As a retired high school teacher, I am inclined to take a closer look at the president’s proposal for increased safety by arming classroom teachers. At first look the idea seems contrary to the goals and aspirations of most educators. On second look, there are some advantages in providing teachers with professional firearms training.
Since many educators require second incomes to make ends meet, training could open the door to other job opportunities. Possibilities might include summer security work, being armed guards for Brinks, or even teacher swat teams for local police departments. Field trips with students could provide school credit and hands on experience in terror. School firearms curriculum would be a new academic area for students and a real world application to problem solving in an increasingly dangerous world. More importantly, a teacher practicing open carry during end of year standard assessment would undoubtedly increase test scores for those schools. I mean gosh, we really need to get our priorities in order!
Horst Holstein, Salt Lake City
Donate to the newsroom now. The Salt Lake Tribune, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity and contributions are tax deductible