Everyone deserves to feel safe at work. And working in a school environment comes with a plethora of unique safety challenges that traditional workplaces don’t face. From managing open campuses and high foot traffic to responding to behavioral escalations and external threats, campuses require a different level of vigilance, and a proactive approach to safety.
When educators and staff feel safe, they can focus on what matters most: educating students and creating a supportive learning environment. Prioritizing school safety also helps with job satisfaction and long-term retention, both of which are key components of a stable school community.
We’ve compiled five key areas that school communities can work together to address in order to create a safer, more supportive environment for all staff. If any of these are missing, they can serve as valuable conversation starters for building shared safety goals.
Your school should have detailed emergency response plans for lockdowns, evacuations, medical incidents, and more. Just as important, these plans should be practiced regularly so all staff know what to do in a crisis.
“Can we walk through the current emergency procedures to ensure everyone feels confident and prepared? How often are they updated and practiced?”
Every school should have a secure process for managing who comes and goes from the building. This includes locked exterior doors, intercom systems, secure vestibules, and a clear protocol for checking in visitors.
“Are all entrances monitored? How are visitors screened before entering the building?”
Whether it’s a concerning student behavior or a suspicious person near campus, staff and leadership should work together to create clear, confidential pathways for reporting concerns and ensure there’s mutual trust in the follow-up process.
“What’s the process for reporting a safety concern? Is there a system in place for follow-up?”
In an urgent situation, every second counts. Schools should be equipped with tools like radios, panic buttons, or mass notification systems to keep staff informed and connected.
"What communication systems are available in case of an emergency? Are we trained to use them?”
Safety isn’t just about technology, it’s about culture. Fostering a culture of safety requires schools to invite feedback from all team members and create space for shared safety planning and open communication.
“Is there a safety committee or way for staff to regularly share input or concerns?”
School safety isn’t just about locking doors, it’s about creating a workplace where educators and staff feel protected, supported, and prepared. When staff feel safe, students benefit too. A secure environment fosters calm, focus, and connection - all critical ingredients for learning.
If your school isn’t already addressing these five areas, you have every right to start the conversation. Advocating for workplace safety isn’t just good for you it’s good for your whole campus community. By working together, staff and administrators can proactively address these concerns to enhance our school's safety.
Please note: Assessment requests are subject to availability based on your location. If your area is outside our current service range, we will follow up to let you know as soon as possible.