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Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence

@teachersunify.bsky.social
2.3K followers 439 following 262 posts

Non-profit empowering teachers & school staff to demand that communities are safe from gun violence - www.teachersunify.org

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Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence @teachersunify.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
The big tech companies that produce AI are some of the most valuable in the world & are failing us. When students have easy access to firearms the last thing we need is anything that makes our gun violence problem worse. AI platforms aren’t doing enough to keep kids & families safe. @motherjones.com
motherjones.com
ChatGPT helped the Tumbler Ridge school shooter focus on guns, tactics, and terror, our investigation reveals
OpenAI’s chatbot fed the shooter’s violent fantasies and planning up to the massacre.
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Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence @teachersunify.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
We’re thankful no one was physically harmed, but mindful of the trauma & stress that staff & students experienced after a loaded gun discharged during the school day. No one should have to go into their workplace fearing gun violence & no student can be successful when not in a safe environment.
fox17online.com
Gun in 3rd-grade student's backpack discharges at Battle Creek school
A 3rd-grade student at Ann J. Kellogg Elementary School brought a gun to school in their backpack on Tuesday and it discharged, district officials say.
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Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence @teachersunify.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
On Friday, the DOJ announced in a legal opinion that the federal ban on selling handguns to people under 21 is unconstitutional and that it will no longer enforce the law. Expanding access to firearms for young people directly threatens public safety. This is a reckless rollback.
STATEMENT ON DOJ ANNOUNCEMENT
REGARDING HANDGUN SALES TO
BUYERS AGED 18-20
We condemn this shocking decision to end prosecutions of gun dealers who sell to buyers under 21 - violating federal law. This is dangerous and will lead to more gun violence, making our schools and communities less safe.
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Reposted by Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence
Sonali Rajan @sonalirajan.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Next week, join the wonderful @everytown.org research team and my friend, colleague, and fearless leader @abbeyclements.bsky.social from @teachersunify.bsky.social for a webinar on school safety. (6/n) --
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Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence @teachersunify.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Teachers Unify is proud to co-sponsor these presentations by Dr. Sonali Rajan, a dear friend, thought partner, and Board member of our movement! Join us at Yale on September 24th for these important conversations! @yalesph.bsky.social ☮️📚📖
Yale SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
Firearm Injury Prevention
Welcoming Dr. Sonali Rajan, EdD
Preventing Gun Violence in K-12
Schools: evidence, challenges, and future directions.
Questions that matter: how research and communities are together shaping the future of firearm injury prevention.
Dr. Rajan will give an academic, research talk about preventing gun violence in K-12 schools and how research and communities are shaping the future of firearm injury prevention.
Dr. Rajan will give a community-focused talk reflecting on what research has taught us - and its limits - in understanding and preventing firearm injury.
WHEN: Sept. 24, 2026. 12-1p.m
WHERE: 60 College St., 06510,
LEPH 424
Lunch will be provided
WHEN: Sept. 24, 2026. 3-4 p.m
WHERE: 60 College St., 06510,
LEPH 101
Light refreshments will follow
Registration required:
https://yalesurvey.cal.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eKTWQn9D|l2Ygt0
if accessibility accommodations are needed, contact FIP.YSPH@yale.edu.
Speaker:
Sonali Rajan, EdD
Senior Director of Research, Everytown Research and Policy
Professor of Health Promotion and Education, Columbia University
Yale SCHOOL OF
PUBLIC HEALTH
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Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence @teachersunify.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Join us on 9/30, 7pm EST via Zoom! We’ll continue a vital conversation on drills & the importance of a coordinated systemic approach to school safety bringing together a coalition of members including teachers & staff. All are welcome to this interactive meeting! Register: shorturl.at/KY8Wc ☮️📚📖
YOU'RE INVITED TO OUR NEXT COMMUNITY MEETING!
TEACHERS UNIFY
TO END GUN VIOLENCE
Join this interactive workshop on drills! We will:
• share experiences & voice concerns
• map out local resources
• build key alliances
• take a team approach to protecting our schools.
Wednesday, September 30 @ 7:00 PM EASTERN
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Reposted by Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence
Teachers Unify Podcast @teachersunifypc.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
This episode features Melissa Michelin, the assistant director at Eagles’ Haven, which opened in 2019 to honor the victims/survivors from MSD (2018). She talks about being a trauma-trained clinician, how to practice self-care and more. @teachersunify.bsky.social teachersunify.transistor.fm/64
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Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence @teachersunify.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Students, teachers, staff (& their families!) should be safe from the fear, chaos & trauma of gun violence. To the Westwood Hills Elementary community, the Teachers Unify Crisis Intervention & Support Team is here to help! Call 203-296-3689 or email us at response@teachersunify.org. 💔📓📚📖❤️‍🩹
Our hearts are with the entire
Westwood Hills Elementary School community in Waynesboro, Virginia.
#BooksnotBullets #EndGunViolence
@teachersunify
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Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence @teachersunify.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Teachers and school staff see firsthand the growing mental health challenges kids face today and can lead the charge in promoting secure firearm storage. Raising awareness gives trusted adults a vital tool to protect students. ☮️📓📚
SEPTEMBER IS
SUICIDE
PREVENTION
MONTH
Suicide attempts involving firearms are overwhelmingly fatal. Securing guns safely in the home directly protects children and teens in crisis.
@teachersunify
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Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence @teachersunify.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
📣 Our latest newsletter is out! Catch up on updates, research analysis, and ways to get involved as we work together to create safer schools and communities. #BooksNotBullets #EndGunViolence #SafeSchoolsSafeCommunities ☮️📚📓
teachersunify.substack.com
August 2026 Update!
Back-to-School
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Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence @teachersunify.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
“Tennessee has some of the weakest gun laws in the nation & our children deserve better than a system that asks them to practice surviving gun violence while lawmakers fail to prevent it.” Must 📖 Substack blog post by Kathryn Vaughn, a veteran teacher who teaches Art & STEM in rural west TN.
teachersunify.substack.com
The Drill I Never Wanted My Kindergartener to Practice
by Kathryn Vaughn
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Reposted by Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence
GVPedia @gvpedia.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Most schools around the country started back this week. We recently offered this list of articles related to the increasing focus on preventing shootings on campuses. In case you missed it, here it is again, below. @teachersunify.bsky.social @k12ssdb.bsky.social
open.substack.com
ICYMI: Back To School
As the buses rev up, here is some information from around the country on what is being done to prepare and protect kids from gun violence on campus
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Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence @teachersunify.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
#SchoolStories #EndGunViolence #BooksNotBullets ☮️📓📚
As a teacher and a parent, I worry that one day I will receive a horrible phone call from my child's school or have to text my family, 'I love you' from my hiding place.
teachersunify.org
Victoria Clark
Teacher, North Carolina
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Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence @teachersunify.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Back-to-school season shouldn’t include worrying about gun violence. Your monthly gift helps fund sustained support needed to advocate for safe school communities every day. $25+/mo: Exclusive Mary Engelbreit tote & under $25/mo: Exclusive sticker: shorturl.at/17jre @maryengelbreit.bsky.social ☮️📚
FREE GIFTS WITH
RECURRING DONATIONS!

Tote Bags & stickers

@TEACHERSUNIFY
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Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence @teachersunify.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
A teenage boy and 4 adults were killed Friday in shootings. A teenage girl survived and is in stable condition. Today, teachers are looking up their rosters to check if they have one of these kids enrolled in their classes. Books, not bullets. 💔☮️📚📓
nbcchicago.com
Shootings in Michigan leave 5 people plus suspect dead following large-scale search
A series of shootings in Michigan left five people plus a suspect dead Friday, police said, following an extensive search.
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Reposted by Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence
GVPedia @gvpedia.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Last month, Executive Director at Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence, Abbey Clements, gave us a wrap-up of various educational conferences she or her org’s ambassadors attended across the country this summer. In case you missed it, here is her report below. @teachersunify.bsky.social
open.substack.com
ICYMI: Meeting Educators Where They Are
Teachers Unify expands their reach from summer conferences to the union floor
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Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence @teachersunify.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
We don’t know all the details yet, but gunfire, fear, chaos, and trauma should never be part of the college experience. Classes are scheduled to begin Monday. 💔☮️📚📓
nbcnews.com
Five shot outside dorms at Virginia State University days before classes begin
The five victims were transported to hospitals, and one initially listed as having life-threatening injuries has been upgraded to critical condition, county police said.
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Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence @teachersunify.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Join us and our partners @giffords.org Gun Owners for Safety for this vital conversion to discuss ways to spread the word and take action for a safe school year. Register here: giffords-org.zoom.us/meeting/regi... ☮️📓📚
Join us on Tuesday, August 18th at 7 pm EST, for an online back-to-school discussion on how school leaders, parents, and students can play a role in reducing risk and saving lives.
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Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence @teachersunify.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
📣 Join us on 8/26! Our guest is Dr. Sonali Rajan—professor, researcher & dear friend of Teachers Unify. She’ll break down findings & recs from a recent @nationalacademies.org report on mitigating risks to mental, emotional & behavioral health with safety protocols. Register: teachersunify.org ☮️📚📓
REGISTER FOR OUR NEXT COMMUNITY MEETING
TEACHERS UNIFY
TO END GUN VIOLENCE
During our August meeting, Dr. Sonali Rajan will breakdown a recent study on the effects of lockdown drills. We'll discuss implications and ways to advocate for best practices in schools.
Wednesday, August 26 7:00 PM EASTERN
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Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence @teachersunify.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
Our latest newsletter is out! Catch up on updates, upcoming events, and ways to get involved as we work together to create safer schools and communities. #BooksNotBullets #EndGunViolence #SafeSchoolsSafeCommunities ☮️📚📓
open.substack.com
July 2026 Update!
From Awareness to Action
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Reposted by Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence
GVPedia @gvpedia.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
"Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence ambassadors have been busy leading sessions, tabling, and hosting meet-ups at education conferences across the country this summer...." #teachers @aft.org #SafeStorage #schoolshootings #gunviolenceawareness #SchoolSafety @teachersunify.bsky.social
open.substack.com
Meeting Educators Where They Are
Teachers Unify expands their reach from summer conferences to the union floor
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Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence @teachersunify.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Join our 7/29 Community Meeting, 7pm EST on Zoom. Hear from Kristin & Robin on Trust Talk: Teen to Teen, free lessons to give middle- and high-school students tools to make safe decisions in risky situations. Learn how to bring vital conversations into the classroom. Register: shorturl.at/3cQww ☮️📓📚
"In the time it takes to take a single breath, a firearm can be secured.
In the time it takes to take a single breath, my son Ethan was killed.
Seconds to lock up a gun.
Seconds to change a life forever.
A lifetime to live with the consequences.""The burden of feeling unsafe is quietly reshaping childhood. Imagine a world where young people have the confidence and skills to prevent firearm tragedies before they unfold.
Together, we can give them the tools they need to change their world-and ours."
- Robin Fox, author of Trust Talk: Teen to Teen
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Reposted by Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence
AFT Connecticut @aftct.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Winning the unanimous support of 3K delegates to our nat’l @aft.org convention; we couldn’t be prouder of @teachersunify.bsky.social Co-Founder & retired #Newtown educator @abbeyclements.bsky.social for championing this #AFTCT-sponsored resolution. #ABetterLifeForAll @aftteach.bsky.social
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Reposted by Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence
Kris Brown | President, @BradyUnited.org @krisbrown.bradyunited.org · 20/07/2026
Deeply grateful for the continued gun violence prevention advocacy of @rweingarten.bsky.social and @aft.org in saving lives, and educators like @abbeyclements.bsky.social who encourage secure storage and other common-sense solutions to preventing gun violence in America.
aft.org
Address Secure Firearms Storage and Fight Gun Violence in School Communities as a Workplace Safety and Public Health Issue
WHEREAS, in a nation with more guns than people, guns are the leading cause of death for children in America; andWHEREAS, according to a study by the U.S. Secret Service, as many as three-quarters of ...
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Reposted by Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence
Randi Weingarten 🖇️📚✊🇺🇸 @rweingarten.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
Thank you @abbeyclements.bsky.social. We trust our kids' educators to help them learn & grow in the classroom. When teachers and support staff have resources to advocate for students and for safety, our schools & communities are stronger. @teachersunify.bsky.social ctmirror.org/2026/06/18/w...
ctmirror.org
Opinion: Why teachers need a seat at the table on school safety
The reality I’ve learned, especially when working with fellow survivors, is there is no timeline for trauma.
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Reposted by Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence
AFT Connecticut @aftct.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
#AFT26. @aft.org @aftteach.bsky.social @teachersunify.bsky.social @abbeyclements.bsky.social
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Reposted by Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence
Teachers Unify Podcast @teachersunifypc.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
As summer starts winding down & school begins over the next few weeks, we want to do an episode about you: the teachers. Please email us if you’d like to be featured. @teachersunify.bsky.social
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Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence @teachersunify.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
Our July Community Meeting guests are Robin Fox & Kristin Song! Since the tragic loss of her son Ethan, Kristin has advocated for secure firearm storage. She & educator Robin created Trust Talk: Teen to Teen, lessons that explore safe solutions to risky situations. Register here: shorturl.at/ZoLj4
REGISTER NOW!
COMMUNITY MEETING
7/29/2026
Join us at 7:00 EST on Zoom
Our July Community Meeting will feature Kristin Song & Robin Fox, who developed Trust Talk: Teen to Teen, lessons to help youth talk openly about safety.
Kristin & Robin
TEACHERS UNIFY
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Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence @teachersunify.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
Can’t wait for our July Community Meeting! We’ll be announcing the focus soon—you won’t want to miss it! All are welcome! Register here: shorturl.at/ZoLj4 Books, not bullets. ☮️📚📓
SAVE THE DATE!
7/29/2026
Join us at 7:00 EST
on Zoom for our July Community
Meeting
TEACHERS UNIFY
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Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence @teachersunify.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
If the Supreme Court opens the door to striking down more state bans, we know what the result will be — more mass shootings. 💔☮️📓📚
Statement in Response to the Supreme Court Taking up Assault Weapons Bans in Connecticut and the Chicago Area
"Far too many school shootings, including the tragedy that took place at Sandy Hook School, are made more deadly by the easy availability of assault weapons.
The simple fact is that we had fewer mass shootings and mass shootings were less deadly when we had a federal assault weapons ban in place."
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Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence @teachersunify.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
Four years ago today. ☮️📓📚💔
"The July 4th shooting brought the realities of gun violence home. It became clear that no one is safe; no community is safe. Gun violence can touch us all."
-Josh Novick, LCPC, former teacher & school counselor, supported the community in the aftermath of the 2022 Highland Park July 4th tragedy; Teachers Unify Ambassador & Crisis Intervention & Support Team Member
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Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence @teachersunify.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
Have a safe holiday weekend! #BooksNotBullets ☮️📓📚
Celebrate Responsibly -
No Gunfire!
@teachersunify
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Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence @teachersunify.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
#BooksNotBullets #SchoolStories #SafeSchoolsSafeCommunities #GunViolenceAwarenessMonth ☮️📓📚
"I choose to participate in Teachers Unify because I believe that teachers need as much advocacy as possible, so I must do my part to strengthen the field."
- Sharonda Allen, Radical Educator
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Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence @teachersunify.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Don’t miss our conversation with Teachers Unify Ambassador, educator, and teacher leader, Denise N. Hernandez tomorrow evening! Register here: shorturl.at/wacIN ☮️📓📚 #BooksNotBullets #EndGunViolence
Connect
Support
Advocate
REGISTER NOW
TEACHERS UNIFY
TO END GUN VIOLENCE
COMMUNITY MEETING
6/24/2026
7PM EST, ZOOM
"Students deserve to feel safe, teachers deserve to do their jobs without fear, and parents deserve the peace of mind that their children are protected at school. I want to be part of a community that speaks up, supports one another, and pushes for real change, because safety and mental health have to be a priority, not an afterthought."
Featured Guest:
Denise
Hernandez
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Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence @teachersunify.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Check out our June Newsletter that highlights… * Powerful survivor stories * Community partnerships * Our new Research & Public Health Corner * Press and outreach * Our Monthly Community Meetings — hope to see you there every last Wednesday of the month! ☮️📚📓
shorturl.at
Firearms are the leading cause of death for children and teens in the United States. This devastating statistic demands more than thoughts, prayers, and worries; it requires an active, collective commitment from every sector of society to advocate for real, systemic action.
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Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence @teachersunify.bsky.social · 21/06/2026
Today is #ASKDay — the 1st day of summer & a reminder to ask if there’s an unlocked firearm where the young people in your life play. School is out & summer is about new friends, new play dates & new childcare setups. This simple question may feel awkward, but it can save a life. @bradyunited.org
6.7 million kids live in a home with an unlocked, loaded firearm.
ASK
ASKINGSAVESKIDS
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Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence @teachersunify.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
#BooksNotBullets ☮️📚📓
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Reposted by Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence
AFT Connecticut @aftct.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
"For too long educators have been left out of the national dialogue around gun violence even though they are on the frontlines of this crisis." #Enough @aftteach.bsky.social @teachersunify.bsky.social
ctmirror.org
Opinion: Why teachers need a seat at the table on school safety
The reality I’ve learned, especially when working with fellow survivors, is there is no timeline for trauma.
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Reposted by Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence
Sarah Lerner @mrslerner.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
I was the keynote speaker at today’s Leon County Sheriff’s Office School Safety Summit. I spoke to law enforcement officers, district officials, school administrators & educators about MSD, living with trauma, “Parkland Speaks” & @teachersunify.bsky.social.
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Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence @teachersunify.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
#GunViolenceAwarenessMonth #BooksNotBullets #EndGunViolence ☮️📚📓
"As a teacher, wife of a teacher, sister of a teacher, and the mother of a fourth grader, I'm scared every day."
Anonymous
#schoolstories
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Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence @teachersunify.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
#GunViolenceAwarenessMonth #BooksNotBullets #EndGunViolence #SchoolStories ☮️📚📓
"The impact of gun violence on educators is often swept under the rug and it changes the relationships we build
with students who need us."
Dawn M., High School Teacher, Yonkers NY
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Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence @teachersunify.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
10 years since the tragedy at Pulse nightclub in Orlando. ☮️📚📓💔
"As teachers, we never stop thinking of all the students who pass through our classrooms. The Pulse tragedy reached far beyond one night. It touched the lives of our former students, their families and our entire community. Ten years later, we remember those we lost, stand with those forever changed and carry the responsibility to keep their stories alive and take action to end the cycle of gun violence so no teacher, parent, or family has to experience this kind of loss again."
Denise N. Hernandez, FL educator & Teachers Unify
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Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence @teachersunify.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
#GunViolenceAwarenessMonth #BooksNotBullets #EndGunViolence #SchoolStories ☮️📚📓
"Safety is a
universal human right."
School Nurse
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Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence @teachersunify.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
#GunViolenceAwarenessMonth #BooksNotBullets #EndGunViolence ☮️📚📓
"I teach, my husband teaches. We are on the front lines of a war we didn't sign up to fight."
EHK, New York teacher
#schoolstories
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Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence @teachersunify.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
Books, not bullets. #GunViolenceAwarenessDay #WearOrange #SafeSchoolsSafeCommunities #EndGunViolence ☮️📚📓❤️‍🩹
National Gun Violence
Awareness Day
We envision a day when every school and community thrives without the fear and impact of gun violence.
@teachersunify
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Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence @teachersunify.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
#GunViolenceAwarenessMonth #WearOrange #SafeSchoolsSafeCommunities #EndGunViolence #SchoolStories ☮️📚📓💔
"I have lost multiple students to gun violence and its wicked head has reared up over and over and over. I'm tired of burying my kids."
Zenara G.
#schoolstories
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Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence @teachersunify.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
This powerful conversation explores the intersection of education and gun violence prevention, which lies at the very heart of Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence. Listen here: rss.com/podcasts/tea... ❤️‍🩹☮️📚📓
rss.com
When Presence Becomes Prevention: School Safety, Trauma, and Educator Voice with Abbey Clements | Podcast Episode on RSS.com
‼️DISCLAIMER‼️ This segment discusses themes of violence within communities, significantly around Sandy Hook Elementary School (2012). Please take care of yourself while listening.In this deeply movin...
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Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence @teachersunify.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
It’s been several weeks since the horrific mass shooting in Shreveport, LA & our hearts remain with all impacted. www.ksla.com/2026/04/23/s... We hope the resources brought in will remain through the summer, into next school year & for as long as needed. We’re here, too: response@teachersunify.org.
Our hearts remain with the entire Linwood Charter School community in Shreveport, Louisiana.
#BookshotBullets #EndGunViolence
@teachersunify
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Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence @teachersunify.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Thank you, Teachers Unify Ithaca, for tabling at the Ithaca Festival! Their community partnerships helped secure a commitment from the school district to share firearm storage information with families 2x/yr. Thanks also to the health dept for donating gun locks—many were distributed!
Teachers Unify to End Gun ViolenceFree gun locks
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Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence @teachersunify.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
The impact & ripple effects of a tragedy like this run wide & deep throughout a community. Students, faculty & staff should be free from the fear, grief & trauma caused by gun violence. www.cnn.com/2026/06/02/u... Our Crisis Intervention and Support team is here to help response@teachersunify.org.
Our hearts are with the entire Muscatine Community School
District in Iowa.
#BooksnotBullets #EndGunViolence
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