When educators make mistakes, it sometimes puts a hindrance on their career and they can suffer through the consequences of it. These incidents can be embarrassing, and many educators struggle to get past them both personally and professionally. Here are some tips for your clients on overcoming mistakes as an educator, including using their E&O Insurance to protect them from lawsuits when necessary.

Mistakes That Do Not Usually Require Educators E&O

Fortunately, not every slip of the tongue or misspelled word on the chalkboard requires legal protection. Most parents and school administrators realize that teachers are just human beings and happily excuse them for making occasional mistakes. One of the best ways teachers can overcome everyday errors is by talking to veteran teachers and realizing they are not alone.

Math and Grammar Errors

No teacher’s mathematical or grammatical error has ever ruined a child’s education. Every educator experiences teaching a concept for the first time and will undoubtedly make mistakes as they master the curriculum.

Classroom Management Errors

Classroom management mistakes can be challenging because they often result in socially uncomfortable situations. Restorative practices are a great way to remedy these problems so teachers and students can move on.

Grading Errors

High school teachers responsible for 200 or more students daily are prone to mistakes in recording grades. If the teacher owns up to the error and fixes it, there are usually no long-term repercussions.

Mistakes That Do Require Educators Legal Liability

Sometimes teachers make errors in judgment that parents are not able to forgive. They may also commit acts that are against the law or that violate their contracts. The following types of mistakes can be devastating without a professional educators liability policy.

Breaches of Contract

Teachers can run into legal trouble if they find a better job before the end of their contracts. School districts can also sue teachers if they do not provide instruction according to the approved curriculum.

Illegal Acts

Teachers must rely heavily on their educators’ legal liability policies when accused of breaking the law. Examples of illegal mistakes that a teacher might make include the following:

• Engaging in inappropriate behavior with a minor

• Neglecting to provide accommodations for a disabled child

• Verbally or physically abusing a student

• Discriminating against someone based on race

Newer Types of Legal Errors That Require Educators E&O

Laws in some states are incredibly restrictive for teachers, making them vulnerable to lawsuits if they do not comply. For example, parents in some parts of the country can sue a teacher for simply having a book on a classroom shelf that they find offensive.

Teachers perform one of the essential services in our society. Without them, the next generation of children would not have the tools they need to lead our country into the future. By emotionally letting go of trivial errors and investing in educators E&O insurance to protect themselves, educators can overcome momentary lapses in judgment that might otherwise hold them back from a fulfilling career in education.

About PGUI

Professional Governmental Underwriters, LLC., is a full-service risk management company dedicated to assisting public, educational and non-profit entities in the management of their professional liability exposures including educators liability insurance. We are dedicated to providing state-of-the-art professional underwriting management and loss control advisory services on behalf of our designated carriers. For more information, call us toll-free at (800) 586-6502.