School Climate & Safety

Reports: Teachers Acted Heroically During Ohio School Shooting

By Anthony Rebora — February 28, 2012 1 min read
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A number of news stories are highlighting the courageous role that teachers played in the midst of the tragic shooting yesterday at Chardon High School in Ohio, which authorities are now saying claimed the lives of two [sigh] three students. By reports, after the gunman opened fire in the cafeteria, assistant football coach Frank Hall charged him and chased him out of the school—and into police hands. Witnesses say that Hall, known around the school as the “gentle giant,” continued his pursuit even though the shooter brandished the gun at him.

Meanwhile, math teacher Joe Ricci had put his classroom on lockdown when he heard moaning coming from outside his door. According to witnesses, he went out and pulled a student who had been shot several times into his class and began administering first aid until the paramedics arrived. That student, Nick Walczak, is still alive.

Shortly after the shooting, one student at the school tweeted, “Mr Hall and Mr Ricci put themselves on the line when they didn’t have to. This world needs more people like them.”

And then in response to a follower who asked for details about the educators: “They’re both seriously incredible men and we’re lucky to have them in our lives.”

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A version of this news article first appeared in the Teaching Now blog.