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Teachers fire up for free CHL classes
Local gun instructor prepares teachers
Updated: Sunday, 20 Jan 2013, 10:18 PM CST
Published : Sunday, 20 Jan 2013, 10:18 PM CST
AUSTIN(KXAN) -
The growing debate over gun control in the country is sparking new discussion among educators.
After the shooting in Newtown Connecticut, some school districts are making a tough decision, whether to allow teachers to carry guns on campus. But some teachers are taking matters into their own hands.
An Oak Hill man has decided to open up his gun training class to teachers; all for free. In hopes of training them not only to protect themselves but their students as well.
For Pam Rattan, it's not everyday that she fires a gun. She's a teacher for Leander ISD, but Sunday the roles were reversed as she learned how to use a gun.
"I wanted to have lessons from someone that was a professional that knew what was going on and to make me feel more comfortable about it," said Rattan.
Steve Wolf, is an instructor at the Tactical Choices gun school, and decided to open up CHL classes to teachers after thinking about his own children.
"Teachers are the first line of defense for our children," said Wolf. "If a bad guy ever came into the school where my kid was I'd surely want teachers that would be able to protect them."
There are currently two school districts in the state that allow teachers to carry guns, Harrold ISD and Union Grove, a district that just hopped on board last week.
"I personally think its a good thing, said Hurb Wasson, who also teaches for Leander ISD and currently has his CHL."I don't think it's enough training I think teachers should go through more training, but it's a start.
And that's exactly what's on the table at this year's legislative session. The move is supported by state leaders including David Dewhurst, who wants to add state funded gun training for teachers that goes well beyond what it takes to get a CHL.
For Pam Rattan, she's just glad to get some skills under her belt, as she decides whether she wants to get her CHL after her class is over.
"Will I do it, I don't know," said Rattan. "But I want to feel comfortable if I had to protect my kids in my classroom that would be my first job to do that."
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