Burlingame, CA… CTA President Eric Heins released this statement after learning of yet another tragic shooting, this time in Tehama County, and ended at the Rancho Tehama Elementary School, where five people, including the gunman, were killed this morning. Three students were wounded, one on the school campus and two who were on their way to school. They are in stable condition.

“Our deepest condolences go out to the students, our colleagues and all those impacted by the shooting incidents this morning in Tehama County. It is heartrending to know that students were hurt and that their family lives have been shattered. We thank and honor the teachers, school secretary and custodians for their selfless acts of bravery in keeping students safe and for contacting authorities. We stand in support with the entire school community and share in their mourning.

“Sadly, it seems tragedies like this are happening far too often. We cannot, and will not, ever let them be accepted as normal. This tragedy in Tehama County once again forces teachers and school support professionals to try to answer the unanswerable, and to do our best to reassure our students, to allay their fears, to comfort those experiencing loss, and to continue to ensure that our schools remain safe places for all students. CTA is working with those impacted by this horrific act of violence and will also work with the Corning Elementary Teachers Association to offer assistance as the long process of healing begins.”

NEA has several educator resources available to assist in helping students and parents feel safe at school.

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