Iowa teachers deserve affordable protection

I’m the Director of legal services at Professional Educators of Iowa. The stories I could tell about what teachers are put through would be chilling for any audience. More than ever teachers need to belong to an organization that provides legal protection. If such membership was once a luxury this is no longer the case in today’s challenging educational environment. Teachers are handling violent students, keeping track of complex and ever-changing regulations, and facing exhaustive micromanagement from administrative agencies and the federal government. While teachers are the kindest, most hard working, and most empathetic individuals in our great state, schools are increasingly becoming a “meat grinder.” It is more important than ever for teachers to have support.

Simply put, teachers are working in an environment where it is impossible to please everyone. If they please one group, they will inevitably anger another. If they please some parents, they will frustrate others. Sometimes, they can promote academic rigor only at the expense of their job security. PEI was founded in 1981 by teachers who believed they should act like and be treated as respected professionals such as doctors or lawyers.

Teachers should not be caught in the crossfire of the political infighting we see in our nation. Tragically, the schools have become a proxy for social upheaval to the detriment of students who need to learn essential skills. At PEI we strive to put our focus on protecting teachers and the students they serve rather than advancing any form of dogma or activism unrelated to promoting academic excellence.

Why do teachers need coverage? There are ways that teachers can fall through the cracks of their school’s professional liability insurance policies. Additionally, if a complaint is filed against a teacher by the school itself, the school cannot provide legal representation. Furthermore, if a teacher is terminated unjustly the school’s legal protection will obviously be of no value.

All PEI members in good-standing automatically receive many benefits including but not limited to:

1. Millions of dollars of professional liability insurance coverage

2. Legal assistance and defense for ethics complaints and unjust terminations

3. Support for untenable or unsafe working conditions

Member dues stay here in Iowa to help teachers navigate the increasingly complex legal minefields. PEI does not send money to Washington DC. A teacher cannot afford to line the pockets of those who are out of touch with the local needs of Iowa. This is one of the many reasons why PEI is more affordable than the alternatives without compromising zealous advocacy.

People need to know there are tens of thousands of amazing teachers in the state of Iowa. They never think of their own good, but only the good of their students. We need to make sure we defend our teachers so our teachers can in turn focus on championing the needs of students.

Nathaniel E. Arnold is the director of legal Services at PEI. He received his J.D. from Drake University Law School, where he was certified in advanced legislative practice and dispute resolution.