As a teacher candidate in a professional program, you will be working in the field with students, parents, and other professionals. You may encounter situations that could involve you in legal actions in which you might be held personally liable for damages, or you may sustain an injury or damage to your personal property.
As a practicum teacher you are not a district employee and not covered by district liability insurance for any purpose including, but not limited to, compensation for services, employee welfare and pension benefits, fringe benefits of employment, or workers’ compensation insurance.
Oregon Tort Claims Act (ORS 30.260-30.300) permits the Institution to accept responsibility only for acts of its officers, employees and agents. Teacher candidates do not qualify. The Institution is prohibited from accepting liability for acts, omissions, and conducts of teacher candidates, and is prohibited from providing coverage with state accident insurance, liability insurance, or worker’s compensation insurance. Therefore, each teacher candidate will be responsible for purchasing their own individual accident insurance, liability insurance, and worker’s compensation insurance.
You are advised obtain health and accident insurance (for yourself) as well as purchase liability insurance (to protect against claims by other persons whom you might injure). Obtaining such coverage is not a prerequisite of earning the practicum/field experience credit.
You can obtain liability coverage through a private insurance carrier or professional organization that offers liability coverage.
Liability Insurance Resources:
- NEA (Educator Employment Association) student liability insurance of over $1 million in professional liability coverage and other legal services is available for $15/year. Students need to complete an application form (make check to: OEA Center for Great Public Schools, 6900 SW Atlanta St. Portland OR 97223)
- The Council for Exceptional Children, member rates (800) 821-7303 Ext 100
- The Oregon Education Association (503) 684-3300 Ext 230
Questions concerning insurance coverage? Contact the UO Office of Business Affairs (541) 346-3170