School safety concerns have prompted Idaho State University’s (ISU) Albion Center to partner with the National Council of School Safety Directors (NCSSD) to launch comprehensive security training for educators nationwide.
New Professional Development Program Addresses Critical Need
The Foundations of School Security Leadership (FoSSL) courses provide 100% online, self-paced training designed to equip K-12 educators and administrators with essential school safety knowledge. The program aims to transform educational environments and improve safety conditions across schools.
Expert Leadership Drives Program Development
Guy Bliesner, an ISU alumnus with over 30 years in K-12 education, leads the FoSSL initiative. Bliesner serves as School Safety and Security Analyst for southeast Idaho schools and sits on the NCSSD board. He has conducted hundreds of school site assessments and implemented Idaho’s first statewide school safety condition assessment.
“This course marks an impressive completion of school security knowledge developed by the people who are actively working in security at the school level,” Bliesner said.
Comprehensive Curriculum Covers Essential School Security Elements
The course content addresses nine foundational areas based on ZeroNow‘s Path to Safer Schools:
- School security leadership roles
- Educational security applications
- Culture and climate in school security
- District and school safety committees
- Risk, threat, and vulnerability assessments
- Physical security systems and equipment
- Security personnel and processes
- Emergency management planning and implementation
- Advocacy, acceptance, and funding strategies
Course Structure and Availability
FoSSL consists of two three-credit sections totaling six graduate-level credits. Each section provides 45 hours of learning content. The first section launches in October 2025, with the second following shortly after.
The program targets K-12 educators entering security leadership roles and law enforcement professionals transitioning to educational settings, including School Resource Officers.
Affordable Access and Credentials
The Albion Center charges $55 per credit with no additional fees. New enrollees receive a $200 initial credit toward courses and can begin immediately without applying to ISU.
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Upon completion, educators can request free official transcripts from ISU and receive course completion certificates from NCSSD. The courses provide non-degree, graduate-level credentials for professional growth, certification renewal, and salary advancement.
Gabriel Rodriguez, Managing Director of the Albion Center, emphasized the program’s practical value: “These courses give educators the tools and confidence to build safer learning environments for every student.”
