Give me teacher trained in safety

This letter is in response to Richard Leonhardt's letter published March 2. My youngest child is a senior in high school, so I am well qualified to answer his question: If an armed gunman stormed into the classroom, would I rather have a teacher "trained and competent in handling a firearm," or an unarmed teacher in the room. My answer would surprise Mr. Leonhardt, but not most parents. I would prefer to have an unarmed teacher, trained in dealing with such a crisis who could shepherd my child to a safe hiding place, rather than subject my child to being caught in the crossfire.

Barbara Pintozzi

Barrington