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In the wake of another school shooting, this is what goes through one teacher's mind

Schools are safe places, despite rare and tragic instances of mass violence. You can't blame teachers, though, for preparing for the worst.

Schools are safe places, despite rare and tragic instances of mass violence.

You can't blame teachers, though, for preparing for the worst. Most of us probably don't consider what goes through the mind of a teacher after a school shooting.

Stephanie Stewart, a first grade teacher in Loveland, Colorado, wrote about her reality in a Facebook post. It's been shared more than 16,000 times, as of this writing.

In the post, Stewart writes:

Have you ever stood on a playground while your class played at recess and scanned the entire area, trying to decide what the best escape plan would be if bullets began flying? Have you feared the open space and tried to imagine just how many children you could lead to a safe location? Because I have.

Have you ever contemplated how many children you could fit into the cabinets, how quickly you could get them in, without making it obvious that you have just emptied them all to hide? Have you thought about what exactly you could say to keep them silent? Because I have.

Have you ever had tears streaming down your face as you've thought about what the lives of your family and friends will be like after you've put yourself between an armed shooter and a child at your school to try and protect them? Because I have.

Don't tell me people should have to risk their lives because politicians won't risk their funding. Don't tell me your ability to purchase an AR-15 is more important than a child's life. Don't tell me there is no place for mental health reform or stricter gun laws. Don't tell me there is no room for some change.

Stewart said she's heard from people around the world, including teachers who say they feel the same way.

Her hope is that her words inspire action, she says.

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