Empire State University Professor Featured in USA Today for School Safety Expertise

(SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – AUGUST 17, 2023) Empire State University Professor of Teacher Education Heather Reynolds was featured in USA Today for her expertise on school safety. As back-to-school time fast approaches, many parents are expressing concern for the safety of their children. But what does effective school safety really look like?  

According to Reynolds, building a school climate where students feel accepted, appreciated, and valued is crucial for maintaining safety. This can be achieved by teaching social-emotional learning, where social and emotional skill-building focuses on self-awareness, empathy and resilience.  

“It impacts not only safety, but academics,” Reynolds said. “It improves mental health and students feel safer. They’re more engaged, more likely to come to school and have a positive perception of school.” 

Restorative justice — a system of criminal justice that focuses on rehabilitation of offenders through reconciliation with victims and the community — is also key for school safety. Reynolds recommends implementing it consistently into the school structure for the best chance of success. 

“Parents really need to be aware of what is being done to create a positive school climate,” Reynolds said. “What’s being done to support nonpunitive disciplinary practices? What’s being done so that my kid has the skills to exist in the world?” 

Read the article (reposted to Yahoo News from USA Today).