Educators Liability Insurance: Alternative Routes to Teaching

More teachers are entering the education workforce today than ever- but through slightly unconventional ways. Now, through a series of programs and alternative training methods, they are skipping traditional credential programs.

Programs such as the Urban Teacher Residency and Teach for America have emerged as alternatives to longer programs. The Urban Teacher Residency is a partnership between the Los Angeles Unified School District and four southern California universities. The program takes three semesters compared to the average six in traditional programs- only two semesters are required for post-baccalaureate programs. The programs require three post-preparation teaching years upon graduation.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, the programs have skyrocketed in the U.S. and now make up 31 percent of all teacher preparation programs in the nation. The proliferation of alternative teaching methods has raised a debate on the teacher preparation and what method works.

Research actually indicates that little is known about teacher preparation. The effectiveness of both traditional and alternative training methods is largely unknown, according to the Hechinger Report. Research has indicated that students who are “engaged in meaningful work in classrooms” before they graduate are likely to have a more successful outcomes.

Schools today are faced with an increasing number of lawsuits based on issues such as dress codes, special education, sexual discrimination or failure to educate. A broad spectrum of insurance coverage is essential to defend education institutions, volunteers, and its employees. Employment practices claims are the most common lawsuits brought against school board officials, and terminations, hiring and promotions make up almost half of the claims made.

PGUI Educators Liability and Employment Practices Liability programs are tailored specifically for public, parochial and nonprofit private school entities including colleges, universities and vocational training schools. Contact us today for more information 804-272-6557

http://hechingerreport.org/content/alternative-routes-to-teaching-become-more-popular-despite-lack-of-evidence_12059/