Research in a 2021 article titled “Crisis Interventions in Schools: A Systematic Review” highlights the long-term impact of school crises on students, noting that “trauma can impede academic performance by interfering with students’ metacognitive learning processes.” This reinforces the importance of educators who are adept at emergency preparedness and crisis management.
Millersville University’s online Master of Science (M.S) in Emergency Management prepares graduates for critical roles in disaster response, public health emergencies and homeland security. While these graduates are vital in traditional crisis management settings, their expertise is especially valuable in education. Schools are not immune to emergencies, and effective crisis management is essential for ensuring student safety, well-being and academic success.
School Crisis Management Explained
Millersville’s online program provides graduates with a comprehensive skill set that individuals can apply directly to educational settings. Courses like Crisis, Emergency and Risk Communication use communication theory to explore the difficulties and best approaches used by public officials, first responders and healthcare workers when communicating during emergencies, crises and risk communication situations. The course also provides students with the skills to develop communication strategies for various contexts, including one-on-one interactions, media engagement, social media use and direct communication with the public.
The Social Dimensions of Disaster course explores insights from disaster sociology. It covers the social science definition of disasters, dispels common myths surrounding them and examines the media’s role in such events. It also covers the organizational challenges faced during disasters, explores strategies for building resilient communities and introduces prominent national and international disaster researchers along with their contributions to the field.
This online degree program provides educators with the knowledge and tools to navigate various crisis scenarios, like natural disasters like earthquakes and floods. It also prepares individuals to utilize crisis management skills in spaces like education and the classroom to address interpersonal threats like workplace violence, hate crimes and school shootings.
Ways to Mitigate a Crisis in the Education Space
The National Education Association (NEA) outlines key strategies for successful crisis management within schools. These include:
- Developing a comprehensive crisis plan. This plan should outline specific protocols for responding to various emergencies, ensuring clear communication and designating roles and responsibilities for staff members.
- Conducting regular training and drills. Educators and students must know the crisis plan through routine training sessions and drills. These drills help alleviate anxiety, practice response procedures and identify areas for improvement within the plan.
- Providing post-crisis support. Crisis events can leave a lasting emotional impact. The school crisis plan should include strategies for providing mental health support to students, faculty and staff in the aftermath.
Beyond the Textbook: Emergency Management in Action
There are a few ways that educators can leverage their emergency management knowledge in specific crises. The following are examples of scenarios that might require educators to use crisis management practices:
- Natural disasters. Those with skills in emergency preparedness knowledge can ensure schools have adequate supplies for sheltering students and staff during natural disasters. They can also participate in evacuation drills and train staff in first aid procedures.
- Workplace violence and hate crimes. Understanding threat assessment and risk management can be important in identifying potential violence and implementing preventative measures. Training staff to recognize and report suspicious behavior can significantly improve school safety.
- Health crises. Knowledge of disease transmission and containment is invaluable during outbreaks of influenza or other infectious diseases. Educators can play a vital role in informing students about proper hygiene practices and implementing protocols to ensure a safe learning environment.
- Cyberattacks disrupt school operations and compromise student data. Educators can use crisis and emergency management practices to advocate for digital security measures and awareness programs to help students identify and avoid online threats.
The Call for Crisis Training in Schools
The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) strongly advocates for crisis training in school settings. Emergency management skills are not confined to specialized professions. They are essential for educators who play a vital role in ensuring the safety of students.
Those interested in this program who are hoping to transition from the emergency preparedness to education space have an ideal option. The program’s Field Experience Practicum course offers a capstone course that integrates theory and skills, allowing individuals to gain relevant educational crisis management experience while working in their current position.
The program also provides valuable information that helps students prepare for the Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) exam. The curriculum covers all crucial elements of emergency management including mitigation, communication, response, recovery and science. Millersville’s online Master of Science in Emergency Management program prepares educators with skills that empower them to be active participants in crisis preparedness and response.
Learn more about Millersville University’s online Master of Science in Emergency Management program.
