I’ve been approved to serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Safe and Supportive Schools, through the Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools (REMS) Technical Assistance (TA) Center. This is an incredibly meaningful role and one I don’t take lightly. To give a bit of context, there are only around 100 REMS SMEs nationwide, and I am honored to be one of just two SMEs in the state of Arkansas. Being part of such a select group brings a deep sense of responsibility and an exciting opportunity to help make a positive impact on the safety and preparedness of schools in Arkansas and across the country.
The REMS TA Center plays a crucial role in helping educational institutions plan for and respond to a variety of potential emergencies, from natural disasters to public health crises and everything in between. As an SME, my work will complement the REMS TA Center’s mission by lending my experience and insights to a range of projects designed to support schools’ safety and emergency readiness. Here’s a look at some of the ways I’ll be involved:
Supporting Training Delivery
One of my primary responsibilities will be supporting the REMS TA Center’s training efforts. By providing live training sessions, I can work directly with schools and districts to help them enhance their emergency preparedness, whether it’s through workshops, hands-on training exercises, or scenario-based discussions. Schools today face complex safety challenges, and effective training is a cornerstone of resilience. I’m honored to contribute to this essential work, guiding school leaders, teachers, and support staff as they build safer, more prepared learning environments.
Developing Products and Resources
Alongside the training, I will assist in developing resources that the REMS TA Center provides to educators, administrators, and emergency response teams. These resources—whether they are toolkits, guides, checklists, or templates—are designed to give schools the actionable tools they need to plan for emergencies. As we develop these products, I’ll be focusing on ensuring they address the real-world challenges that schools face every day, providing practical solutions and clear guidance.
Leading Webinars and Sharing Insights
Additionally, I will serve as a presenter in REMS TA Center webinars. This platform will allow me to connect with a broader audience, sharing key insights on safety trends, preparedness strategies, and best practices. Webinars are a fantastic way to foster a sense of community among school safety professionals, allowing us to discuss what’s working, what challenges remain, and where we can go from here. By sharing knowledge and discussing emerging needs, I hope to help schools navigate today’s safety landscape with confidence.
Consulting on Emerging Needs in School Safety
The field of school safety is constantly evolving. New challenges and needs are always emerging, and one of my roles as an SME will be to provide the REMS TA Center and the U.S. Department of Education with insights on these evolving dynamics. By keeping my finger on the pulse of school safety, I can help shape resources, strategies, and training that are responsive to the latest developments and risks.
Staying Connected and Available
To fulfill this role effectively, I’ll ensure my contact information remains current, so I’m always ready when the REMS TA Center calls upon me to support these tasks. I view this role as a partnership, one that requires continuous communication, adaptability, and a shared commitment to supporting our school communities.
Being chosen as a subject matter expert for the REMS TA Center is an honor, and I’m excited to bring my experience and perspective to this important work. Our schools are at the heart of every community, and their safety and preparedness are paramount. Together, with the REMS TA Center and educational leaders across the country, we can create environments where students and staff alike feel secure, supported, and ready to thrive.
Thank you to the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Safe and Supportive Schools and the REMS TA Center for this incredible opportunity. I look forward to contributing to our shared mission and making a positive impact on school safety nationwide.
Jeff S. Collum, Ed.D.
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