interviews that should have been to help understand the perspective of school staff?

For More

What students can do Learning about and even experiencing gun violence in school settings can be extremely stressful for students. If you are experiencing feelings of traumatic stress, anxiety or anger, it can be best to reach out to your school counselor or other trusted adults. The American School Counselor Association has a list of resources here . What the nation's largest teachers union thinks about gun violence in schools

Evelyn Chi, a rising sophomore at Amherst College, wrote today’s Daily News Lesson with editing by Luke Gerwe.

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