Teaching Is Being A Hero

Victoria would have been celebrating her 27th birthday this week.

Victoria Soto, first grade tacher, Sandy Hook Elementary School. Saved her class before being murdered.

"This is Victoria Soto, and although I didn't know her, she is my hero. I don't know too much about her, but I know a lot of people who do know her and she's amazing. Victoria was a Stratford high graduate and only 27. She was killed today after she hid her first graders in closets and cabinets and told the shooter they were in the gym. He killed her and not one of her children were harmed. I have never been more proud to be from Stratford or to be a teacher. God bless Victoria, her family and friends, and all of those who were involved today in anyway. Victoria is a true hero." Christine Nealy

1. In Connecticut: Prayers, Grief, Questions ... And Stories Of Heroism

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2012/12/15/167320059/in-connecticut-prayers-grief-questions-and-stories-of-heroism?utm_source=news&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=20121215 

2.  My entire career in education I've worked in high schools in 'high needs' areas WITH metal detectors at the front doors. Since day one I've always kept my door locked to my classroom, while the school day is going on. Partly out of my forgetfulness to unlock it all the way but also due to the fear that someone could come in and hurt my children. We have children in the building that due to their diagnosis are severely emotionally disturbed and at times we've had incidents occur in the neighborhood that put our school 'at risk'. I think that after the incident in CT, all schools should seriously consider metal detectors in schools as a precautionary measure. No, they (the metal detectors) don't look pretty but they will help protect or most precious commodity- our children. Continue to pray for the parents, children and community this affected.

https://www.facebook.com/TheEducatorsRoom 

http://www.apa.org/topics/violence/school-shooting.aspx

3. Unspeakable Tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/responding-tragedy-sandy-hook-elementary-david-markus?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=post&utm_content=blog&utm_campaign=sandyhook 

3. Talking with Children About Difficult Subjects: Illness, Death, Violence and Disaster

http://www.aboutourkids.org/articles/talking_children_about_difficult_subjects_illness_death_violence_disaster 

4. Tips for Talking to Children About the Shooting

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/15/health/tips-for-talking-to-children-about-the-elementary-school-mass-shooting.html?smid=tw-nytimes&_r=1& 

5. 10 Ways to Talk to Kids About World Events in the News

http://www.education.com/magazine/article/10-ways-talk-current-events/?cid=80. 

6. How To Talk with Kids about a School Shooting

http://www.ahaparenting.com/_blog/Parenting_Blog/post/How_To_Talk_with_Kids_about_Tragedies_Like_School_Shooting/