Written by Sarah M. Stilwell, Ph.D., Carolyn Seiger, M.A., & Jenny Caruso, Ed.D.
School safety has become one of the most pressing issues in education today. The CDC’s Youth Behavior Risk Survey shows a growing trend in students missing school due to feeling unsafe. While keeping students safe from physical harm is often the first thing that comes to mind, true safety also depends on protecting their emotional and psychological well-being. Incidents like bullying, school shootings, and rising mental health challenges among students highlight how critical it is to build schools where young people feel secure, supported, and valued. Teachers are at the heart of this effort.
As trusted adults who interact with students every day, teachers have the power to create inclusive classrooms that foster belonging, resilience, and personal growth. When schools adopt programs and policies that emphasize respect, well-being, and inclusivity, and when teachers actively bring those practices to life, school communities can reduce violence and bullying, strengthen relationships, and lay the foundation for safe, positive learning environments.