The last few years have seen an increase in violence in schools. As a teacher, I have come to school with fear, fear of the unknowns that lurk around our hallways and classrooms, and fear of the known consequences of a broken system in one of the most powerful countries of the world.
Today is December 17, 2021, the last day of school before the Winter holidays. While we celebrate our victories of a productive 3 months of school and indulge in joys of the holiday season, our classroom door is locked and I can hear my students occasionally discuss the TikTok challenge that went viral causing a chaos in schools around the country. I brought in some nut-free cupcakes, chips and chocolate bars for my students but many students are absent today because they didn’t want to take chances coming to school due school shooting and bomb threats for every school in the USA on Friday, December 17. While law enforcement officials say they don’t think the social media threats are credible, mostly all Districts across the nation have increased security around their schools.
Why are we at this disturbing juncture in life where educational institutions have become dangerous places where students and teachers practice active shooter drills, and we have detailed discussions in class about preparing for a possible incident?
Many experts believe it is due to a combination of ease of access of weapons, abuse of the constitutional freedoms and the increase in untreated mental imbalances in children of today. Many think it is due to a disconnect in parenting and the nurturing of tender minds that grow to idealize perpetrators of past events. Some children seek validation and attention and feel powerful by carrying out dangerous acts. Lack of consistent and appropriate direction and values may be missing from their lives crimping their abilities to make positive choices. The theories are deep and thought-provoking. The evidence is alarming.
As we head into the new year, I am taking some time to reflect on my life and my responsibilities as a mother and a teacher, as well as my goals and my passions which mainly revolve around children. I hope that I can provide strength, values and life skills to my little circle of influence — my children and my students. I hope I can make deep connections with them and offer all the lessons my heart has collected over the years. I hope I can pour some insights and fill some gaps when a tender mind is feeling incomplete. I hope I can be more than a teacher who just teaches content. I hope I can reach out and provide the comforting space for any of my little people. In the meantime, let’s use our knowledge and understanding not to dwell in the fears but create hope for the future.