ATPE News is the official publication of the Association of Texas Professional Educators, the largest educator association in Texas. The magazine addresses the most important issues affecting public education in the state. Learn more at ATPE.org.
Issue link: https://atpe.epubxp.com/i/435977
ATPE values superior service, and we have a long history of protecting our members. Our dedicated legal team is here for you if your integrity and work ethics are challenged, your livelihood is in jeopardy, or you simply need an answer only an experienced education law attorney can provide. We also value honesty. We want you to understand the superior protection your ATPE membership afords you. That's why we think it is important to provide you with the details of your insurance policy. There are many ways we share this with you, and we choose to print it in ATPE News in the interest of transparency. We're proud of the protection we ofer, and we think you deserve to know exactly what you're getting for your membership. Your insured protection benefits are outlined in the following detailed summary of the 2014-15 Educators Professional Liability Insurance Policy. Please read the summary carefully, and save it for future reference. You may also view it and other valuable information at www.atpe.org/protection. *Eligibility, terms, and conditions apply. ATPE IS COMMITTED TO PROTECTING YOU * INSURANCE POLICY * HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: • Up to $8 million per claim and aggregate in liability insurance, including a $2 million limit for civil rights claims plus defense costs. • Up to $20,000 aggregate for employment rights defense with a $10,000 per-claim limit, win or lose. • Additional $5,000 per claim for favorable-outcome certifcation and termination claims. • Up to $15,000 aggregate for criminal defense. • Up to $5,000 per claim for bail bond reimbursement. • Up to $10,000 aggregate for successful appeals beyond the school board or commissioner of education. In addition to the above insured benefts, ATPE maintains a staf of 11 full-time attorneys who are available to assist eligible members with professional concerns. For assistance, members must call (800) 777-2873. For more information, visit www.atpe.org/protection. CLAIMS PROCEDURE Except for situations necessitating immediate representation by a private- practice criminal defense attorney, eligible ATPE members must contact the ATPE Member Legal Services Department at (800) 777-2873 from 8 a.m.– 5 p.m. Monday–Friday for legal assistance with employment concerns. In some cases, eligible ATPE members are referred to private-practice attorneys on the approved list (see right). Except for criminal defense, only fees from attorneys and law frms approved by National Union Fire Insurance Co. of Pittsburgh, Pa., may be covered. If members retain attorneys in private practice, they must comply with the claims procedure set forth by ATPE. To access benefts, you must be an eligible member in the appropriate insured category at the time of the activity that leads to the action against you. THE INSURANCE COMPANY APPROVES THE FOLLOWING ATTORNEYS AND FIRMS: • Birdsong and Armstrong P.C. • Brim, Arnett & Robinett P.C. • How Frels Rohde Woods & Duke P.C. • Langley & Banack Inc. • The Law Ofce of Daniel A. Ortiz • The Law Ofces of Shane Goetz • The Law Ofces of James Darnell • The Law Ofces of Ruben Peña • The Lungwitz Law Firm P.C. • The McCormick Law Firm • Oscar Alvarez • Tony Conners, Attorney at Law • Tritico & Rainey PLLC • Upton, Mickets & Heymann LLC • Watson, Caraway, Midkif & Luningham LLP The approved list above is subject to change at any time and without notice. ATTORNEYS AND LAW FIRMS ARE SELECTED USING THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA: • Experience in education and employment law. • Quality of services and responsiveness to clients' and ATPE's needs, as demonstrated by user feedback. • Efciency, billing practices, and compliance with claims procedures. • Competitive rates. • Availability and geographic location of practice. • Ability to constructively interact with all components of the program. • Cooperation with the claims administrator and insurance carrier. • Philosophy and approach compatible with those of ATPE. • Demonstrated sound judgment. * The Educators Professional Liability Insurance Policy is underwritten by National Union Fire Insurance Co. of Pittsburgh, Pa., with more than $5.8 billion in net surplus and more than $24.7 billion in total admitted assets as of Dec. 31, 2013. The insurer may not be subject to all insurance laws and regulations of this state. The foregoing notice is provided pursuant to Texas Insurance Code Article 21.54. ALL COVERAGE IS SUBJECT TO THE EXPRESS TERMS OF THE MASTER LIABILITY INSURANCE POLICY ISSUED TO ATPE AND KEPT ON FILE AT THE ATPE STATE OFFICE. Coverage applies to an insured's activities within his/her professional capacity and does not apply to activities that predate the coverage period. View a detailed summary at atpe.org. Eligibility for ATPE membership benefts is contingent upon ATPE's receipt of the entire annual membership dues amount for your appropriate membership category. A disruption in payments to an authorized payment plan may result in discontinuation of such benefts, including cancellation of insurance coverage for the entire membership year retroactive to Aug. 1 or your membership date. ATPE reserves the right to determine eligibility for the appropriate membership category. The membership year runs from Aug. 1–July 31. atpe.org | 35 winter 2014 ATPE members may submit recommendations for attorneys to be considered for approval to: AIG, Jorge Godreau, Errors & Omissions/Financial Lines Claims, 175 Water Street, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10038.