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Teacher in Wheelchair Sobs after Students Reveal Their 'Plan' in Case of Shooting

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A lot has been said in the aftermath of the Parkland, Florida shooting. There have been stories of heroism and stories of cowardice.

There has also been a lot of talk about future plans and what to do to keep students safe.

For one teacher, there was a big talk she needed to have with her students regarding a plan for their classroom. It was not something she was looking forward to.

Marissa Schimmoeller teaches at Jefferson Senior High School in Delphos, Ohio. Schimmoeller also happens to be in a wheelchair.

According to Her View From Home, Schimmoeller shared her story about the conversation that took an tearful twist.

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Schimmoeller began her Facebook post by writing, “Today was really hard for me. Today was the first time I had to teach the day after a mass school shooting. I dreaded facing my students this morning, and as the first students walked in, I began to feel the anxiety pooling in my stomach.”

She went on to explain that the one question she dreaded was the one a freshman asked shortly after class began. The student asked, “Mrs. Schimmoeller, what will we do if a shooter comes in your room?”

Schimmoeller, continued, “My stomach sank. I launched into my pre-planned speech about our plan of action.”

Then came the most difficult part, “I want you to know that I care deeply about each and every one of you and that I will do everything I can to protect you. But – being in a wheelchair, I will not be able to protect you the way an able-bodied teacher will.”

She added bravely, “And if there is a chance for you to escape, I want you to go. Do not worry about me. Your safety is my number one priority.”

The room was quiet and then one student raised her hand and had something to say about the teacher’s plan. “Mrs. Schimmoeller, we already talked about it. If anything happens, we are going to carry you.”

Schimmoeller shared the story because she saw an important message in it for others, following such tragedy and turmoil.

She wrote, “I lost it. With tears in my eyes as I type this, I want my friends and family to know that I understand that it is hard to find the good in the world, especially after a tragedy like the one that we have watched unfold, but there is good.”

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She concluded with “True goodness. It was found in the hearts of my students today.” Perhaps everyone in that classroom, students and teacher, set the example of true goodness.



Her post has drawn media attention and a ton of support from the public. This has left the teacher humbled, but insisting that the focus be on her amazing students and the survivors and grieving in Parkland, Florida.

Her school issued a press release, which she shared on her Facebook page. It noted that “she has faith that the story will continue to ‘be a vehicle that fosters empathy for others’ and that ‘the story offers a testimony to the power of young people and the resilience of the disabled population.”

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