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This Week's Topic Instructor Management: Keeping Safe Safety is something every instructor would like to take for granted. Don’t. You cannot afford to. As the instructor, it is your responsibility to keep your students as safe as possible in case of severe weather or other emergencies. This week’s Teaching Tips focus on safety—yours and your students. This Week's Tips Safety from the Beginning (Monday) The first day of class, students may be in a strange building or even on campus for the first time. The safety of your students may depend on your knowledge of fire escapes and what to do in an emergency. Remember these tips: Get to class at least 30 minutes before your students, and note where the fire escapes are. At the beginning of class, tell students where the fire escapes are and what they should do in case of fire. What to Do in Case of an Emergency (Tuesday) Do you know where your students should go in case of a tornado or severe storm? What are the snow policies for your college or university? What if there is a bomb scare, fire, or other reason you need to evacuate the building? You are the instructor. It is up to you to lead the students. Remember the following: Learn the administration’s policies for classes being canceled due to weather, and tell your students these policies. Find out where you are to take students in case of an evacuation. What to Do in a Crisis (Wednesday) What if a student has a heart attack or another sudden serious illness? Do you know CPR? Do you know how to protect yourself and your students in case a student is cut and bleeding? Unless you’re teaching a room full of future doctors or nurses, you need to know what to do in case of a crisis. Take a CPR and first-aid course through your local Red Cross. Learn your school’s crisis and emergency policies. Dealing with a Belligerent or Dangerous Student (Thursday) What would you do if a student brought a gun into your classroom? Unfortunately, this can happen. Arm yourself with knowledge. What is the school’s policy? If there is no policy, insist on one being written. Talk with local law enforcement officers, and remember these tips: Remain calm. Talk with the student if possible, and try to keep him/her calm. You don’t need to be a hero. You do need to keep everyone as calm as possible. Use a Safety Checklist (Friday) When professional speakers are preparing to give a presentation, they use a checklist to make sure they have everything they need to give a successful performance. Take a tip from the professionals: Don’t try to remember everything. Use the safety checklist in this week’s Download Depot. Remember: The smart instructor does not take safety for granted. Prepare diligently for class, as well as for the safety of yourself and your students.
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