The topic of school safety has been a major discussion point for many educators as schools across the country begin to roll out their plans for reopening in the fall.

Newly implemented measures for physical distancing and sanitation are a few areas that are set to have a significant impact on how school classrooms are set up, and what the school day will look like, when students return to class (for those schools who will be opening their doors for in-person instruction).

While the physical measures taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are crucial to the success of reopenings, schools must also be emotionally safe and nurturing environments in order to support the physical dimension of campus safety.

It’s been a disconcerting time for everyone. In the wake of the pandemic, the everyday stressors that students and teachers face will be further amplified.

As we prepare to reopen, how can we safeguard our schools and protect our children from the modern-day issues and challenges facing them?

In support of its commitment to establishing safe and healthy learning environments, the Johns Hopkins Center for Safe and Healthy Schools (CSHS) has created a new online training program to empower schools nationwide to address these challenges from every angle. The training encompasses topics like student and teacher mental health to school violence prevention and bullying.

The Safe and Healthy Schools Certification Program, developed by CSHS and powered by education company Klassroom, is designed to help guide everyone at school to create and support safe and healthy learning environments.

“Every student deserves to be safe in school,” said Christopher Morphew, Dean of Johns Hopkins University School of Education. “Beyond exposing you to the most relevant research and proven best practices, we want you to be able to apply the ideas behind Safe and Healthy Schools to your own school, in your own setting”.

Traditionally, school safety and emergency preparedness training has taken a reactive and siloed approach, addressing singular issues with specific resolutions.

However, as we’ve seen time and time again, the elements affecting school safety and wellness are far from simple.

By bringing together Hopkins experts in medicine, psychology, education, economic policy, family science, human development, and more the program takes on a preventative and holistic approach to school health and safety.

Educators and school leaders that complete the program curriculum will have an understanding of:

• Comprehensive strategies and best practices for individuals, schools and the community.
• Identifying and remediating mental health stressors affecting classroom performance of both students and teachers.
• Reducing student conflict and understanding trauma-informed practices.
• The disproportionality in school discipline outcomes for marginalized and underrepresented populations in the US.

Best practices in choosing technology to support safe and healthy schools.

One thing everyone can agree on is that every student deserves a safe school environment. Getting there requires a new approach.

Find out how you can enroll and certify your school as a Safe and Healthy School.