The first webinar of the 2019-2020 school year looks both forward and back. We’ll start by reviewing the last school year in school safety through a discussion of ESSN’s newly released Violent Threats and Incidents in Schools report. Then we’ll look forward to the new school year to apply last year’s emerging trends and areas of concern to our educational and operational practices. Finally, we will discuss some of the unintended consequences of school security procedures, and more importantly, provide effective, easily-implemented strategies to keep our classrooms and schools safer.

Online Academy webinars are totally free to attend, but there is a cost to receive proof or participation.

Each Online Academy webinar may count for 1 clock hour of professional development credit. Because state or local district requirements may vary, you will need to check with your own state or supervisory organization for specific requirements for CE credit.

• Topics critical for educators related to school safety, crisis response, and violence prevention

• Education focused, presented BY educators FOR educators

• Interactive, interesting, insightful - who needs another dry lecture?

• Presenters are national subject matter experts, researchers, AND practitioners

• Don’t just admire the problem, solve it! Each webinar contains effective tips and strategies you can apply in your school. 

• Available live or archived to fit your busy schedule

• New topics each month that are diverse, relevant, and timely

• Participate in one or all of the webinars

• Can be used for continuing education credit (see here)

• No sales pitches, agendas, or axes to grind, rather a research-based, professional discussion

Looking Forward and Back: A Review of the 2018-2019 Year in School Safety

Webinar #1 - September 19, 2019

The first webinar of the 2019-2020 school year looks both forward and back. We’ll start by reviewing the last school year in school safety through a discussion of ESSN’s newly released Violent Threats and Incidents in Schools report. Then we’ll look forward to the new school year to apply last year’s emerging trends and areas of concern to our educational and operational practices. Finally, we will discuss some of the unintended consequences of school security procedures, and more importantly, provide effective, easily-implemented strategies to keep our classrooms and schools safer.

The Hypocrisy of School Safety

Webinar #2 - October 17, 2019

Our second webinar, which takes place on the eve of National Safe Schools Week, will take a critical look at some problematic elements of current school safety practices. We’ll examine the allocation of resources, training, and personnel when compared to the nature and severity of actual incidents. The ineffectiveness of a reacting rather than preventing, as well as approaching the work from purely a law enforcement or security perspective, (rather than an educational view), will be scrutinized and promises to provoke some lively discussion and reflection. Finally, we’ll examine the harsh “behind the scenes” realities of the billion dollar “security theater” industry and discuss how to take a more realistic, balanced approach to keeping our students safe.

The Softer Side of School Safety

Webinar #3 - November 14, 2019

In Webinar #3 we’ll examine under-utilized, but highly effective practices that prevent and/or minimize violence in schools. The importance of school climate and culture, and its impact on preventing violence, enhancing academic achievement, and increasing job satisfaction will be explored. We’ll also discuss specific strategies to build a relationship-based culture that allows schools to maximize disclosures, prevent violence, identify students at risk for violence, and provide effective, appropriate supports and interventions.

How Safe is My School? A Potentially Uncomfortable Self-Assessment

Webinar #4 - December 12, 2019

Now that the school year is almost half over, it’s time to take a critical look at the state of safety in your school.  In webinar #4, we’ll apply the concepts and strategies of the first three webinars - what we know to be true about violent threats and incidents, the ineffectiveness of some current school safety practices, and the effectiveness of violence prevention initiatives - to help you critically assess the level of safety in your school. Perhaps more importantly, we will center our discussion not just on identifying potential vulnerabilities, but on what to do about it by implementing effective strategies and approaches for mitigation.

Webinar #5 - January 23rd, 202

Webinar #6 - February 20th, 2020

Webinar #7 - March 19th, 2020

Webinar #8 - April 16th, 2020

Webinar #9 - May 14th, 2020

Webinar #10 -June 19th, 2020