Students, Graduates and Friends:
We in the College of Education and Allied Professions at Western Carolina University
mourn those who lost their lives this past Friday in Newtown, CT. We, who are dedicated
to the preparation and support of those who work in schools, feel the impact of the
tragedy deeply because it took place in a school. The 20 young children whose lives
were ended so violently and suddenly could not be protected even with the heroic efforts
of those professionals who dedicated themselves to their growth and education. Six
of the school professionals died in courageous efforts to protect the students and
others in the school.
We feel tremendous loss and sorrow for those whose lives were taken Friday morning. We also feel pride for those professionals who did everything that they could do to protect the students. While the stories of how wonderful the teachers and school professionals were and are continue to be told in the media, those of us in the College of Education and Allied Professions are not surprised. We know that teachers, counselors, psychologists, administrators and other school professionals work each day in schools around the country to promote the safe growth of children. We know that they strive to equip their students with the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in the world. And, we know they cherish their students and attempt to keep them out of harm’s way.
The memory of the tragic violence of last Friday will stay with us forever; we won’t be able to erase it. We hope that the dedication of the teachers and other school professionals revealed in this horrible event will not be daunted and will inspire others to accept the noble challenge to educate and protect our nation’s children.
Western Carolina University and the College of Education and Allied Professions will continue to work to prepare educators for schools and we will continue to work to support educators in their important work. Please watch our website for programs and resources for educators and others to cope with the tragedy and for programs to continually improve our schools for all students.
Dale Carpenter, Interim Dean
College of Education and Allied Professions
Selected Resources:
Crisis Management Institute - Free Resources
American School Counselor Association - Helping Kids During Crisis
Time Online - Sandy Hook Shooting: Why Did Lanza Target a School?
American Psychological Association
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Helping your children manage distress in the aftermath of a shooting
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Five questions on the Tuscon, Ariz., shootings for psychologist Joel Dvoskin, PHD
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools Technical Assistance Center - Psychological First Aid (PFA) for Students and Teachers: Listen, Protect, Connect - Model & Teach
New York Life Foundation - After a Loved One Dies - How Children Grieve: And how parents and other adults can support them
NEA Health Information Network - School Crisis Guide
Teaching Tolerance - Helping Students Navigate a Violent World