Do I need liability insurance for student teaching? Which companies are good?

Question

I am a member of the Council for Exceptional Children and I can get liability insurance for student teaching for $15 but I can't read the contract ahead of time so I don't know if it is reliable or not. It is through Forrest T. Jones. I know Ohio Education Association offers it, but it would cost more because I would have to join. Any advice? I'd rather be safe than sorry.

It covers lawsuits, for example if a child was to get hurt under my supervision or if the parent decided I harrassed their child, etc.

Answer 1

I recommend that you get liability insurance. I was able to take it out through my home owner's policy and it was not expensive. If you are not a home owner then I would go ahead and take it out with your council.
Chances are it will never be used, but it is a good idea to have just in case.

Answer 2

Maybe ... when I went through my student teaching program, the liability insurance was paid for by my university (private university) so I did not need to purchase additional insurance. Now that I am a teacher educator at a public university, the fee is not paid for through the student teaching fees. Therefore, my students must pay the fee by securing their own insurance.

Forrest T Jones is a reputable insurance company and will cover the basics to liability. You really don't need anything special. You can also check with a local insurance broker ... $15 sounds about right. You can get the insurance as a rider on a homeowner's or renter's policy or take it out separately (a bit more expensive). Good luck!

Answer 3

I have been a member of TSTA/NEA for 25 years, and I strongly recommend both if you are in Texas. Texas State Teachers Association lobbied extensively this year and was instrumental in getting the legislature to approve a $4,000 per year raise for teachers. In other states, I know NEA is available. NEA is National Education Association, and as an organization with 2.1 million members, it is very reliable and influential. You get a membership card that lets you get discounts on hundreds of purchases you make every year from fast food to Vacation Cruises. This year I have saved money on home & car insurance, motel and car rental, new glasses, and much more by showing my card or printing out coupons from the TSTA or NEA website. The liability insurance is absolutely the best. They have a legal department that will fight for your rights if anyone tries to violate them. Go to www.nea.org for more info. and to www.tsta.org if you are in Texas.

Answer 4

I have never heard of liability insurance for student teaching. what could it possibly cover? It seems like a waste to me.


I don't see how you could be considered personally liable if a student was hurt--that's the school district's responsibility. Otherwise, regular teachers would also need insurance too.

Also, I can't see signing up for anything you can't read the contract for ahead of time. You may get a large bill later!


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This other person sounds like they thought it was union or retirement membership, not insurance.

Answer 5

I teach in OH and got my degree here and never heard of getting liability insurance. I am pretty sure the university carries some, although probably minimal. You would only need it if you were negligent or criminal in your behavior. I don't think you need to worry about accidents. I would check with the university first. Check with yours or your parents homeowner's policy, too. It might cover you or you might be able to add a rider but I think OEA is probably your best bet.

Answer 6

I teach in Texas and a member of ATPE......... Association of Professional Educators.They offer a liability insurance for student teachers.
Find out if your organization offers an insurance, if so get it ! !