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Keeping Security Top of Mind

Featured Author:

Bret Rachlin

Bret Rachlin serves as director of marketing for Wren, providers of physical security solutions that create safe learning environments. Bret is a school safety advocate and active blogger for Wren’s Education + Network Video Blog, a popular resource and forum for principals, board members and security resource officers. Rachlin can be reached at bret.rachlin@wrensolutions.com. To learn more about Wren, visit www.wrensolutions.com.

More articles from this author:

• 10 Small Steps That Can Make a Big Security Impact in Schools
• The Destination: A Safer Learning Environment
• Teachable Moments in Security

Teachers are focused on what they know and love: teaching. Out of necessity for strained schedules and security being assigned to the school’s disciplinarian or security officer, the idea of teachers being actively involved in their school’s security program is often an afterthought. And, some might even consider it a disruption to what they’re at the school to do.

But security is a prerequisite to creating an environment where students can fully engage in the process of learning. Students preoccupied with a fight that will take place after class or worried about being bullied in the halls cannot focus on learning. Security problems are as much of a distraction to learning as disruptive behavior in the classroom, or the use of cell phones during class.

In this day and age, keeping security top of mind is both a matter of maintaining personal safety and creating environments that are conducive to learning. Therefore, security should be on every teacher’s agenda.

Teachers are in a unique position of having extensive, daily interaction with students. They know the kids, often have opportunities to observe unusual behaviors or to overhear gossip from the “rumor mill.” Teachers are also around all parts of the school every day, making them excellent eyes and ears. Here are some simple tips for what teachers can do to create a safer learning environment.

Be aware

Teachers have a good idea of the students most likely to engage in disruptive or violent behavior. They can identify the “usual suspects” and help keep an eye on them. It is important for teachers to collaborate with administrators and school resource officers to help prevent problems or intercede before events escalate.

Take small steps

Staff members should make it a habit to take personal responsibility for security. Just like a homeowner wouldn’t leave their front door wide open, likewise, staff at school should note and address problems as if it were their own home. If a camera has been vandalized or damaged in the hall, it should be reported. These small steps can make the school surprisingly safer.

Share information

The first line of information, teachers should take threats seriously and report them. If the classroom is abuzz with news of a fight that will take place, it should be reported. If teachers share what they know, SROs can address problems before they occur.