POST-TRAUMATIC EVENT: CARE FOR OUR MEMBERS

WHEREAS, the American Federation of Teachers recognizes that teachers and staff in schools are exposed to horrific scenes during school shootings; and

WHEREAS, our members serve as emotional support for students after school shootings or other traumatic events; and

WHEREAS, our members need to be emotionally supported in order to be present and supportive for our students; and

WHEREAS, school shootings have become commonplace in our society; and

WHEREAS, many teachers and staff members are expected to return to the classroom only days after a shooting and attending funerals of students and colleagues; and

WHEREAS, other professionals, such as firefighters, police and paramedics are given mandatory mental health treatment after traumatic on-the-job events; and

WHEREAS, school districts across the nation understand the importance of proactive emergency response planning:

RESOLVED, that the American Federation of Teachers will call on—and will fight for—districts and states to put policies in place that will provide mandatory mental health support for all teachers and staff who serve at schools that experience mass shootings; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT will advocate for continued mental health treatment for members for the years following a shooting; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT will advocate for paid leave time for members whose appropriate primary care or healthcare provider deems it is imperative for continued health for the years following a shooting; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT will support rights of teachers and staff to work in an emotionally and physically safe environment.