by Frances Rosales
Our schools are the bedrock of our communities, serving not only as centers of education but also as places of refuge and safety for our children. In an era of heightened concerns about school safety, it is essential that we leave no stone unturned in ensuring our schools are secure environments. One critical aspect of this is the requirement for substitute teachers to be adequately trained on lockdown procedures and safety protocols. It’s a seemingly small detail, but it plays a pivotal role in keeping our schools safe and our students protected.
As a School Board member in Rutherford County in Tennessee who also serves as a substitute teacher, my recent personal experience at a school in a different public school system where an unplanned lockdown procedure occurred has underscored the urgent need for comprehensive training on lockdown procedures and safety protocols for substitute teachers for Tennessee to mandate it. In the wake of the Covenant School shooting, it became imperative to mandate such a requirement when one of the victims tragically turned out to be a substitute teacher.
As we look at the rising number of emergency situations in schools across the country, including threats and violence the need for well-prepared substitutes becomes glaringly evident. These educators, often new to the school, might be unfamiliar with the institution’s security protocols and plans. In such circumstances, an unprepared substitute teacher can mean the difference between chaos and a well-executed safety response.
Safety procedures are more than just drills; they are lifelines in times of crisis. It’s not just about having a written policy; it’s about knowing what to do when a real threat arises. This is where the importance of training substitutes on safety and lockdown procedures becomes undeniable. This is why Tennessee State lawmakers are being called upon to create a law mandating substitute teachers to be required to undergo training on safety procedures and protocols.
First and foremost, a well-trained substitute teacher can help to maintain order and calm during a lockdown situation or even in the wake of an imminent school shooting. Their knowledge of the procedures and response, including how to secure classrooms, communicate with students, and follow the guidance of school administrators, is invaluable. With a substitute teacher who knows what to do, students are less likely to panic, and the potential for injuries is reduced. From my perspective, it was a terrifying moment when I had to make rapid decisions about how to proceed and ensure the safety of the children because they were my top priority.
I cannot fathom that a substitute teacher, entering a school building with the responsibility of safeguarding the children, is not provided with the essential tools and knowledge on how to protect them during a school shooting. The presence of a prepared substitute teacher ensures that students remain under constant supervision. In a lockdown scenario or in the wake of a school shooting teachers, substitute teachers, custodians, educational assistances, support staff, and administrators can be trained to respond effectively because every moment counts. The substitute teacher, when trained properly, can act as an additional pair of eyes and ears, helping to report any unusual or suspicious activities. In doing so, they play an active role in protecting the well-being of our children.
It’s not just about preparing for the worst-case scenario, though. By providing substitute teachers with safety training, school districts are sending a strong message that safety is a top priority. This communicates to students, parents, and the community that the school district is dedicated to creating a secure environment. This reassurance can be a psychological bulwark against fear and anxiety, instilling confidence in the school district’s ability to handle emergencies.
Of course, challenges may emerge in implementing such a requirement. Training all substitute teachers, often on short notice, might be logistically complicated and incur significant expenses. However, these challenges should not deter us from the commitment to safety. Providing online or in-person training modules, creating a comprehensive manual, and conducting periodic refresher courses can help overcome these logistical hurdles and monetary expenses.
The requirement for substitute teachers to be trained on safety protocols is not just a law; it’s a testament to our dedication to safeguarding our children and securing our schools in Tennessee. It acknowledges the reality that substitutes, even if temporarily, are entrusted with the safety and well-being of our students. In a world where school safety is an ever-pressing concern, ensuring that every adult in a school is prepared to protect our students during a crisis is not merely a choice; it is an ethical obligation.
In the end, school safety is a collective effort. Every adult, from teachers to substitutes, from administrators to staff members, plays a role in ensuring the security of our schools. Requiring substitute teachers to be trained on safety procedures and measure is a critical step toward making our schools not just centers of learning, but also fortresses of protection, ready to shield our most precious assets — our children.
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Frances Rosales is a dedicated School Board Member for Rutherford County Schools in Zone 7, mother, and wife, driven by a fervent passion for education’s transformative power, regardless of a child’s socioeconomic background. Her tireless efforts reflect a deep commitment to ensuring equal learning opportunities for all, making a positive impact on students, families, and the community.
Photo “Students Raising Their Hand to Answer the Teacher’s Question in a Classroom” by Arthur Krijgsman.
