Protection

Facing a contract dispute or being sued by a parent is probably not something you considered when you first became an educator. Instead your focus was—and remains—serving your students. ATPE wants to ensure that you are prepared should such concerns arise. We provide a comprehensive protection package so that you have the peace of mind to focus on your job.

Professional Liability and Employment Rights Defense Insurance

• Professional liability insurance* protects an educator’s personal assets in the event of a lawsuit. An eligible member’s insured benefit will pay damages assessed against him by a court of law for covered claims that arise out of his activities in his professional capacity. In addition to defense costs, eligible members are covered with $8 million in professional liability insurance per member per occurrence for claims subject to $2 million per member per occurrence for violations of students’ civil rights. The aggregate per insured member is $8 million.

  ATPE maintains more than nine staff attorneys who assist eligible members with employment concerns at no additional cost. Simply call (800) 777-ATPE 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday through Friday for prompt and confidential service.

Advocacy

High-stakes testing, teacher retirement and Social Security are among the many important issues facing public educators. You can rest assured that ATPE’s team of professional lobbyists is relentlessly advocating on your behalf to raise awareness and protect your rights. ATPE also makes it easy for you to be your own public education advocate by providing you with tools that work.

• When representing members at state agencies and the State Capitol and in Washington, D.C., ATPE lobbyists are guided by the ATPE Legislative Program, a member-written and approved compilation of legislative priorities.

• ATPE provides tools such as a free e-mail service and hotline to keep educators informed, political involvement training for members who want to participate in the governmental process, and the ATPE Advocacy Center, an online grassroots communication tool that allows you to quickly correspond with your legislator.

• ATPE strives to provide the public with positive news about educators’ hard work with students and increase the power of your voice by collaborating with other organizations such as the Coalition for Public Schools and Friends of Texas Public Schools

Resources

ATPE provides the resources you need for success in and out of the classroom. In addition to savings available through an extensive list of discounts and services, you have access to free professional development and a range of informative publications.

• Members may save on auto insurance, online shopping, prescription drugs, theme parks, hotel accommodations, and dental and vision services. High-yield online banking provided by Affinity Financial Corporation and low-cost prepaid legal services offered through the Texas Legal Protection Plan*** are just two of the many services offered.

• All members receive ATPE News, a quarterly magazine packed with the latest public education news. Members may also sign up for Essentials, a quick-read e-mail newsletter.

• ATPE's Web site, www.atpe.org, provides current information on education trends, online professional development, TAKS resources and tips on topics such as student discipline and special education.