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Time's Come For Armed Teachers In Schools, Say Some Educators

DENVER (CBS4) - After Gov. John Hickenlooper said he's open to discussing the possibility of teachers carrying guns in Colorado schools, several teachers said Monday they should be trained just like police officers.

"It would be better if I had a gun to match (a criminal's) gun," teacher Giulio Freda said.

Centennial Gun Club
Patrons at the Centennial Gun Club on Monday (credit: CBS)

Some teachers, including some at the Centennial Gun Club on Monday, are already training for the possibility. State GOP lawmakers have introduced legislation that would allow teachers to carry concealed weapons on school campuses, but it's been defeated by Democrats.

But Hickenlooper, fresh off a narrow re-election victory, said he's willing to entertain the talk.

"I'm certainly open to that discussion," he said during an interview with CBS4. "However that works so that we get a solution that benefits, that creates a better, safer environment for our kids, I'm all for it. The ability of people to defend themselves in a world that increasingly looks chaotic (is important). There is not a parent in this state that doesn't want to make sure we're doing everything possible to make their kid safe."

Related: Hickenlooper: 'Open' To Discussion About Arming Teachers

Some state lawmakers have said that armed teachers might have prevented the shooting death of Arapahoe High School student Claire Davis nearly a year ago. That the governor would consider having the conversation draws a more centrist line. He signed gun-control laws in 2013 that limited the capacity of magazines and expanded background checks for firearm purchases. Those two pieces of legislation -- and the fallout from them -- considerably hampered Hickenlooper in his bid to keep office.

Gun clubs like the one in Centennial have trained teachers for free on best shooting practices and weapon safety.

"I want to be able to protect my kids in between the time of calling 911 and everyone coming," middle school teacher Krista Snow said.

The Colorado Education Association, which opposes armed teachers in schools, said it instead supports increased funding for highly trained resource officers who mitigate violence and mental health services for students who need help.

"The Colorado Education Association has polled its membership on school safety and the clear majority of our members do not support arming educators or bringing more weapons into schools as a means to make our buildings safer," CEA spokesman Mike Wetzel said.

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