I teach and coach at Chardon High School where the shootings occurred. I have taught two of the students killed and a 3rd that is currently in the hospital who was shot twice, once in the back. I did not know the alleged shooter.
In the classroom, it is hard to create the bonds necessary to understand what is going on in students' lives and provide any significance guidance beyond the academic realm. With end-of-course assessments coming from the state in the near future, there is less time than ever to get off topic in the classroom. Don't get me wrong. That isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it does mean that it's harder than ever to just spend time getting to know the students in your classroom. The time I spend after school in study sessions or during planning periods working with students is smaller groups allows for a much deeper relationship with each student. Even moreso, my role as a coach in cross-country, indoor track, and outdoor track provides the forum to really understand each kid and to provide encouragement and hope.
Extra-curricular activities are where we can create a sense of security and a sense of belonging. It doesn't have to be sports. Unfortunately, the kids who most need to be involved in these activities are the ones most likely to be excluded by academic eligibility hurdles and lately, the rapidly climbing participation fees ($225/season). Furthermore, the move to on-line courses and post-secondary options where the kids are no longer even in the building only create more isolation among peers.
I care deeply about my students. Since this event yesterday morning, I find myself in tears frequently just thinking about what the survivors have experienced and must now deal with. I feel inadequate to help them with this, but know I can help create an environment where this is less likely when I have access to students beyond the classroom.
I replied to this message in response to the teacher pay comment. When teacher pay goes below a certain threshold, teachers begin to look for additional sources of income so that they can do things like send their children to college, also. Secondary jobs mean fewer teachers are available for those roles with students outside the classroom.
I, too, believe teachers can profoundly impact our children. That's why I left a successful career in Engineering to pursue a career in teaching. To maximize that impact we need to support those policies and practices that increase the opportunities for student/teacher interactions beyond the classroom.