Join the Tuesday Slice of Life
When the tragedy of Sandy Hook happened last December, it touched everyone around the country. Teachers were especially effected as we heard of the sacrifices our colleagues made for their students. We had to ask ourselves what we would do in a similar situation. And in this day of unlimited access to guns along with limited access to mental health care, our fear is a realistic one.
Our school system responded with a new mandate that our classroom doors had to be kept locked. While I understand the reasons, I am not comfortable with the atmosphere it creates. When I walk down the halls and pass all the locked doors, I feel alone, not safe. I miss seeing my colleagues and hearing the voices of active classrooms. Most of all, this response spreads fear, not love, to our students.
When we started inservice training days before this school year, we reviewed the crisis plan. While last year we were told students had to stand against the wall during lockdown, this year they are to lie flat on the floor. While last year we were admonished for leaving any crack in the blinds, now we were told to leave a space so the authorities can look in. In all honesty, nobody really knows what will save us.
Nobody, that is, but Antoinette Tuff. She responded with love, not fear.
He said that no one loved him, and I told him that I loved him and that it was going to be OK. –Antoinette Tuff
I have been writing this summer about Ed Bacon’s 8 Habits of Love. Antoinette Tuff probably has never heard of this book, but she knew that the perpetrator needed to feel loved. And her act of love saved countless lives, as well as the life of the gunman.
We don’t need more guns, more guards at our schools, or training of teachers to carry guns (heaven-forbid). We need more Antoinettes. A woman who reacted with love, not fear or hatred. She spoke bravely and made a personal connection. I pray that we have no more school shootings, but instead of locking my door and barricading it with desks, I hope I can put on my best Antoinette and face adversity with love.
Reflections on the Teche 
What a wonderful slice – I have read this story all weekend in newspapers and it is amazing. We have had similar brave/ spontaneous responses across the pond that have saved children.
It is something that is a very real threat and whilst schools need policies and staff and students need to understand and activate them, we must not, cannot teach in fear.
Strange how an open door always feel safer than a locked one.
x
Yes, I agree that we do need remember that our words are just as powerful as guns. They can harm and do damage but they can bring hope and peace too. Teachers, and the rest of us, all have the potential to make a difference with every word we say. Wonderful post.
So saddened to hear about your locked doors. We had a ‘long’ conversation too, Margaret, & struggle to decide exactly what is best. Just explaining to the children about the bolts on the doors is difficult, but the practicing is awful. I’m not sure words would always help, but to try first as Antoinette did is good & hopefully will help save lives.
We practice a lockdown drill once a month – a sad and necessary fact of life, it seems. In the midst of all the shouting about what to do to keep our kids safe, there are people like Antoinette Tuff – who didn’t need a gun or an armed guard to know what to do.
Lockdown drills, locked doors, they all create fear. I think about my students who come from Syria and other countries where fear is a constant companion. Love, on the other hand, can work miracles that fear cannot even imagine. Antoinette Tuff is my hero as well!
Bravo, Margaret! I completely agree with you. While our doors have to be locked, they don’t have to be closed. We now have a film on all glass doors and windows that won’t shatter and allow someone easy access to our building. These measures do make me feel somewhat safer, but your analysis is correct: we have to combat this madness with acts of love.
Catherine
What an amazing Slice! It truly struck an emotional cord for me. The sadness of what our school lives are coming to. We haven’t gone to complete lockdown as you describe, but we are not far behind you. We practice drills so that we all know what to do in a “code red” situation but in the meantime some of our students grow afraid as a result. Like you, I want to face adversity with love. Thank you for your post.
Thanks for a thoughtful piece. Maybe thoughtful words, respect, and love can’t always defuse a dangerous situation. But in this case it did. Perhaps sometimes armed force is needed to meet armed force. But how many other times would love and understanding work when bullets would not?