Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
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Alex Cabrero reporting Fortunately, police were able to stop an alleged school violence plot from happening.
But after Columbine and Jonesboro, the reality is it could happen anytime, anywhere.
Alex Cabrero spoke with teachers at the Utah Education Association's Convention Friday afternoon to see if this is something they think about.
Almost every teacher has that one student who needs just a little more discipline than the others.
But unfortunately, using Friday as an example, you never know when that student may seek revenge or retaliation for whatever reasons.
Two full days of teachers, books, and lessons.
The Utah Education Association's convention had all the latest stuff to help teachers keep up with the times. But ohh, how the times have changed.
Kate Brenchley: "I never, ever in my mind thought of guns coming to school."
Kate Brenchley teaches elementary students and can remember when a book like this was the only thing to be worried about.
Kate Brenchley/ Mountain Shadows Elementary: "We have lockdown practices in case something like this were to occur, and it's scary."
Teachers spend their whole lives helping students learn. They shouldn't have to give it.
Julie Seeley/ Altamont High School: "It's a worry. It's any teacher's nightmare because we spend all our time trying to help."
Julie Seely teaches high school students. When it's time to discipline one of them, she can't let fear stop her.
Julie Seeley: "It doesn't enter my mind I could be the next target."
Pat Rusk/ President, UEA: "I still think we have the safest schools, but when you hear something like this, you just get a pit in your stomach."
Pat Rusk, President of the UEA, agrees more needs to be done to understand why some students think of these things. She's also hoping metal detector vendors aren't a part of next year's convention.
Pat Rusk: "No, I hope we never have to get to that."
Neither does anyone else because guns, explosives, and terrorist-type plots should never be a part of any school's environment. But yes, even in Vernal, Utah, times have changed.
Julie Monson/ Escalante Elementary: "What kinds of things are going on that are making children feel empowered that they can do these kinds of things?"
Fortunately, Uintah High didn't become the next Jonesboro, Santana High, or Columbine. The plot was figured out in time.
Now, it's time to figure out what led to this in the first place.
