Date of Conferral

5-9-2025

Date of Award

May 2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Criminal Justice

Advisor

Dr. Gregory Koehle

Abstract

This study explored the lived experiences of six middle school teachers who provided their perceptions of school safety measures at their work locations. This phenomenological qualitative study aimed to examine whether the participants feel safe while at work. The theoretical framework that guided this study was PET (Punctuated Equilibrium Theory) which focuses on policy change over time. Participants were given a survey questionnaire to answer. The survey questionnaire contained open-ended survey questions. The survey was utilized in lieu of in-person interviews (due to COVID -19 restrictions). Participants were asked open-ended questions about their experiences and perceptions regarding school safety measures. Three themes were identified: legislative initiatives to deter school violence, high approval of school district safety plan and the prevalence of bullying. Findings imply that the insights from the teachers that participated provided an opposed view regarding the punitive school safety measures mentioned in the literature review. Participants responded that SROs and formal security measures such as suspension are effective in deterring school violence. Implications for positive social change include the potential to draw the attention of policymakers to the importance of implementing school safety measures that are both effective and non-punitive. It emphasizes the need to deter school violence without relying on strict disciplinary tactics, such as suspension or expulsion, for minor behavioral incidents reported to School Resource Officers (SROs). By adopting strategies that prioritize prevention over punishment, policymakers can ensure that disciplinary measures do not unnecessarily escalate minor infractions within school districts.

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