Responding to a School Crisis

Responding to a

School Crisis

NEA HIN is dedicated to keeping schools safe, especially

during a crisis. Natural disasters, accidents that claim student lives, and violent

acts can shake a school community to its core. Ultimately, members of the

school community themselves will restore balance. 

Preparation is essential, which is why NEA HIN urges schools

to have a crisis plan in place before an emergency occurs so that educators

know exactly what to do in the hours, days, and weeks following an event.

NEA School Crisis

Guide

Our primary resource is the NEA School Crisis Guide. The guide details the

steps a school or district can take before, during, and after a crisis, and

provides a step-by-step process for creating a school crisis plan.

The guide also offers materials on:

• Talking to kids when they return to the

  classroom

• Tips for parents, adults, and caregivers
• How to deal with loss
• Guidance on spotting Post Traumatic Stress

  Syndrome

With useful tips on how NEA state

and local associations can lend expertise, the guide can save schools precious

time in the midst of a crisis and help children and staff return to learning.

The University of Maryland School fo Medicine’s Center for School Mental Health published a list of Resources for Dealing with Traumatic Events in Schools.

Learn more about the NEA HIN School Crisis Guide.