LEGAL COVERAGE & PROTECTION
Professional Liability Insurance
Unlike other organizations, TEA members will never have to pay extra for legal services.
Defending Your Rights in Court
TEA defends member rights in court and files lawsuits on behalf of members. TEA zealously represents its members on employment-related matters. Here are a few of our wins:
- In 2023, TEA won over $460,000 for a teacher who had been wrongfully discharged.
- TEA won $198,000 for a teacher in back pay because she was wrongfully discharged.
- TEA won backpay and interest for a teacher improperly non-renewed.
- TEA won the right of educators to organize and be represented under the collaborative conferencing law.
Coverage and Protection When You Need It The Most
| Lawsuit by a parent COVERED | Unfortunately, parents have sued Tennessee educators this year. When you are a TEA member, you are covered under our policies. |
| State Board License under review COVERED | TEA attorneys routinely deal with the State board of Education on licensure issues. |
| Back pay or incorrect pay COVERED | TEA attorneys have received thousands of dollars for our members when members have been incorrectly paid. |
| Unlawful termination COVERED | TEA attorneys were responsible for a landmark Tennessee Court of Appeals decision. Thanks to the efforts of TEA, a member was paid $198,000 for being wrongfully terminated. |
| Employment action against you COVERED | TEA attorneys and staff will stand beside you during any adverse employment action. Our goal is to provide you with the best representation possible so that your license and livelihood are protected. |
| Criminal defense expenses if exonerated COVERED | If a member is wrongly accused of a crime and is subsequently exonerated, TEA will cover up to $35,000 of your criminal defense expenses. |
| Criminal defense expenses including investigations and hearing under DCS COVERED | If a member is being investigated by DCS and obtains a criminal defense attorney for representation for the DCS investigation, TEA will provide up to $5,000 for reimbursement if exonerated or the allegations were found to be false. |
Liability Insurance Protection
Our liability insurance policy (EEL) is the cornerstone of TEA’s professional protection plan. The coverage, automatic with membership, covers our members for employment related matters.
Details of the plan are explained in the EEL brochures available to members only. To access your EEL policy, please login in here.