Education News & Research

Teachers Say #ArmMeWith Counselors and Resources, Not Guns

A movement that is quickly gaining ground after the Parkland, Florida shooting.

#ArmMeWith Movement
By Hannah Hudson
Feb 20, 2018

Following the devastating school shooting last week in Parkland, Florida, students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School have captured media attention as they speak out against gun violence and in support of gun control measures. Well, now teachers are speaking out too, sharing photos on Instagram and other social media platforms with the hashtag #armmewith and their requests for what they need in their classrooms in order to prevent further tragedy.

The #armmewith movement was started by two teacher-influencers on Instagram, Olivia Bertels (@missbertels) and Brittany Wheaton (@thesuperheroteacher). In one of her Instagram stories, Bertels explains that she had a friend associated with the MSD shooting and says, “I don’t find supporting gun control … to be a political statement … we need gun control in this country.”

The #armmewith movement is a direct response to the proposed solution that teachers carry guns in order to prevent further mass shootings, an idea which has resurfaced in the aftermath of the Parkland shooting. Wheaton is offering a free download of the #armmewith poster on Google Drive, which you can find here.

Below, a sampling of some of the thousands of #armmewith images that have surfaced since Bertels and Wheaton launched the movement on Tuesday evening.

#ArmMeWith resources and funding to help students who need it

We have to strive for more.

#ArmMeWith school supplies

School supplies before guns.

#ArmMeWith time to address emotional needs

Time is everything.

#ArmMeWith time for relationship building

Relationships matter.

#ArmMeWith truth-telling curriculum

We deserve the same as other professionals.

#ArmMeWith bullying prevention

Help me build a bridge.

#ArmMeWith a world without fear

Arm me with a plan.

#ArmMeWith books

Books could save the world.

#ArmMeWith smaller class sizes

This is a movement that I can 100% get on board with. If you’ve heard me talk about my class size the last couple years, you will not be surprised that this is one of my hot button issues. In the mind of children, negative attention is still attention, and I believe that as we raise class sizes, overload teachers, and cut support, we will continue to see major behavioral, social, and emotional issues rise to unparalleled levels. I think that reaching out to educators about ways that we can be PROactive, not reactive, in the education world to reduce violence of any kind is absolutely one of the best places to start making a change! . . . . . #ArmMeWith #RealTalk #IssuesInEducation #iTeach2nd #iTeach3rd #TeacherLife #TeachersOfInstagram #TeacherCommunity #TargetTeachers

A post shared by Kelly Bates (@buildingbrilliance) on Feb 20, 2018 at 5:58pm PST

It could make all the difference.

#ArmMeWith truth

We cannot afford to ignore the truth about what is happening in our country. What is truly frightening is the number of people who refuse to make decisions based upon facts. It is a fact that families sent their loved ones to school and now they are planning funerals. It is a fact that futures were ended when they were just beginning. It is a fact that too many students have lost their lives in a space where they are supposed to be educated and protected. It is a fact that too many people in power are not using that power to bring about the necessary changes that could prevent things like this from happening. Far too many bullets claim our students in the streets for them to claim our students in school, too. We don’t need rhetoric when reality is working overtime. #ArmMeWith the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. • • • • • #education #teacher #teachers #teachersofinstagram #teachersfollowteachers #iteachtoo #teacherspayteachers #tpt #englishteacher #highschool #blackteachersrock #blackboyjoy #thedapperteacher #blackhistorymonth #blackhistory #armmewith

A post shared by Jon from TeachDapper ?? (@thedapperteacher) on Feb 20, 2018 at 5:05pm PST

In all its forms.

#ArmMeWith parents who put down their phones

#ArmMeWith your trust

Let’s teach the whole child.

#ArmMeWith art and music

We live in a society that cares more about putting a gun in my hand than putting a paintbrush in a child’s hand. – – – – – – – American schools won’t become safer by placing guns in classrooms. They’ll become safer when schools provide enriching experiences that develop the whole child. Art & music allow students to express themselves and thrive, yet so many schools don’t have the necessary resources. My own students don’t have music or art. The school in my neighborhood has children walk the halls during phys ed because their gym is in such poor condition. Our system is failing our students, especially those who need it the most. – – – – – – – Let’s change that. Please consider donating to organizations such as @lilysarahgrace, @vh1savethemusic, & @donorschoose. Join me in supporting their daily work to put instruments and art supplies in the hands of a student while keeping weapons out.

A post shared by Katie Rogers (@thecityteacher) on Feb 20, 2018 at 6:34pm PST

We’ll update this post as the #ArmMeWith movement continues to unfold.

In the meantime, what’s your take on the #ArmMeWith movement? What is your school doing in response to the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas? We’re talking about these issues and more in our WeAreTeachers Chat group on Facebook.