Some Tenn. teachers ready to carry firearms if legislation passes
GREENE COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) – A bill to allow teachers in Tennessee to carry a firearm in schools has passed both the House and the Senate and awaits Governor Bill Lee’s signature.
Before a teacher would be allowed to be armed though, the principal, the director of schools and the local sheriff or police chief must all sign off.
The teacher would also need to already have a handgun permit, receive forty hours of additional training and pass a psychological exam.
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One Greene County teacher and parent said he’s ready to protect his students. Joshua Arrowood is a parent to three and says he’ll protect those in his classroom like his own.
“I’m hired to teach these kids, that’s first and foremost, but you know, I also have a responsibility that while they’re in my care, I’m going to protect them. And that’s what I’m going to do.”
Arrowood currently has his handgun carry permit and says he feels very comfortable with firearms, but says he knows not everyone does.
“I agree there are some people that don’t want to carry guns, and some people that shouldn’t carry guns, but it’s something I’m used to doing.”
When asked how an active shooter situation might look with armed teachers, he said he doesn’t anticipate teachers “chasing down” a threat, but he says he expects most would follow the lock-down procedure, and he’d be a last line of defense if an intruder entered his classroom.
“But like I said, if someone gains entry, you’ve at least got some way of protecting yourself other than throwing something heavy at them.”
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