This section provides information and links from multiple agencies to trainings not only directly connected to the online course, but also additional suggested trainings. Unless stated otherwise, listed trainings are free for school districts, open-enrollment charter schools, and junior colleges to attend. These trainings strengthen professional competencies in school safety and are structured to build practical knowledge.
TxSSC
Emergency Communications Toolkit
2.0 Trainings
Trainings for Emergency Communications Annex Development
IS-29: Public Information Officer Awareness (FEMA)
This online course is designed to provide administrators and Public Information Officers (PIOs) basic information concerning the responsibilities and importance of this district position. Numerous relevant topics are covered including techniques to use in preparing for press conferences and being interviewed by the media.
IS-42: Social Media in Emergency Management (FEMA)
This online course is designed to provide districts with an understanding of social media tools and techniques, as well as the best practices, opportunities, and challenges of using social media during the five phases of emergency management.
Public Information Officer (PIO) Specific Training
Successful completion of any one of the four designated courses fulfills the statutory Public Information Officer training requirements as outlined in HB 33.
Bill Blackwood LEMIT Public Information Officer Course
A hands-on Public Information Officer (PIO) training from the Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas designed for public safety personnel and administrators responsible for communication. It covers writing media releases, conducting interviews and on-camera briefings, engaging with social media, and handling public relations and crisis communications to improve agency credibility and effectiveness in routine and critical situations.
TEEX MGT-318 Public Information in an All-Hazards Incident
A two-day, all-hazards incident public information course focused on crisis communication in emergencies. It teaches the role of public information in incident management, meeting public and media information needs, integrating Joint Information Centers within NIMS/NRF frameworks, crafting initial public statements, planning press conferences, and developing crisis communication plans.
FBI-LEEDA Media and Public Relations Course
A four-and-a-half-day intensive law enforcement communications training that builds skills in media engagement, public image management, crisis communication, and social media. The curriculum includes media relations strategies, interview preparation and on-camera exercises, messaging development, and best practices for maintaining a positive public perception.
FBI-LEEDA Master PIO Course
An advanced, four-and-a-half-day seminar that builds on the Media & Public Relations course to elevate participants from tactical media skills to strategic public information leadership. Topics include brand image cultivation, internal/external communication strategies, proactive storytelling to media, crisis management planning, and producing quality video content for social platforms.
Additional Suggested Trainings
Additional suggested trainings that support continued professional development and operational readiness.
IS-242: Effective Communication (FEMA)
This course is designed to improve your communication skills. It addresses: Basic communication skills; How to communicate in an emergency; How to identify community-specific communication issues; Using technology as a communication tool; Effective oral communication; How to prepare an oral presentation.
E/L-105: Public Information Awareness and Basics (FEMA)
To equip participants with the skills needed to be full or part-time PIOs, including oral and written communications; understanding and working with the media; and basic tools and techniques to perform effectively as a PIO, both in the proactive/ advocacy times and crisis/emergency response.
E-388: Public Information Officer Advanced Level (FEMA)
An advanced, five-day course designed for experienced Public Information Officers with a minimum of two years of public information experience. The course focuses on strategic communications during complex and escalating incidents, with emphasis on incident action planning and Joint Information Center (JIC) operations. Participants gain hands-on experience establishing, managing, and operating within a JIC through multimedia instruction, collaborative activities, and a multi-day functional exercise that challenges participants to analyze, coordinate, and produce information in a fast-paced, realistic environment.
Executive Public Information Officer Program (FEMA)
The Executive Public Information Officer Program (EPIOP) is the culminating program in the public information training series, consisting of a three-course series designed to prepare Public Information Officers for executive-level leadership, strategic decision-making, and trusted advisor roles. The program emphasizes critical competencies for PIO leaders, fostering collaboration on projects and the development of a professional peer network. Participants also contribute to the broader body of knowledge in public information.