Safety: Trauma Following Mass Shootings
Following coverage of mass shootings across the country, especially in school communities, educators are sharing their concerns and experiences with trauma.
- “We played ‘Is that a car backfiring or gunshots’ during third period today. After a fake shooter alert yesterday. Officially back to school.” —Middle School English Teacher in New Jersey
- “I was doing okay until Friday, when we had the first segment of active shooter training. Involved videos and information with no debriefing planned by admin. After seeing staff visibly upset, counselors insisted.” —Middle School Teacher, N/A
- “We had a lockdown today. An issue outside of the school. I literally couldn’t stop the tears. I broke. When I look back on why I’m no longer a teacher in the future, today will absolutely mark a turning point. Feeling so unsafe all the time is too much.” —High School ELA Teacher in Texas
- “I am so sorry that happened! For what it’s worth, I’ve been a teacher for 31 years and I’ve never felt less safe… in or out of the classroom. Hell, I’m even scared of going grocery shopping.” —Teacher, N/A
- “Yesterday’s school shooting in #Oakland directly impacts students who’ve already experienced high levels of trauma–continuation high school, newcomer school, independent study. These young people are resilient but they shouldn’t have to be.” —Post-Secondary Educator in California