As schools open their doors in a few weeks, more teachers will be trained to carry and, if needed, use guns in high-alert situations. 

West Plains, Missouri is just one of many municipalities which underwent safety training with SWAT-team experienced shooters, according to USA Today. The teachers in West Plains are participating in firearms training through Shield Solutions, a program preparing teachers to carry concealed weapons in the classroom. Teachers from 10 different schools in Missouri have trained with Shield Solutions in response to the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings in Newtown, Conn. in 2012. 

"We take people who have never picked up a firearm before, and we train them," said Greg Martin, CEO of Shield Solutions. "When we're done with them, they're better than most of our law enforcement...Once they go through the training and they qualify, then they are essentially an employee of Shield Solutions. I provide workman's comp insurance and liability insurance for them."

Along with schools in Missouri, schools in Utah are also participating in firearm training programs. Teachers, with loaded "Simunitions" weapons in their hands, go through obstacles and mock lockdowns at the Swanson Tactical Training Center in Ogden. 

"We intended to give them basic training in how to protect themselves and students," said Weber County Lt. Jeff Pledger, who has conducted firearms training for more than 10 years. "It's designed for anyone employed in the school district who comes in contact with students and might feel a responsibility to protect those students."

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Article by Kassondra Granata, EducationWorld Contributor