Teachers need space to heal and to break the pattern of struggle to reconnect with their jobs emotionally. They also need to feel trusted and respected.

Briana Foster Newton, who was principal at the time of the Jan. 6 shooting, is no longer serving in that role, but is still employed by the Newport News Public Schools.

The shooting sent shock waves through Newport News, a city of about 185,000 that is known for its shipbuilding industry. It has also raised questions about school security and how a child so young could gain access to a gun and shoot his teacher.

Despite pressure from politicians and parents, few district leaders have reported imposing curriculum restrictions due to political polarization around race, gender and LGBTQ topics.