CENTER FOR EDUCATIONAL IMPROVEMENT (CEI)
We've Got Your Back​
​School Safety Program
​
Partnership between the Center for Educational Improvement & M.C. Kimball and Associates
The We’ve Got Your Back program is a student-centered, trauma-informed safety initiative designed for K–12 schools. Developed in response to growing requests from educators, the program moves beyond traditional crisis training by equipping students with practical skills in awareness, emotional regulation, and decision-making in a way that is developmentally appropriate and inclusive.
​
We’ve Got Your Back was created through collaboration with educational leaders, psychologists, and school safety experts to ensure a comprehensive and compassionate approach to student safety. The program integrates mindfulness, wellness, and situational awareness to help students build confidence and readiness without increasing fear or anxiety.
​
We’ve Got Your Back emphasizes:
• Trauma-informed and inclusive practices
• Student voice and empowerment
• Age-appropriate safety education
• Integration of social-emotional learning and
situational awareness
​
​A key feature of the program is its use of animation, storytelling, and interactive learning. Developed in collaboration with industry professionals—including artists with experience at Pixar, Marvel, and Registered Nickelodeon Voices—the content is designed to engage students while maintaining alignment with educational and trauma-informed standards.
Image Credit: M.C. Kimball and Associates
Program Components
The program has expanded to include a comprehensive set of resources for students, educators, and families:
-
Social-Emotional Learning Integration: Teacher guides aligned with SEL competencies and Common Core standards
-
Parent Engagement Materials: Resources to support conversations about safety at home
-
Situational Awareness Tools: Trading cards focused on conscious, spatial, sensory, and informed awareness
-
Teacher Talking Point Cards (TTPs): Classroom prompts, activities, and discussion guides
-
Student Materials: Graphic novels (middle/high school), elementary workbooks, and digital resources
-
Visual Aids: Posters, coloring sheets, decision-making charts, and action plans
-
Project-Based Learning: Classroom and home activities that reinforce safety readiness
-
When/Then Scenarios:Exercises that help students build decision-making skills in real-life situations
​
We’ve Got Your Back helps students develop the awareness, confidence, and skills needed to navigate challenging situations while supporting overall well-being. By integrating safety with social-emotional learning, the program strengthens both preparedness and resilience across school communities.
The We’ve Got Your Back program integrates CEI’s 5 Cs—Consciousness, Compassion, Confidence, Courage, and Community—into a cohesive approach that supports both student safety and well-being. Consciousness helps students stay aware of their surroundings and recognize potential risks, while Compassion creates an emotionally supportive environment that reduces fear and builds trust. Confidence empowers students to believe in their ability to respond effectively, and Courage encourages them to take action even in uncertain or stressful situations. Community brings these elements together, reinforcing a shared responsibility for safety and connection among students and staff. Together, the 5 Cs ensure that safety is not taught as a one-time lesson, but embedded into everyday school culture in a way that strengthens resilience, preparedness, and belonging.
To learn more about bringing We’ve Got Your Back to your school or district, or to explore opportunities to participate, please contact CEI at cei@edimprovement.org.