Educators and those who work in the education system today have more to consider when it comes to reputation than in previous years. A teacher can be sued or have allegations brought against them for any number of reasons, and with the advent of technology in the classroom these discrepancies are on the rise.

Some teachers and those who work in a school are confused about whether or not they need liability insurance. Some have the assumption that their district or union covers them in the event of an allegation. This is actually false as coverage provided by the district, for instance, may not protect teachers individually as a teacher or school employee.

Cause and Effect

A broad range of exposures have educators in the crosshairs of being vulnerable to lawsuits alleging negligence and malpractice in the classroom. Examples of claims made against everyone from teaching assistants to teachers to principals include getting injured during gym class or a field trip, or alleging an instructor sexually abused or harassed a student or string of students.

Depending on what is being alleged, and what the legal outcome is, a teacher or school employee or administrator may lose their job or even be fined or sentenced to jail (for extreme cases). Even if the education employee is found not guilty or settles out of court their reputation alone is hurt. They may not see a contract extension, and word around a school district gets around quickly, resulting in them not getting another teaching opportunity in their area.

When Schools Need Liability Coverage

When teachers find themselves on the receiving end of a controversy liability insurance is there to help provide protection and the support they need. This kind of coverage can help protect educators in times of professional and legal crises. Coverage can include protection against:

• Injuries to students under the educator’s supervision
• Hiring unqualified individuals
• Accusations of sexual or physical abuse
• Improper methods of instruction
• Cyber stalking
• Violation of students’ civil rights
• Failure to promote students or grant credit
• Failure to educate effectively

Teachers have enough to worry about in their classroom. From test scores to guiding their students to issues with fair pay, there are a number of other stresses that these educators face besides having to think about being sued. Educators Liability Insurance is meant to help teachers and other officials focus and give them peace of mind.

About PGUI

Professional Governmental Underwriters, Inc., is a full-service risk management company dedicated to assisting public, educational and non-profit entities in the management of their professional liability exposures. 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.