School Safety

Help Provide a Safe Learning Environment

• Familiarize yourself with your district’s crisis management policy. Arizona law requires all school districts to develop such a policy-in cooperation with staff, parents, law enforcement and others-to deal with a broad range of crises.
• Make sure you receive training in crisis procedures, including opportunities to practice the procedures with students present. Contact your site leader or local president if your district does not offer this.
• Know your school building. Make sure you get a map and a complete tour of your school. Know where designated safe areas are and how to get there. Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes and alternate routes if the main route is blocked.
• Know the staff and other adults authorized to be in your school. If you see someone you don’t recognize, follow your school’s policy for reporting an unauthorized visitor.
• Pay attention to warning signs that a student could become violent. These include preoccupation with weapons and death, cruelty to animals, and expressions of anger or violence in writings or drawings. Ask others at your school how to access resources for troubled youth.
• Help foster a safe and respectful environment in your classroom and school. Know your school district’s policies on bullying, intimidation and hazing. Don’t tolerate bullying, put-downs, harassment or physical violence. Teach students how to resolve conflicts and manage anger, and help them practice these skills in everyday life. Work with others at your school to implement school-wide anti-bullying and school safety programs.