Who We Are
The School of Preparedness is the training division of SPR Group LLC, created by founder Shawn Rafferty to deliver practical, life-saving education to the people who need it most: school staff, educators, students, and everyday individuals. We specialize in self-paced, video-based programs that empower users to think clearly, act decisively, and stay safe when the unexpected happens.
At our core, we believe preparedness doesn’t have to be complicated—or scary. It just has to be real.
Why We Exist
After more than 25 years in security, military operations, threat management, and security consulting, Shawn noticed a troubling pattern: while law enforcement often receives active shooter and emergency response training, the people most at risk—teachers, school staff, and kids—are often lacking in what guidance and training they receive.
In 2007, just days after returning home from Iraq, Shawn was driving when he heard the devastating news about the Virginia Tech mass shooting. That moment became the turning point.
That moment planted the seed for what would eventually become the School of Preparedness—a space where real-world experience meets realistic, empowering training for those who aren’t soldiers, but still need to know how to survive.
Since then, Shawn has personally worked with over 50 schools and organizations across the country, helping them prepare for, respond to, and survive active shooter incidents and other life-threatening emergencies. That real-world experience has shaped every lesson we teach—practical, clear, and built for real people in real situations.
Meet the Instructors
Shawn Rafferty and Ian Rafferty
Founder & Lead Instructor, School of Preparedness Shawn Rafferty
