The school that feels safe during the day can feel very different at 7pm when you're the last one there. Empty hallways, locked doors, minimal lighting — the environment changes completely.
Before Staying Late
Tell someone. Let a colleague, family member, or the front office know your plans. "I'll be in room 204 until about 6pm."
Know the building. Which doors are locked? Where are the emergency exits? Is security still present?
Keep your phone charged. And accessible, not buried in your bag.
Isolation increases vulnerability.
Minimize it.
While You're There
Keep your door locked. You can unlock it to let people in, but an unlocked door is an open invitation.
Be aware of who else is in the building. Custodial staff? Other teachers? Unknown individuals?
Don't announce your vulnerability. Avoid propping doors open or advertising that you're alone.
Leaving
Keys in hand. Before you leave your classroom.
Scan the parking lot. Before exiting the building, look for anything unusual.
Walk with purpose. Head up, shoulders back, moving with intention.
Is the work you're doing worth the risk of being alone in an empty building? Sometimes grading can wait until tomorrow. Your safety can't.
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