Early Warnings: What Educators Need to Know About Preventing School Violence (with Bruce Liebe)

Episode SynopsisIn this episode of Classroom Narratives: Healing in Education, Dr. Joey Weisler speaks with Bruce Liebe, a retired Illinois State Police officer with over 30 years of law enforcement experience and a longtime instructor in active threat training and tactical response.Together, they explore the intersection between education and prevention—specifically how educators, administrators, and communities can recognize early warning signs that may indicate a student in distress or at risk of causing harm.Drawing from research, real cases, and decades of field experience, Bruce explains the five phases many active attackers move through, emphasizing that the earliest stages—fantasy, planning, and preparation—often contain visible signals that educators may encounter through student behavior, communication, or writing.Dr. Weisler reflects on his own teaching experiences following the Parkland tragedy, discussing the challenges educators face when trying to report concerning student behavior while navigating institutional pressure, stigma, and uncertainty.This conversation offers practical insights into threat assessment processes, school-community collaboration, and how educators can remain attentive without creating fear or trauma within school environments.Ultimately, the episode reminds listeners that prevention is rarely about a single person acting alone—it requires a village of educators, families, counselors, and community members willing to listen, observe, and act early.Show Notes Guest: Bruce Liebe Retired Illinois State Police officer (30 years of service) Former statewide SWAT coordinator and active threat instructor Contributor to The Tactical Edge and international law enforcement consultantFurther ReferencesBev JohnsSue Klebold – A Mother’s ReckoningPeter Langman – Research on School ShootersDave Cullen – Columbine and Parkland ReportingWhy Meadow Died – Andrew Pollack and Max Eden