In recent years, the conversation about armed teachers as a safety measure in schools has gained momentum, especially as incidents of school violence persist.
More than 30 states in the U.S. allow teachers to carry firearms under specific conditions, with new states such as Tennessee and Iowa recently joining this list. This policy has sparked heated debates among educators, parents, and lawmakers, each presenting strong arguments for and against this controversial measure.
Here's a video a customer sent of how teachers carrying firearms, are using the Dynamic Range X1 Plus to train.
*This blog post is not regularly updated. Always check with your local school district or state laws for the most recent laws and policies.
States Where Teachers Can Carry Guns with Permission from School Authority
Alaska
Arizona (when used in a program approved by the school)
Connecticut
Delaware (need concealed carry permit)
Georgia
Idaho
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
Montana
Nevada
New Jersey
Ohio
Oregon (need concealed carry license)
Pennsylvania (schools can apply to allow certain security personnel to carry firearms)
South Carolina
Texas (if board-approved as part of a Guardian Program or if the person is a designated school marshal)
Utah (need a concealed carry permit)
Vermont
States Where Teachers Can Carry Guns in Certain Circumstances and/or with Permits/Required Training
Arkansas (prohibits teachers in public schools from carrying guns but allows exemptions for private schools)
Colorado
Florida (as part of the School Guardian Program)
Mississippi (only if part of the Guardian Program)
Oklahoma (only private schools)
South Dakota (if the person is a school sentinel)
Tennessee
Wyoming (need valid concealed carry permit)
States Where Teachers Can Carry Guns with No Restrictions
New Hampshire (only students are prohibited)
Pros: Enhancing Safety
Supporters argue that allowing trained teachers to carry concealed firearms can serve as a vital line of defense in emergency situations. Statistics show that law enforcement response times can range from five to 10 minutes—or longer in rural areas—while most active shooter situations are over within that timeframe. The FBI reports that 67% of such events end before police arrive, which underscores the need for immediate action during the critical first moments of a threat.
Isaiah Miller, a spokesperson for a major national firearm brand, puts it this way: “No one wants to imagine a scenario where teachers need to defend their students with firearms. But the unfortunate reality is that school shootings are on the rise, and we must consider all lines of defense to keep children safe.” Advocates stress that comprehensive training programs can equip teachers with the skills they need to act decisively, potentially deterring would-be attackers who know staff may be armed.
Cons: Risks and Responsibilities
On the other side of the debate, critics argue that expecting teachers to shoulder the responsibility of being armed protectors is unfair and burdensome. Teaching is already a demanding profession, and adding crisis response to their list of duties could be overwhelming.
Furthermore, it introduces insurance liabilities for schools; in Kansas, for example, some insurers have refused coverage for schools that allow armed staff.
Balancing Safety and Practicality The decision to allow teachers to carry firearms is not uniform and often varies by school district. States like Texas have introduced programs such as the Guardian Program, where school boards authorize certain staff members to carry concealed weapons following rigorous training. Meanwhile, states like California and New York maintain strict prohibitions on the practice.
A Continuing Discussion
Whether or not arming teachers is the right solution remains a divisive issue. What is clear, however, is the shared commitment to protecting students and staff. As discussions evolve, the hope is that policies will reflect the complex balance between empowering schools to defend themselves and ensuring that classrooms remain places of learning and safety.
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