(Jamie Wall, William Brown, James Antoine, Carly Posey)
On January 20, Allegan Area ESA brought together staff and local districts for a transformative professional development day centered on school safety. Recognizing that a secure environment is the foundation for effective learning, the event aimed to equip educators and administrators with critical tools and strategies to safeguard students and staff alike.
The morning began with Strategos International leading a comprehensive safety training session focused on practical strategies for classroom preparedness. Strategos is known for empowering educators with actionable skills to manage crisis situations and enhance daily safety practices. This session offered participants insights into preventing, mitigating, and responding to potential threats, fostering a culture of vigilance and confidence.
The afternoon featured Carly Posey, a nationally recognized speaker and advocate for school safety. Posey’s personal experiences as a parent of young children who survived the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy lend a poignant and powerful perspective to her presentations. Through her keynote, she emphasized the human side of safety, urging attendees to consider the emotional and mental well-being of students and staff while addressing security measures.
“This professional development day underscores the critical importance of ongoing safety training,” said William Brown, Superintendent. “By bringing together experts like Strategos and Carly Posey, we aim to ensure our schools remain not only secure but also nurturing spaces where learning can thrive.”
Events like this highlight Allegan Area ESA’s dedication to staying proactive and informed. In a world where challenges to school safety evolve, the commitment to professional development empowers educators to face uncertainties with confidence and care.
To learn more about Carly Posey and her advocacy work, visit https://carlyposeyspeaking.com/.