Built for Educators. Backed by Experience.

TEACHERS FIRST is a practical, self-paced video training program designed with educators in mind—not soldiers, not security experts, but real people working in real schools. It’s built to prepare you—not scare you—with clear, common-sense strategies you can use if the unthinkable happens. Based on the proven FIRST method (Focused Individual Response Survival Training), it empowers teachers to respond confidently, make smart decisions under pressure, and take control of their own safety and their students’ well-being.

This isn’t about turning teachers into first responders. It’s about giving you the tools to think clearly, act calmly, and lead effectively when it matters most.

The purpose of TEACHERS FIRST is to empower every school staff member with practical, actionable training that builds confidence, sharpens decision-making, and saves lives. This comprehensive, on-demand video course is designed for real people facing real emergencies — equipping teachers and staff to act decisively and independently when seconds matter most. By fostering focused individual response skills, TEACHERS FIRST transforms uncertainty into preparedness and fear into action, creating safer schools and stronger communities.

Course curriculum

    1. Video 1 Introduction

    2. Video 2 Training Overview

    3. Video 3 Situational Awareness

    4. Video 4 Observational Awareness

    5. Video 5 Mindset

    6. Video 6 Insider and Outside Threats

    7. Quiz 1

    8. Video 7 School Vulnerabilities

    9. Video 8 Access Control

    10. Video 9 What To Observe

    11. Quiz 2

    12. Video 10 Power and Capabilities of Firearms

    13. Video 11 Communication

    14. Video 12 Have a Plan

    15. Quiz 3

    16. Video 13 How to Use Handheld Radios

    17. Video 14 How To Call 911

    18. Video 15 Role of First Responders

    19. Quiz 4

    20. Video 16 Traumatic First-Aid

    21. Video 17 Classroom Set-Up

    22. Video 18 Internal Teachers and Staff Placement

    23. Video 19 External Teachers and Staff Placement

    24. Quiz 5

    1. Video 1 Things to Consider

    2. Video 2 Moving Through Hallways

    3. Video 3 Moving Around Corners

    4. Quiz 6

    5. Video 4 Moving in Stairwells

    6. Video 5 Evacuating the Building

    7. Quiz 7

    1. Video 1 Things to Consider

    2. Video 2 Using Your Environment

    3. Quiz 8

    4. Video 3 Preparing the Room

    5. Video 4 Barricading

    6. Quiz 9

    1. Video 1 Things to Consider

    2. Video 2 Vulnerable Moments

    3. Quiz 10

    4. Video 3 Decide to Act

    5. Video 4 Attacking

    6. Quiz 11

    1. Video 1 Accountability

    2. Video 2 Recovery

    3. Quiz 12

About this course

  • 34 Video Lessons
  • 12 Quizzes

Pricing Options

Prices are per school. Contact if part of a multi-school organization for special pricing.

How The Process Works

  • Register

    Sign-up for the course.

  • Videos and Quizzes

    Watch the videos sequentially and complete/pass all the quizzes.

  • Certificate of Completion

    A completion certificate will be provided upon viewing all the videos and successfully completing and passing all the quizzes.

  • Practice and Implement

    Learning doesn't end after completing the course. To ensure readiness and capability to act, practice and apply what you've learned.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is TEACHERS FIRST?

    TEACHERS FIRST is a video-based training program that teaches school staff how to respond to an active shooter situation using a practical, step-by-step approach. It stands for Focused Individual Response Survival Training and is designed to empower teachers and staff to act confidently and decisively in a crisis — even before help arrives.

  • How is this different from other school safety trainings?

    Most trainings briefly mention Run, Hide, Fight but offer vague guidance. TEACHERS FIRST breaks each step down into clear, actionable instructions — assuming no prior experience or background in emergency response. It’s designed for anyone to understand and apply, with real-life scenarios that teach how to act when you’re alone, under pressure, and responsible for others.

  • Who should take TEACHERS FIRST?

    This course is for any adult working in a school environment — teachers, aides, office staff, administrators, and custodians. Active shooter situations don’t discriminate by role, and TEACHERS FIRST ensures every adult knows how to respond effectively, whether they’re in a classroom, cafeteria, or hallway.

  • Is this course appropriate for substitute teachers or new hires?

    Absolutely. TEACHERS FIRST is an ideal onboarding tool. Since it’s online and self-paced, substitutes and new hires can complete it before they ever step foot on campus — ensuring everyone is trained and on the same page from day one.

  • Does TEACHERS FIRST align with any specific safety protocols or state mandates?

    Yes. TEACHERS FIRST is built around core principles like Run, Hide, Fight, but it goes further by providing actionable training tailored to real school environments. It supports compliance with many state and district safety requirements — and by standardizing staff response, it improves coordination with law enforcement during critical incidents.

  • Can this be used alongside other emergency training programs?

    Definitely. TEACHERS FIRST is designed to complement — not replace — existing emergency plans and drills. It gives staff the individual confidence and tactical knowledge that drills alone often lack, helping them make life-saving decisions if a real threat occurs.

  • How long are the videos?

    The videos can range from 2 minutes to 10 minutes in length.

  • How do you access the training and take the quizzes??

    KIDS FIRST is hosted on a site called Thinkific and can be accessed on any digital platform. While the Thinkific app can be downloaded from the Apple App Store for iOS and Google Play for Android, quizzes cannot be taken within the app due to platform limitations. However, quizzes can be completed through the Thinkific web browser, with automatic completion recognition when using the app. The website is also very user friendly.

If a crisis happened tomorrow, would your staff be ready? TEACHERS FIRST makes sure they are.

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