Liability Insurance
Does the policy cover a teacher or
principal who is also a member of a school board?
Such member is covered while engaged in duties as a teacher or
principal but not while acting as a member of a school board.
Are libel and slander covered?
Yes, while the member is engaged in activities as a
professional educator.
A member of the public is injured while on
school property and sues the school system. Would this be covered?
No, this policy does not cover the school system. It covers
the individual members.
A student is physically injured during a
scheduled football practice. He alleges negligence on the part of
the coach. Is the coach covered?
Yes, under Coverage A. In a case where the coach instructed a
player to "run the bleachers" as discipline for missing practice,
the student fell and suffered serious injuries.
A claim is made against a principal or
teacher for damages as a result of the suspension of a student. Is
coverage provided under Coverage A?
Yes, since monetary damages are alleged.
A suit is filed demanding reinstatement of
a student alleging improper suspension by a principal or teacher.
What coverage is provided.
Since this action only asked for "injunctive relief," and
since it involved "other professional responsibilities," Coverage B
would apply. Reimbursement of attorney fees up to $5,000 each for
principal and teacher would be paid if this suspension were upheld.
Are principals and teachers insured against
criminal acts?
Corporal punishment, whether civil or criminal, is under
Coverage A. Any other criminal act is covered under Coverage B with
the maximum of $5,000 payable whether or not the insured is
exonerated.
A claim is made against a teacher or
principal as the result of a student being injured during an
experiment in the science lab. What coverage is provided?
This accident falls under Coverage A.
A claim is falsely and fraudulently made
against a teacher for bodily injury to a student alleging negligence
on the part of the teacher. Is this covered?
Yes. The duty of the insurance company to defend is far
greater than the duty to pay. It pays when an insured is judged
liable; but it must defend even if the allegation be false,
groundless or fraudulent.
What coverage is there in the policy for a
member who feels unjustly terminated or unjustly censored by a board
action?
The policy covers attorney fees up to $5,000 provided
termination or allegations at a hearing are resolved in favor of the
teacher. In one case, a teacher was suspended and asked to resign
although he felt he had done nothing to void his contract.
Negotiations resulted in the teacher recovering requested pay, a
contract of release and recommendation. His attorney's fee was paid
under Coverage B.
An Educator is accused of sexual misconduct
with a student or another teacher. Is coverage provided?
Yes, under Coverage B only. This may or may not be a criminal
action, but whether criminal or civil, attorney fees up to $5,000
are payable whether or the Educator is exonerated.