Somebody always has a piece of the puzzle.
Schools are workplaces with acceptable violence. It maybe an IEP or 504 plan which facilitates the violence and the silence. Maybe it is fear of retaliation by students and or staff. Maybe it is a woke policy.
My book may help someone get over the fear. Dare to say no to acceptable violence. You can get another job, but once integrity is lost, your effectiveness as a teacher is gone. Don’t allow the “Peter Principal” to dictate.
Parents and teachers have a legal and moral obligation to work proactively.
Teachers and students have the right to be safe in their schools. Parents and the public have the right to expect safe schools.
My story starts with a real life event that led to illegal retaliation. It is not unique but I maybe unique in that I kept speaking up. My book reflects my actions. I did not want a shooting or further violence in my class or school. My story is as timely today as it was in 1998.
What do you tolerate in your classroom?
Are you being sold lies?
And if you think the weapon is the reason, look deeper. If a staff member is part of the problem, report.
April is a month for copy cat crimes in school workplaces.
As Smokey the Bear says about forest fires, only you can prevent school violence.
The Columbine Effect is real because of complete failure of the parents of the killers, administration, a probation officer and police. April 20 is a day of infamy.
Even the small acts can escalate. Don’t let your workplace become an infamous statistic.
Marian R. Carlino
April 11, 2036
