‘Teachers Are Not Okay' After School Shootings
Ask Students: Where does teacher Sarah Lerner teach? Why is that significant? Why does teacher Tim Smyth mention that he would “retire from teaching?"
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.
Discussion Questions
- 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?
Additional Resources
Republished with permission from PBS NewsHour Classroom.
PBS News Hour Classroom helps teachers and students identify the who, what, where and why-it-matters of the major national and international news stories. The site combines the best of News Hour's reliable, trustworthy news program with lesson plans developed specifically for... See More
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