All of us at IECA are profoundly saddened by the horrific school shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas yesterday. We offer our deepest sympathies to those who lost loved ones at this senseless, devastating act of violence, and to the entire Uvalde, Texas community. We also extend our support to those who are re-traumatized from other, all-too-familiar past violent experiences both within and beyond school buildings.
As educators, we call for action by our elected officials to restore our schools as safe environments for students, teachers, families, and staff. We encourage our members to look closely at the policies of their local officials and to advocate for initiatives aimed at firearm safety and mental health initiatives toward preventing such future tragic violent acts. No teacher or child should have to feel afraid in a classroom.
For parents and educators across the country helping students process this horrific event, these resources may be helpful:
- Helping Students After a School Shooting (ASCA)
- Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers (National Association of School Psychologists)
- Helping Your Children Manage Distress in the Aftermath of a Shooting (APA)
- Psychological First Aid for Schools (The National Child Traumatic Stress Network)
- How to Talk to Kids About Violence, Crime, and War (Common Sense Media)