There is an ever-growing demand for individuals who can commit to the future safety and security of our schools. There is an ever-increasing need for educational, law enforcement, and security professionals to step up on school grounds. To become leaders. To take control. To get involved. Now is the time to become certified in school safety and security.

When we think of crime and violence in our schools, many think of the terrible acts of violence that have been flooding the media in recent years. Naturally, we think Columbine High School. We think of Virginia Tech and Sandy Hook. We think of all the children and families who were hurt by these horrific acts. We think of our children and youth and the ways in which we can protect them.

There is an undeniable, increasing prevalence of emergency situations in schools. There is also an increasing severity of school violence. Since Columbine occurred in 1999, there have been over 275 school shootings. The aforementioned incidences are perhaps the most alarming and worst cases of violence in the U.S. school system to date. But we must not let them overshadow the everyday reality that violent, hurtful acts are still happening regularly within the school system. These include:

• Fighting and assault
• Bullying
• Victimization
• Sexual attacks
• Theft or robbery
• Classroom disorder
• Use of weapons
• Violent crime

About 25 percent of teenagers are exposed to hate-related graffiti within school grounds. And during the school year, nearly one out of every four students report being bullied – physically, emotionally, verbally, even online. Yet the majority of youth bullied in our school systems do not report it at all. Many stay silent. Many need trusted adults – parents, educators, officers – to confide in and to help.

Children and youth need our help. They need someone to turn to, someone who has the experience and training to handle a potentially dangerous situation properly. You can be that person. With the right combination of determination, strength, training, and a desire to do what’s right, you can help better school safety and security in our community. You can have a role in prevention and response.

School safety and security is largely about prevention and planning ahead, meaning that school safety professionals should plan ahead, too. By pursuing comprehensive, accredited school safety training, you can pave the way to a safer, healthier learning environment for children and youth in your community.

If you are near the Greater Hartford area and looking to begin your career in the school safety and security field, you can do it right here at Goodwin University. We have created a 15-credit collegiate School Safety and Security Certificate for individuals looking to get involved. In this short curriculum, you will learn about emergency planning and response, youth development, crisis intervention, as well as take courses in CPR and First Aid. Upon completion of your coursework, you can choose to continue your education and pursue six additional credits to earn an advanced certificate in School Safety and Security.

If you have already made the commitment to keeping schools safe and are working in law enforcement, security, or the education sector, you can immediately pursue the Advanced School Safety Program at Goodwin. This is a 15-credit collegiate certificate program that can broaden your skill set with the latest knowledge and best practices relating to school safety and security. In just two semesters, you will:

• Learn to identify evolving threats to your school’s security or safety
• Understand how to work with risk management tools and assess potential threats in the school
• Develop proactive emergency management plans, including prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery
• Know how to evaluate post-crisis plans for managing parental communication as well as the media; for determining necessary mental health services for victims and families, for any financial implications or liability issues; as well as for operational continuity, post-incident.

To learn more about the increasing importance of public safety and security today, see our video on three reasons to pursue a law enforcement degree. You can learn more by calling 800-889-3282 or visit us online.