#Edchat is a hashtag, a movement—it is a weekly organized Twitter discussion of educators and people interested in education that meet virtually from all over the world. #Edchat serves as a conversation thread on Twitter and is also used for organized weekly discussions.
I didn't go to work at a Quaker school b/c I thought violence was a solution to anything. The notion that arming teachers is even a figment of an idea is stomach turning. #edchat
Shooting incidents last a few seconds to a few minutes. You must transition from teacher 2 SWAT member, arrive on scene, assess situation, overcome your nervousness, and take immediate, deadly-force action before blood is shed. Good luck planning that inservice. #edchat
Check out a new special feature from @relnw: “If You Want to Make a Difference, Come Here.” How a high-poverty WA high school recruits & retains teachers by appealing to their "moral purpose," creating support systems & elevating #teacher voice. https://t.co/xFfbtlca3S#edchat
What do you think of this definition?
What would you add/remove?
Leadership is about acting with courage to do the right thing and helping people realise their goals and aspirations
https://t.co/GGcApwxzp7#edchat#leadership
Hello all, my name is Stacey. I'm a pre-service teacher at Converse College in SC. I'm glad to be here discussing this important topic. #edchat#conversechat
Saying this as a parent, who knows this will make schools LESS safe, and as a supporter of teachers—who have so much responsibility in their positions and for our kids already. Also saying this as a human who’d rather not continue living a twisted Dr. Strangelove satire. #edchat
Sometimes kids are right and it’s an act of grand hypocrisy and ignorance not to realise it. They a right to life, just like a foetus. They shouldn’t be punished for protesting threats to their safety. #edchat#ParklandStudentsSpeak#neveragain
Let's goooooooo Missouri! To those of you not let back into school
1. That's a great college essay
2. Your schools will be on the wrong side of history you won't be
https://t.co/1Xr6HfdkTX
Good work @JohnstonHeights leadership students! Leaving work today I noticed that the walls have been flooded with sticky-note compliments for anti-bullying day. #edchat#sd36learn
#edchat There are teachers I would completely trust to CC. The same kind of people I trust with CC every time I go shopping, to a restaurant, out in public, etc.... But I can also think of Ts I would NOT want to bring their firearms onto campus.
You don't want to miss the #gsuiteedu lessons and student-centered strategies in this post!
👊 - Empower Students
🥅 - Student Goal Setting
🧠 - Continuous Learning Mindset
📣 - Stu Voice & Choice
🌏 - Share with the world!
https://t.co/oObRfZOQUv#edchat#k12#googleedu#edtech
Am totally against arming teachers! We went into education to help children not to become armed with guns. Bring in more police and Marshall’s. #edchat
For those suggesting that every T would be trained and forced to carry a gun, please cite the source. That was never a proposal. If we want to be heard and taken seriously, we must address ACTUAL proposals. #edchat
Did you see that "Can you name something a teacher did that still makes you mad?" Twitter Moment?
How about we do this instead?
THREAD - Can you name something positive a teacher did for you or did to help kids?
Share your stories
#edchat#iasdedchat
I wonder: As far as I know congressmen and senators are forbidden to carry guns in congress yet they are willing to discuss gun carrying teachers. #Edchat
Every student is capable of hearing hard truth with appropriate empathy. Every parent must be too. Too many parents put their ego and self image ahead of the needs of their kids. #edchat#parenting#prodigyfuture
Every educator must be willing to have difficult conversations. It’s just part of what we do. What is communicated through your tone and nonverbal cues will determine the success of the conversation as much as what you say. Have a heart of humility and understanding.
I hear a lot of debate on both sides...but won't I don't hear on either side are real immediate practical possibilities. I live in the now as do my students...#edchat
MS history teacher from MO. As statistics demonstrate over time and place, more guns = more accidental gun deaths. Accidents are bound to happen if ~700k guns are introduced to classrooms. #notafan#Edchat
Everyone I have spoken to laughs at how ridiculous this idea is. There are so many factors that come in to play... Must all teachers arm? Where will the gun be stored? Will teachers be trained? What if a teacher does not want to be armed? How does law enforcement respond #edchat
Arming teachers is a diversionary strategy to drain energy around gun control until the Parkland tragedy fades enough for politicians to move on without consequences for doing nothing again. #edchat#ArmMeWith
I wonder: If mass shooters in schools being mentally ill is the real problem, why would they make a reasonable, sane choice not to oppose armed teachers? #Edchat
I truly believe that all the talk of arming teachers is a very effective (apparently) strategy to deflect attention away from the ease of purchasing weapons that are not for protection. #Edchat
I don't like the idea of Ts with CC. That said, when I imagine a live scenario, I also don't like the idea of waiting for the police to arrive and figure out what's what. Especially after this last fiasco. Is there a middle, reasonable solution? #edchat
I wonder: Is this strategy to combat mass shootings in schools by arming teachers just a way to again shift blame to teachers and not the real issue? #Edchat
Arming teachers is a diversionary strategy to drain energy around gun control until the Parkland tragedy fades enough for politicians to move on without consequences for doing nothing again. #edchat#ArmMeWith
When law enforcement arrives, they need to determine which pistolero is the "good guy with a gun." It prevents them from taking quick action--in the best case. #EDchat
The world and #children of the future need free and open flows of information driving innovation, freedom and democracy, not a shady cabal of special interests buying government policies to suit themselves. #netneutrality#edchat#parenting#prodigyfuture
Taking away #NetNeutrality goes far beyond shopping or entertainment — people WHO ARE NOT YOU- will be able to decide where you get your INFORMATION. (Thus, the end of democracy)
If you can explain how you would "do away" with them in a reasonably effective manner and how you would determine which ones fit your description and which do not, I'm all ears. #edchat
I am against arming teachers. Too much potential for the weapon to cause more harm than good, or used for intimidation to stdnts with a casual word. However, agree gun control is only one step & we will not solve this w/o addressing boy culture, mental health, law enf. #edchat
Sadly, there will be no #MinecraftEDU Chat Tonight. But the team hopes that you will join us next week for another awesome discussion around your favourite educational game. If you would like to host, please DM me. Chat usually occurs Tuesday, 8pm EST. #stuvoice#edtech#edchat
Not just no money- no easy answers. There is no drive through 90 sec guarantee to solve these issues and more and more society wants 90 sec solutions #edchat
I think our duty as teachers is to reach out to these troubled students and prevent them from shooting 17 students not to have a gun sling with them #edchat#conversechat
I'm not sure what the reasonable solution here is either but I definitely do not think arming teachers should be our first option. #EDL577UM#UMEdTech#edchat
I am adamantly against arming educators. BUT, I wonder... what hoops would I have to jump through to purchase a firearm, learn to properly use it, and be officially licensed & mentally evaluated to carry? Should/does ANYONE who wants to own one have to do the same? #edchat
Hi #edchat peeps, I don’t feel arming teachers is the way to go, I certainly would not feel comfortable, however I also believe in 2nd amendment & feel that these individuals will find something else (bombs, automobiles, fires, etc) to harm others Your thoughts @ShiftParadigm
Well said. I've also considered the intimidation aspect as potentially serious. This is a multi-faceted problem. And too many people think the only solution is to cure the part that they have no responsibility for. "Culture" is all of us. #edchat
I am against arming teachers. Too much potential for the weapon to cause more harm than good, or used for intimidation to stdnts with a casual word. However, agree gun control is only one step & we will not solve this w/o addressing boy culture, mental health, law enf. #edchat
I live in a red state where the local sheriff announced gun training classes for teachers this weekend. I'd need to resign b/c I will not participate. #Edchat
My greatest reservation, perhaps more than the potential of accidents, is the concept that teachers would’ve expected to psychologically transform into life-takers from life-givers in a moment. #edchat
I’m wondering how effective support for those with mental illness is in my own country (Canada) and in our neighbour’s country (US). ‘Fighting fire with fire’ seems like a potentially devastating solution that won’t work to address the (possible) underlying problem. #edchat
I don't think anyone is suggesting an "obligation." That is a straw-man argument that many are proposing in order to have an easy rebuttal. It makes it hard to determine fact from fiction in this discussion, for sure! #edchat
There is a lot wrong with the idea of any gun in school, not just teachers carrying them. There will be accidental shootings. There will be accidental (on purpose) shootings. #edchat
Some of my teachers say they are worried they couldn’t shoot a student (or former student) who was an active shooter in our school. I’m afraid I could, which is another reason in don’t want to carry. #edchat
Good point, Chris. I’m frustrated by the argument that it’s just about mental health and NOT guns, but addressing mental health concerns WITH guns is unfathomable. #edchat
I’m wondering how effective support for those with mental illness is in my own country (Canada) and in our neighbour’s country (US). ‘Fighting fire with fire’ seems like a potentially devastating solution that won’t work to address the (possible) underlying problem. #edchat
But the real issue here is that students knowing people are carrying guns in their school causes a lot of extra stress. Most people equate guns to violence. Kids will too. #edchat
I don’t think our mass shootings being 10 times more than any other country is because we have 10 times more mentally ill ppl. What else could be different? #Edchat
#edchat As a stats teacher, I wonder where that figure even comes from. And I suspect that, no, there are pockets where it's 80% and other pockets where it's 2%. Much like respectful and proper gun usage.
I think we really need to look at the 2nd amendment. Don’t know if it says everyone carry a “semi automatic etc.” and shoot up the world. #edchat I’m tired of letting Sts. know these are lock down drills and why we need to practice them.
No longer will we be able to justify saying everyone should feel safe at school because no one with any common sense will feel safe with people walking around with loaded guns all the time. #edchat
If someone chooses to be horribly destructive, evil choices and pathways to destruction can (and, too often, will) be found and pursued. Such an incredibly sad reality. #edchat
They would probably try to incorporate continuous training into our Professional Development. Surely, arming teachers is not the right answer for this though. It's just an easy suggestion. #EDL577UM#UMEdTech#edchat
I think stricter gun laws. Make weapons less easy to access. I don't think it will happen, though. ES kids were killed and nothing changed. This "debate" is shifting focus away from actual solutions. #Edchat
Good point, Chris. I’m frustrated by the argument that it’s just about mental health and NOT guns, but addressing mental health concerns WITH guns is unfathomable. #edchat
I’m wondering how effective support for those with mental illness is in my own country (Canada) and in our neighbour’s country (US). ‘Fighting fire with fire’ seems like a potentially devastating solution that won’t work to address the (possible) underlying problem. #edchat
And honestly, the kids who are already having trouble because of violence at home or in their communities will be the ones that struggle the most with it. We will be damaging kids who are already experiencing violence and school will no longer be a safe space for them. #edchat
As we are tonight....focusing on what shouldn't happen rather than what should. Would rather talk about solutions than talk about what not to do....#edchat
There is a lot wrong with the idea of any gun in school, not just teachers carrying them. There will be accidental shootings. There will be accidental (on purpose) shootings. #edchat
That will create even more mental illness issues with our kids, how could it not? Guns are tools of violence, I don't want tools of violence at school. This isn't a hard concept. #edchat
This debate does not shift anyone away from "actual" solutions. It should invite a broader discussion about multi-faceted solutions.....with nothing off the table. #edchat
So much truth. Teachers enter the profession to give. The idea of arming them in the classroom is anathema to who they are and what they do. I’m hoping this conversation is over by next week and forever. #edchat
My greatest reservation, perhaps more than the potential of accidents, is the concept that teachers would’ve expected to psychologically transform into life-takers from life-givers in a moment. #edchat
The rights of many are being taken away, I feel that shouldn’t be the case, I myself, should have that right to carry, if I pass annual proper qualifications, screenings & training #edchat
In the end, public schools will be at best like armed military camps and at worse like prisons. You know what schools will be safe? Private schools will attract students who don't want to be around guns. That will leave the poorest of our kids with a new disadvantage. #edchat
So true Chris, taking our right to bear arms away, will not make this evil go away, the individual will find something to cause harm, what will be next? Knives? Cars? Candles? #edchat
#edchat Instead of #Walkout , how about we #walkup. Walk up to the kid who is alone. Angry. Without a father. Without a source of pride in himself. Walk up to him....and give him a path. Give him an alternative to self-loathing.
#edchat Four ideas for reforming higher education policy-making - Practical ways forward for higher education policy reform include fixing the dysfunctional relations https://t.co/kYmIzlsr4h
#edchat If selling a gun becomes the end goal, then how often are these by passed: from screening, to qualifications to training to asking why the heck do you need a semi automatic
The rights of many are being taken away, I feel that shouldn’t be the case, I myself, should have that right to carry, if I pass annual proper qualifications, screenings & training #edchat
Finally, if you truly believe guns in school is the answer to mass shootings, how are you going to address the mass anxiety the adults and kids will be having at school. PS if you call me a snowflake because I care about my students emotional state, I can stand the snow. #edchat
Statement often heard ... if there are guns on campus than a would be shooter would think twice about coming ups campus ... reality ... a shooter doesn’t have to be on campus to kill ... remember Las Vegas #edchat
My best friend's children (K, 3rd gr) go to school each day not knowing if their father will be alive when they come home.
The fears, challenges, anxieties that our Ss have must always be front on mind. #edchat#SEL#cancer
The U.S. spends approximately 7% — or $1,000 — less per pupil on students educated in our nation’s highest poverty districts than those educated in the wealthiest: https://t.co/pZ7OkA0aRK via @EdTrust#edequity#edchat
Maybe our news media does recognize these mass "shooters" 10 times too much though which may cause others to want that publicity as well, thus leading to a "I can do better than that" attitude. #EDL577UM#UMEdTech#edchat
We've all played the game "If it's gonna be one kid at this school...which kid would it be?" My question: What did you do after you identified the kid? Did you #Walkup or did you #Walkout ? #edchat
I don’t want guns there either, but one could argue that scissors can be used to harm, cutlery, jump ropes to strangle, a hot plate where does it end? #edchat
Not to make light of any part of this discussion tonight...and there are absolutely no easy answers or solutions, but I keep coming back to this quote, reminding myself that we should NEVER stop trying to... #edchat
Seriously? You are comparing scissors to guns? I must have missed it when the Pentagon started issuing scissors and jump ropes to our troops... #edchat
On insular networks and 'lost Einsteins'; or, connect underrepresented groups to mentoring and internships if you want innovation https://t.co/ON6rs7Z6RO#edchat#edchatnz
The overreach of the Second Amendment, which even Antonin Scalia said should allow for certain regulations and restrictions, has violated the First Amendment right to life. And I don’t believe that all of these shooters would take the time to build bombs instead. #edchat
In reply to
@itsmeSpiri, @dubioseducator, @ShiftParadigm
#Edchat I know a lot of educators are hoping this just goes away but I think we need to actively resist this proposal that so many non- ed people are embracing
I don't support guns in school. But is there mass anxiety when adults and kids go to grocery store? The library? Your favorite restaurant? There are people all around us with CC. Every day. And you don't see it. That's the whole idea of "conceal." #edchat
Finally, if you truly believe guns in school is the answer to mass shootings, how are you going to address the mass anxiety the adults and kids will be having at school. PS if you call me a snowflake because I care about my students emotional state, I can stand the snow. #edchat
I don't understand why nobody sees this. It is so obviously not about keeping a dozen schools safer a year, especially when the armed guards haven't made them safer already. #edchat
If we start with guns, what’s next? Scissors? I’ve seen a S try to stab a T with a pair, knives? They are easily accessible, Jump ropes? Science lab equipment? They will find something else, it’s not their chose if object/fire arm, it’s the person #edchat
No easy answer but does your 2nd Amendment right outweigh my right to live & kids I teach their rights to live. You want to hunt, hunt. Go to a rifle range to practice. U don’t need to own a rifle. Use theirs. I use bowling shoes provided by the bowling alley when I bowl. #edchat
I also continue to remind myself that I should never take for granted who and what I have around me in this life. Life can change in a split second. Imagine a world where we all appreciated each other more. Could it help? Can it happen? #edchat
The Key To Raising A Happy Child 🔐❤️“If a kid is deeply involved in something that he loves to do, he's going to create a brain-state that combines high focus, high energy, high effort and low stress.” via @NPR#edchathttps://t.co/bm2eIBT0IF
I think a person who wants to harm will do whatever it takes to harm, I lost a dear friend on 9-11, if someone would have told me airplanes were being used to kill people I wouldn’t have believed them, it’s the person not the object #edchat
In reply to
@JeremyDBond, @dubioseducator, @ShiftParadigm
I wonder if a school shooter is in a mentally challenged state of mind, possibly suicidal, how much of a deterrent will a teacher armed with a pistol be? #Edchat
I teach, as a small part of my world history curriculum, that the development of the gun is a big deal. Guns made force more effective than it ever was before. People may be the problem, but guns made people more problematic. #Edchat
While I disagree with some parts of this article, the core point that assessment as defined & emphasized by ed. bureaucrats/ consultants produces waste & distorts what education should be about is so spot on. #edchat#sblchat#sad
If a kid was harming another kid with a pair of scissors or a jump rope, I feel pretty good about my chances to intervene without having a pistol at my side. #edchat
Okay all...last effort. The students go back to MSDHS next week in Parkland. I want to share this link w the staff to share with staff and students. Leave some kind words for the students (and staff) on their return. Show them that we all care. @Flipgridhttps://t.co/JEDXK9ssLt
#edchat 80 yrs ago, ALL people saw guns as a tool to be respected. A weapon that, when coupled with respect for human life, was never diminished in its purpose. Today, how many Ss (and Ts) have made 10K+ "kills" in video games? A gun has become a toy for casual distraction.
#Edchat we already have members of our community with guns that we trust in schools, our local police, how can they be a more engaged part of our school community?
Please don’t twist my words around, I’m respectful of your comments & your opinion, I’ve seen a lot in my life, I know even a pen in a wrong person’s hand can harm someone #edchat
Worst fight I saw at school was when I was in high school. A girl pulled a nail file out on another girl. Teacher pulled them apart before anyone got stabbed. #edchat
#edchat sorry I don't have time to be actively involved in the conversation but I don't think teachers should be armed. Armed security guards could be an option
I just lost a dear friend when he was run over by a motorcycle as he was getting off the bus. Would I say to outlaw motorcycles? Of course it is the person, their ideology and so much more. But making guns so easily accessible takes away one layer of defense. #edchat
In reply to
@itsmeSpiri, @JeremyDBond, @ShiftParadigm
I wonder:As far as I know congressmen and senators are forbidden to carry guns in congress yet they are willing to discuss gun carrying teachers. #Edchat
“Suicide by cop” will become “suicide by teacher.” Never thought it would come to this. When I was growing up I swore my history teacher was going to kill me with boredom. #edchat
Guns have been a part of our society a lot longer than mass shootings. When the population was more rural, there was MORE gun ownership..and more responsible gun usage. Something has changed. But our solutions need to address today, not the safer days/people of yesterday. #edchat
I teach, as a small part of my world history curriculum, that the development of the gun is a big deal. Guns made force more effective than it ever was before. People may be the problem, but guns made people more problematic. #Edchat
I wonder: When we try too understand mass shootings in schools 2 commonalities are mental health and semi-automatic weapons. Can we only address one without the other? #Edchat
Arming teachers is a diversionary strategy to drain energy around gun control until the Parkland tragedy fades enough for politicians to move on without consequences for doing nothing again. #edchat#ArmMeWith
I agree with arming our teachers, support staff, and pupil personnel service providers – but I want them armed with deep knowledge, with empathy, with high expectations, with a consistent moral compass, and with a genuine undistracted focus on the well-being of our children....
Im glad you feel that way Jim, guns scare me, I would not feel comfortable to carry one, but again it’s the person not the object, if that person wants to harm they will find whatever they can to harm #edchat
Thank you for facilitating this opportunity and the discussion tonight, @ShiftParadigm . Thanks to everyone for sharing so honestly and openly. #edchat
Watch ASCA's @esparksASCA explain the challenges faced in schools when the national student-to-school-counselor ratio average is 480:1. https://t.co/MZPwDWTAzW
I did and I appreciate it, my original tweet ...I don’t feel arming teachers is the way to go, I certainly would not feel comfortable, however I also believe in 2nd amendment & feel these individuals will find something else (bombs, scissors, fires, etc) to harm others #edchat
It's been a good discussion. But I wonder: Not a single person has said that they support the proposed idea. Is this because, in fact, nobody does? Or has our political talk become so toxic that nobody dares voice a contrary opinion? I hope nobody felt silenced. #edchat
Thank you @ShiftParadigm and all here at #edchat who were willing to share their thoughts. This issue will probably take its course until the next time and my heart breaks thinking this is how it goes.
If there is no sensible gun legislation except for arming teachers, teachers will be greatly affected after the next mass shooting in a school. #Edchat
Agreed...thank you. Obviously a lot of passion in this conversation. People with a number of different points of view, but I didn’t h at anyone articulate an argument that arming teachers would be a good idea. #edchat
In reply to
@tomwhitby, @ShiftParadigm, @sgthomas1973, @wmchamberlain, @blairteach
Until politics gets out of the way and congress and senate realize they serve country and people I believe it will be a tough road. But we must never give up. #edchat
It’s important not to equate the violent actions of troubled young people with political acts of terrorism that are complex to execute. Semiautomatic weapons make it too easy to kill—and access to guns makes it easy to kill themselves, too. Can we at least make it harder? #edchat
In reply to
@itsmeSpiri, @dubioseducator, @ShiftParadigm
Have you ever allowed students to write a test (or a portion of a test) for your class? I think writing a test is a good way to show you know something---maybe even a better way than actually taking a test. Thoughts? #nebedchat#edchat#engchat#elachat#elaedchat#teach#learn
I think the message is coming through because people are starting to see a middle ground where we all agree on common sense policy (instead of extreme choices). #edchat
As teachers we are already social workers, counselors, care-givers, ete. We don't need to add armed officers to the list. We DON'T need to carry guns...period #edchat#conversechat
I hated the idea of using Arming teachers as an #Edchat topic, but if we are not part of the conversation, we will live with whatever politicians decide. We do that enough already
They will, but if we stop sensationalizing it, allowing fear to permeate, do things like: https://t.co/LNyJIxC4yz and restrict or delay access while improving mental health and relationships by reducing isolation ... #edchat
In reply to
@itsmeSpiri, @JeremyDBond, @dubioseducator, @ShiftParadigm
That’s what I hope for, stricter qualifications, background checks, screenings, mental health checks & screenings annually, it’s the person not the object #edchat
In reply to
@JeremyDBond, @dubioseducator, @ShiftParadigm
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