Teachers of the Selma City School and Dallas County School systems will have the opportunity to become certified in C.P.R. in one of the six classes offered from Feb. 9 to Feb. 20 as part of the Have a Heart-Save a Heart program and the American Heart Association.

“It’s not mandatory for any of our teachers, only coaches, to be trained in C.P.R,” said Glenda Shaw, director of A Plus Health and Safety.

“Some of the other states do require that teachers do, but Alabama is one of the states that doesn’t,” she said.

After discovering this information, Shaw wanted to find a way to get more teachers certified.

Few states require their teachers become certified in CPR before they can teach in the schools.

An exception to that rule is Michigan.

Michigan requires all licensed teachers to have certification in CPR and first aid before they can work in a public school classroom.

Other states, including New York, are also looking at the issue.

Just this year, a measure was introduced in the New York Assembly to have teachers certified in CPR and to place defibrillators in every school.

Shaw is also working to contact local businesses to have door prizes available for attendants.

She said Wal-Mart has offered to donate $250 to the school with the most personnel participating in the certification.

“It will be fun and games while they’re here,” Shaw said.

Classes will last two hours and cost $25 per personnel, about half the cost of certification from other programs, Shaw will be contacting all principals and headmasters soon for teacher and staff sign-ups.

Sign up at least a week in advance of the desired certification class.

The schedule of classes is: Feb. 9 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Feb. 13 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Feb. 16 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Feb. 20 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Certification and training is valid for two years.

Selma City Schools Superintendent Dr. Austin Obasohan has left the decision of reimbursement for the classes from the schools up to each principal.

“Each principal is in charge of encouraging their teacher to become trained,” Dr. Obasohan said.

“It’s very, very important for our schools. We’ve got to do all we can to ensure our children are safe,” he said.