CDE sets standards for "Highly Qualified Paraprofessionals"

Shooting at Deer Creek Middle School

Kerrie Dallman, president of the Jefferson County Education Association (JCEA), told the 4,000 members of JCEA, "As teachers, we all wonder what we would do if faced with an immediate threat at school. Yesterday, we saw the response of our teachers and staff colleagues - and it was just what we all hope would occur. What the teachers, bus drivers, and assistant principal did was nothing short of a miracle."

Dallman praised Dr. David Benke, math teacher, for his quick reaction. "He is a hero and we are proud of him and all the other staff who protected their students."

Attendance Secretary Mick Kircher stopped the stranger when he first arrived at the school. Choir teacher Carrie Fletcher heard the shots and ran toward them. Steve Potter and Jim O'Brien, bus drivers, got their students on the floor of the buses and ran to assist Benke and fellow math teacher Norm Hanne who were subduing the shooter. Assistant Principal Becky Brown moved the dropped gun away. Staff throughout the building immediately sheltered and calmed their students.

As teachers and education support professionals all across Colorado know very well, it is important to do what you have been trained to do because it is our job to keep our students safe. Fortunately, due to the quick work of staff, the incident ended swiftly though two students were wounded, one seriously.

The staff at Deer Creek did everything right, and we thank them for that.

After the Columbine tragedy in April 1999, JCEA staff and leaders, along with Colorado Education Association staff, helped develop the NEA Crisis Guide, available online at the NEA Health Information Network. The guide has essential advice for members, schools, and districts, as knowing what to do can be the difference between stability and upheaval in any emergency.