NWPE is a state chapter of the Association of American Educators - the largest national non-union teacher association. Together we provide NWPE members with these great benefits:

$2,000,000 Individual Liability Insurance

Professional membership and student membership in Northwest Professional Educators includes a comprehensive liability insurance policy guaranteeing $2,000,000 of protection, per occurrence, per member. Each member is insured individually, with coverage starting their first day of membership. For an overview of liability insurance, specifics about NWPE’s liability insurance policy, frequently asked questions about liability insurance and our policy, and to download a copy of the policy, please visit the Liability Insurance page.

Independent contractors who do not qualify for professional membership, but want to purchase a liability insurance policy, can do so through NWPE at a discount.

NWPE purchases each member’s individual insurance policy from Forrest T. Jones & Company at a discount through our membership in the Trust for Insuring Educators, which represents over 1.5 million independent educators nationwide. NWPE has a long-standing partnership with Forrest T. Jones & Company, a highly-respected, family-owned insurance agency specializing in association benefits since 1953. Forrest T. Jones & Company insures over 250,000 policyholders throughout the country.

Legal Protection

Included in the $2,000,000 individual liability insurance policy purchased for each professional member, NWPE Legal Protection benefits ensure that members have access to legal counsel at the onset of workplace issues and Defense costs related to liability insurance claims are paid in addition to the $2,000,000 limit. Legal coverage applies to any legal action arising out of duties as an employee of an education entity, including:

• civil rights cases
• lawsuits against the insured by parents or other teachers
• lawsuits against the insured for injunctive relief, declaratory relief, or other non-monetary relief
• sexual misconduct (if found not guilty or charges are dropped)
• corporal punishment (if found not guilty or charges are dropped)

How are liability insurance and legal protection different?

NWPE liability insurance coverage will pay to others, on your behalf, all sums (up to $2,000,000) that you become legally obligated to pay in damages as a result of acts and omissions arising out of your assigned duties as an employee of an education entity. NWPE legal protection coverage pays defense costs (up to specified limits) in addition to the liability limits specified above.

Employment Rights Coverage

Included in the $2,000,000 individual liability insurance policy purchased for each professional member, NWPE Employment Rights Coverage ensures that members have access to legal counsel at the onset of workplace employment issues. Members are able to immediately consult with an attorney if they are threatened with termination, suspension, reassignment, or demotion. NWPE Employment Rights Coverage provides or reimburses for an attorney to be involved with consultation and hearings (up to specified limits).

Teacher Scholarships & Classroom Grants

NWPE provides thousands of dollars annually in teacher scholarships and classroom grants, specifically designed to help advance continuing education and student achievement. All educators are eligible to apply to the Teacher Scholarships and Classroom Grants Program, however NWPE members receive additional weight in the scoring rubric.

Access to Supplementary Insurance Policies at Discounted Rates

NWPE members have access to a wide range of quality insurance plans at a great discount. Visit the Supplementary Insurance Policies page for more information.
Plans include:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance (JLBG Health)
• Personal Auto Insurance (GEICO)
• ID Theft Assist (Worldwide Benefit Services)
• Group Term Life Plan (New York Life)
• Long Term Care Insurance Evaluation Service
• Group Disability Income Protection Plan (New York Life)
• Group Accidental Death & Dismemberment Plan (New York Life)
• Cancer Protector Plan (Fidelity Security Life)

Newsletters

Through our national partnership with the Association of American Educators, all NWPE members receive a subscription to Education Matters, AAE's easy-to-read and right-to-the-point newsletter keeps you informed on key issues in education with a refreshing perspective. In recent months, our members have enjoyed articles on "A Charter School Success Story in the Making," "Reinventing Special Education," "Empowering Teachers to do Assessment," and "The Three Reasons We Must Teach History."

Professional Resources

Along with the professional benefits listed above, NWPE is dedicated to helping professional educators continue their teacher training and expand their skill base through professional development and a rich network of resources.

Member Discount Program

NWPE membership saves you money. Whether it's buying supplies for the classroom, or planning the next field trip, members save money on everyday purchases thanks to NWPE’s exclusive member Discount Program.

A Voice in Your State and in Washington, D.C.

Each year you will be invited to participate in NWPE Membership Surveys and AAE National Membership Surveys. Your ideas, priorities, and perspectives are then supplied to the national media, educational policy makers, and the U.S. Congress. U.S. Senator Charles Grassley from Iowa recently told AAE, "I was pleased to review your membership survey, which demonstrates significant policy differences with the unions. I didn't know there were teachers who think like you do. We only get one side of the story here in Washington."