Confessions of a Teacher in a Lockdown

The terrible tragedy that happened at Sandy Hook Elementary School occurred on the very same day that I graduated with my degree in Elementary Education. That event was probably the saddest thing I have ever heard about since.... like... 9/11/01. It really affected me. I shed many, many tears for those children and their families and the teachers at that school. I cannot fathom what that must have been like. Ever since that day, I have wondered what it would have been like to be in that position. As a teacher. At that school. Seeing those little faces and knowing that all of them were looking to me to be their hero.

If you weren't already aware, schools now practice lockdowns. This is when the principal gets on the intercom, says lockdown, and all the students gather silently in the corner of the classroom. The teachers are in charge of getting the lights turned off, locking the doors, and keeping the children quiet and calm. The good news is that teachers are informed before a lockdown drill takes place so that they do not panic. I have been informed about all the lockdowns I have had during the time I have been teaching, but since I am not a full time teacher, I get that news from the actual classroom teachers. Unfortunately, today I was not informed that we were going to have a lockdown drill. The other teachers knew, but I did not.

As soon as I heard "Lockdown! Lockdown! Lockdown!" over the intercom, I immediately realized I did not have a key to the classroom I am in. I used to teach on the stage, and I have a key to that, but I just recently started teaching in the classroom. So yes. No key. In a lockdown. I think it is real... not good. So I turn off the lights, tell the kids to go sit down in the corner, and I sit next to the door, hanging onto the door handle. A couple seconds later, I realized this was a dumb idea. I am sure I will not be able to hold back a crazed gunman. So I have the students sneak through the cubby area to the next classroom over. We are safe. Behind locked doors, at least. It didn't take me long after we were all seated to realize that it was a drill. They always go around and bang on the windows and jiggle the door handles when it is a drill, and I assumed a gunman wouldn't have chosen those same tactics. I was definitely relieved.

Being in that situation, however, really gave me a chance to think about how I would react in an actual lockdown situation. When I was hanging onto that door handle, I knew exactly what I would do if someone tried to enter. I would tackle him. (or her). I would run straight at him, full speed, wrap my arms around him, and tackle him to the ground. I would probably bite, kick, and punch. I would die, yes, but I know that would have been my reaction. I already had my mind made before I realized I would need to make a decision like that.

Anyway. It was definitely a scary, interesting experience. But, today was a great day, because I didn't have to tackle any gunmen at school!