Teachers learn about guns in free class

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - Dozens of teachers gathered Tuesday to learn about gun safety, one day ahead of the president's proposal to curb gun violence.

"We have to step out of our comfort zone and do whatever to protect our children," Virginia Beach teacher Gail Campbell said. "It's absolutely important to know how properly handle a firearm."

Campbell was one of many teachers who attended Superior Pawn and Gun in Virginia Beach's free gun safety class.

The shop's owners told WAVY.com after the Newtown, Conn. school shooting, they were inundated with requests for a gun safety class, especially from area teachers.

"After what happened in Connecticut, I felt like there was something else I needed to do to be prepared," Campbell said.

The instructors said the point of the class is not to arm teachers while in classrooms, but rather for them to learn about the different kinds of guns. Gun safety class instructor Chuck Cesil said he believes something as simple as this could save lives.

"If they are involved in a situation and they call police, they can give them more information on what the shooter may have," Cesil said. "They'll know whether it is a handgun, shotgun or rifle."

Teachers like Dennis Boderding, who has taught for 16 years, took the class as a safety precaution.

"My students will tell you, when it comes to safety, I'm big on [it]," Boderding said.

Teachers in Virginia are not allowed to carry weapons in schools, but if that ever changes, Campbell said she wants to be ready.

"If that situation came where we would carry, then definitely, I could consider that," Campbell said.

President Obama is set to reveal his gun control proposal Wednesday. NBC News reports it will include stricter background checks, a ban high capacity magazines and a renewal of the assault weapons ban.

The next class at Superior Pawn and Gun is scheduled for Jan. 22. For more information, contact the gun shop at 757-427-2627.