New School Safety Certificate

Millersville University is excited to announce a unique partnership with the Pennsylvania School Safety Institute to develop and deliver an innovative School Safety Preparedness Certificate. This collaboration aims to enhance the ability of educational professionals to respond effectively to natural and man-made disasters, including active shooter scenarios.

"Millersville University has a long-standing tradition of preparing educators and administrators to excel in various educational settings. With a focus on innovation and excellence, the University continually enhances its offerings to meet the evolving needs of the education sector," says Dr. Victor DeSantis, Vice President for University Relations & Strategic Initiatives at Millersville. "Partnering with PennSSI to deliver a certificate in school safety aligns with our 160 years of experience in preparing teachers and principals for the workplace."

The PennSSI, known for its commitment to fostering safe and secure school environments through immersive training and realistic scenarios, will lend its expertise to this groundbreaking program. The initiative is supported by original Pennsylvania School Boards Association Trust funding.

The School Safety Preparedness Certificate will combine online instruction with in-person simulations to provide a comprehensive learning experience.

Dr. Duane Hagelgans, professor at Millersville will be teaching the course. He talks about what participants will gain. "In this class on Safety and All-Hazards Preparedness in Schools, students will learn how to develop comprehensive emergency preparedness plans encompassing communication, collaboration, and coordination across various mission areas. They will also gain practical skills in managing different types of emergencies, from lockdowns and evacuations to handling communications with stakeholders and coordinating recovery efforts."

Key Features:

• Hybrid Format: The certificate program consists of 24 hours of training, with 18 hours delivered online and 6 hours in-person at a simulation site.
• Diverse Cohorts: The program will accommodate 12-15 members per cohort from various roles, including administrators, teachers, support staff, school resource officers, and emergency services professionals. This mixed approach will foster diverse perspectives and collaborative learning.

Millersville University and PennSSI plan to expand this offering into graduate-level courses in the future to complement existing educational leadership and emergency management programs. DeSantis says a micro-credential in school violence and safety is also under consideration.

The pilot group is now full, but those interested may join a wait list for the next cohort. For more information, click here.

About PennSSI
The Pennsylvania School Safety Institute is dedicated to creating secure school environments through advanced training and immersive simulations. PennSSI serves individuals responsible for school safety, equipping them with essential skills to manage and respond to emerging security threats.