Teachers with Concealed Weapons By Mrs. Bell

Hook and Thesis Statement Imagine a kindergarten teacher diligently going through the days of the week. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday…. “Mrs. Smith?” an inquiring student asks with his hand raised. “Yes, Timmy,” she gently replies. “What is that in your pocket?” “Oh, don’t worry,” she responds, “it’s just my 9mm.” Teachers, who are responsible for nurturing the minds of young, impressionable students, should in no way be expected to carry a concealed weapon with them during school hours for protection that should be provided elsewhere.

First Main Point and Refutation More guns means more potential for violence and death. Some people may say that guns are needed in emergency situations, but in reality if there were no guns, then there would be no emergency situations.

Second Main Point and Refutation Threats need to be stopped outside of the school, not taken care of within the classroom. Others may argue that not all threats can be stopped from entering a school, but if adequate security measures are in place then threats could easily be stopped outside of the school.

Third Main Point and Refutation Teachers are not security guards; they have been educated to communicate their knowledge to students. Some may argue that a teacher’s job is to do more than to teach, it is also to protect students from harm. While a teacher’s job is much more than just teaching, they should not be expected to use a handgun during school hours.

Call to Action Schools need to ensure they are adequately protecting their students before threats even enter the school. Teachers must continue to focus on what’s most important in the classroom, and that is teaching, not security.