Specialist in Education (Ed.S.), University of Dayton, 2024, School Psychology

Most US states prohibit firearms in K-12 schools; however, some states have adopted exceptions that allow teachers to carry guns in the classroom. In the implementation of any policy, especially one that integrates the sensitive topics of education and gun policy, it is important to consider the perspectives of key stakeholders. The present study examined the perceptions of K-12 teachers on the topics of school safety and the carrying of firearms within the school setting as a preventative measure. Participants included K-12 teachers who responded to a survey request. Results were consistent with the majority of extant research, indicating that a majority of participants demonstrated some level of opposition to teachers carrying firearms in K-12 schools. Proper training yielded a slight increase in approval; however, a majority of respondents were opposed to faculty carry firearms in any capacity. The majority of K-12 teachers, regardless of district typology, express strong disagreement for these policies, however, the percentage of the majority is substantially larger within the urban population than within the suburban and rural populations. Implications regarding generalizability and future research are discussed.

Committee: Susan Davies (Committee Chair); Meredith Wronowski (Committee Member); Elana Bernstein (Committee Member) Subjects: Counseling Education; Education; Education Policy; Educational Leadership; Educational Psychology; Psychology; School Administration; Social Psychology