The truth is no one is safe from a lawsuit, not even beloved teachers. AIM wants you to be aware of the dangers you as an educator may find yourselves in. Hopefully, situations like this will never happen to you, but it is always better to be aware of the possibilities.
Educators and Religious Speech
Technology has advanced so quickly that many of us are still feeling left behind or overwhelmed. It seems that everyone is at risk of being thrust into the spotlight, whether they want to be or not. One of the problems with this is that people don’t always press record at the beginning. Your lectures or actions could be taken out of context and leave you in a vulnerable position.
For example, if a student asks you a question about religion in school during class and you attempt to answer it unbiasedly from an educational perspective. While in the middle of your response a student records your answer. Parents could attempt to make a claim that you are inculcating students in religious matters. Your school’s teacher liability insurance may not protect you, but AIM’s Educators Professional Liability will.
Coaches and Physical Harm
As an educator you likely have a passion for the care of students, but what if someone challenged this? You’d never intentionally hurt a student, but you could be sued for doing just that. For instance, if you are a physical educator or coach, you’ll be spending a lot of time teaching students how to play various sports. During a softball lesson, your students are being difficult or aren’t listening to the technique of throwing a softball. You’re visibly frustrated, but you decide to take the time to personally show them the technique. Maybe you didn’t properly warm-up, maybe the wind picked up just then, or maybe your student wasn’t expecting a curveball. Whatever the situation, the ball makes contact with a student’s arm, leg, or face.
While trying to be a good educator, an accident has occurred. Nothing else matters to the parents of the injured student and they hold you responsible. Educator liability insurance could protect you when the perfect storm for a lawsuit is suddenly upon you.
Teacher’s Negligence
Negligence sounds like a harsh word for what could so easily be a moment of stepping out of a room. As an educator, you’re responsible for all students left in your care, that’s anywhere from 10–30 kids to look after at a time on a regular basis.
How often as an educator are you asked to step out of a classroom, even for a moment? A parent comes to the school unexpectedly, a student requires a quick private conversation, or perhaps even your principal calls you out of the classroom for a moment. While you’ve stepped out of the classroom, even if you’re only in the hallway outside, two students get into an altercation. Even if you immediately heard it, by the time you get to them to break it apart, someone’s been injured. The injured student’s parents could hold you responsible, alleging improper supervision, and sue you.
Educators Professional Liability Insurance
You shouldn’t be afraid to do your job as best you can, but sometimes accidents or misunderstandings can occur. Situations like these are precisely the kind that AIM wants to protect you from. AIM’s Educator’s Professional Liability provides educators a safeguard against expensive claims that could be filed based on mistakes. If the unexpected happens to you, AIM is here to help. For more information on this coverage contact us today.
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