Teacher Perceptions of School Gun Violence

Abstract

The focus of my dissertation was to ascertain how teachers perceive the threat of school gun violence and determine what factors affect that perception. To do this, a mixed methods approached was used to survey teachers and staff from a Central Pennsylvania School District. Follow-up interviews were conducted to help support and clarify that data. In general, teachers feel safe at school and rarely do they feel unsafe. The teachers surveyed have received school gun violence prevention training; however, they feel this training was moderate or adequate at best. The teachers surveyed believe their schools provide a climate conducive to learning and that the rules and expectations for expected behaviors are clearly stated. Prevention efforts are established as teachers build a rapport with their students and provide a culture where students feel comfortable reporting possible threats. Teachers also work to create a safe school climate by assuring that students treat each other with respect and that they do the same. A majority of teachers also report encouraging students to seek help if they feel a student is in crisis and being able to identify these students and connect them with necessary supports as a result of their relationship with their students. In general, teachers do not perceive school gun violence as an imminent threat and are not preparing for a mass shooting to occur, but instead are being proactive in working to develop and foster students’ social and emotional well-being using school-wide positive supports.