Debunking the Myth and Empowering Educators: Why Arming Teachers Enhances School Safety.

I wish to clarify that although I am employed by the public school system, this blog does not aim to criticize, undermine, or suggest any deficiencies in the school where I work. Rather, its purpose is to provide assistance to other schools, administrators, or staff members who may be uncertain about where to begin in addressing emergency situations. Having worked in numerous rural schools, I've observed a common lack of knowledge regarding available resources or protocols for handling threats or emergencies within their facilities. This blog aims to serve as a starting point for such individuals, offering guidance and resources to enhance safety and preparedness.

In the wake of tragic school shootings that have shaken communities and ignited debates nationwide, the issue of school safety has never been more urgent. Parents, educators, and policy makers are grappling with how best to protect students and staff form the unthinkable. One proposed solution that has garnered considerable attention is arming teachers with firearms and providing them with the training necessary to defend against potential threats if they wish to take on this responsibility. While this approach may spark controversy, it holds promise as a proactive measure to fortify our schools and deter violence. At Goldbar Defense we have heard some concerns about arming teachers like: Training is complex and hard, increased risk of accidents, unpredictable situations, and an impact on the learning environment. While these concerns are justified, here’s why I believe arming teachers is a crucial component of comprehensive school safety strategies:

1.      Immediate Response to Threats: In the critical moments during an active shooter situation, every second counts. Law enforcement response times are usually 4 minutes before they are on the scene and have an entry plan to enter the school building. This leaves students and staff vulnerable to harm in the interim. By arming and properly training teachers who want to take on the responsibility of carry a firearm, we empower them to respond swiftly and decisively to threats, potentially neutralizing the danger before it escalates. Trained teachers can serve as the first line of defense, providing an immediate and effective reason to protect their students and colleagues.

2.      Deterrence Against Potential Attacks: The mere presence of potentially armed personnel can serve as a powerful deterrent against potential attackers. Knowing that teachers and staff could be armed and are prepared to defend their students sends a clear message that our schools are not soft targets. Potential perpetrators will think twice before attempting an attack, knowing that they will encounter resistance and face the risk of being stopped before they can inflict any harm.

3.      Maximizing Resources for School Security: While investing in additional security personnel, surveillance systems, and physical barriers is essential, these measures can be costly and may not be feasible for all schools. By arming teachers, we leverage existing resources and personnel, maximizing the effectiveness of our school security efforts without placing an undie burden on already strained budgets. Teachers are already deploy invested in the safety and well-being of their students, making them ideal candidates to take on this critical role. Think about this: 

 During lockdown drills, students must also be taught to do more than simply huddle on one side of the classroom. Instead, they must be taught to fight back, and aggressively, if a shooter enters the classroom.

During lockdown drills, schools must implement (or teachers can improvise) counterattack plans by instructing students to pick up any object and hold it back in a “thrower’s stance” in preparation for an attacker making entry. For younger kids, the object might be a book, stapler, their shoes or a glue stick. Older students should be taught to pick up chairs or other heavier objects. Any object thrown at an attacker will break his momentum, which may cause him to back out of the classroom.

If you are a teacher and your school has not yet implemented an armed educator program, you’ll need to include a baseball bat or other incapacitating tool in your classroom. If a shooter enters your classroom, you not only have the legal right but the moral obligation to use deadly force to stop him. Huddling with your kids on one side of the classroom, whispering to them, “Everything is going to be okay,” is not living up to that obligation.

4.      Fostering a Culture of Preparedness: Arming teachers with firearms goes beyond providing them with a means of defense; it instills a culture of preparedness and vigilance throughout the school community. Through comprehensive training and ongoing drills, teachers develop the skills and mindset necessary to respond effectively to emergencies. This proactive approach to school safety empowers educators to take an active role in protecting their students and creates a sense of confidence and reassurance among students, staff, and parents.

5.      Protecting Vulnerable Populations: In addition to protecting students and staff from external threats, arming teachers can provide a means of defense for vulnerable populations within the school community. Students with disabilities, for example, may face unique challenges during emergency situations and may require additional support and protection trained teachers can ensure that all students, regardless of ability, have access to the protection they need to stay safe.

6.      Respecting Second Amendment Rights: The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees the right to keep and bear arms. Arming teachers upholds this constitutional right while also serving a vital public interest-protecting the lives of students and staff, by empowering teachers to exercise their Second Amendment rights responsibly, we strike a balance between individual freedoms and collective safety, ensuring that our schools remain havens of learning and security.

In conclusion, arming teachers with firearms is a proactive and pragmatic approach to enhancing school safety and deterring violence. By providing teachers with the training, support, and resources necessary to defend against potential threats, we create a more resilient and secure leaning environment for all. While the approach may not be without challenges and considerations, its potential to save lives and prevent tragedies makes it a crucial component of comprehensive school safety strategies. Remember just because these killers are using firearms as an offensive tool, does not mean that you should be dissuaded from considering a firearm as a defensive tool.

Remember when seconds count and help is minutes away you are your own first responder.

Stay safe my friends.

Bart Goldbar

Goldbar Defense LLC