9 Tips for More Effective School Lockdowns

5. Doors should be locked during instructional times and when the door is not actively in use.

Some schools require teachers to teach with their doors locked as a preventive measure. The way the school operates can impact the practicality of this approach, but in general, it is only a small adjustment to make in the school culture.  Some educators feel that keeping doors open creates a positive and inviting environment, but from my experience, a locked door does not have a negative effect on the class environment.  Throughout my K-12 and college educational career, most of my more effective instructors kept the classroom door locked as a standard operating procedure.  Aside from the safety benefits of doing this, it also creates an emphasis on timeliness, professionalism and discipline among students.