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My View

On the first teacher workday at my new school in the suburbs of Denver, Colo., we went on lockdown. A man was in the neighborhood wielding a gun, threatening anyone who crossed his path, but thankfully the situation had de-escalated as quickly as it had begun.

I was grateful students hadn’t yet arrived, but the instant wave of panic was potent — quite a way to enter my new profession.

Since that time, nearly 20 years ago, school shootings have become an epidemic. Lockdown drills are the norm, and active shooter training is something most school districts now require. Anxiety is at an all-time high for students and staff alike. And while I do think it’s important to be prepared for emergencies, I question these ongoing practices that can magnify fear or desensitize us from the trauma.