#GenerationLockdown and #ArmMeWith: A Case for Addressing Gun Reform in Teacher Education Programs

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 32
  In Roundtable Session: Youth Activism, Ethical Discussions, and Educational Reform

Abstract

In this study, I explore the responsibility of teacher education programs to respond to contemporary contexts of guns and gun violence in schools. In particular, I focus on both legislation to arm teachers and drills to prepare students and teachers for active shooters through analysis of tweets containing the hashtags, #ArmMeWith and #GenerationLockdown, respectively. I also analyze how such legislation and drills may disproportionately impact students of color. Ultimately, I argue gun reform is relevant to teacher education and we, as teacher educators, must build our capacity to prepare pre-service teachers to navigate the complex and ever-evolving politics and public policies of guns in our schools and communities.

Author

• Brittney Leigh Beck, California State University, Bakersfield