Claims and Risk Management

Teacher's Excess Liability Coverage

Our educators deserve the peace of mind in knowing they are protected from lawsuits resulting from simply performing the work they were assigned to do.

Female teacher smiling, interacting with young students

Supporting our teachers across Tennessee

Teachers are working harder than ever to prepare Tennessee children for the ever‐increasing demands of today’s postsecondary options and the workforce.

Their work has resulted in historic academic achievement gains for our students.

We are proud to support our Tennessee teachers.

Peace of mind for both current and aspiring educators

Our educators and aspiring educators deserve the peace of mind in knowing they are protected from lawsuits resulting from simply performing the work they were assigned to do.

As part of a more than a $100 million budget initiative to support Tennessee teachers and in response to feedback from educators throughout the state, the 110th General Assembly adopted the Educator Protection Act of 2015, which created the Tennessee Teacher’s Liability Fund.

Male teacher in front of class, smiling

Coverage at no cost to teachers

Who is covered?

All public school teachers and student teachers assigned to public schools by their State-approved college or university are covered.

What is the cost to teachers?

The coverage is provided at no cost to teachers and student teachers. The program is completely funded by the State.

What will a teacher have to do to enroll?

Nothing. The coverage is automatically provided to teachers and student teachers. There is no paperwork required to enroll.

Who administers the program?

The Fund will be administered by the State Board of Claims, which is administratively attached to the Department of Treasury. The benefits provided under the Fund will be similar to those provided to state employees through a separate fund previously established by the State and also administered by the Treasury Department.

How do I file a claim?

1) Review the guidelines

2) Download and complete the claim form

3) Submit your claim

1) Review the guidelines

All claims filed against you shall first be considered by the employer.
You should file the claim with your employer. The claim will remain with your employer until it is adjudicated.
In the event yours or your employer’s primary liability insurance coverage is insufficient for all the claims filed against you, then all the claims shall be considered by any secondary insurance coverage that is afforded to you.

In the event that the primary and, in some cases, the secondary liability coverage does not provide coverage for all of the claims filed against you, then you may submit the outstanding claim or claims to the Tennessee Board of Claims for consideration and possible reimbursement from the Fund.
You must give written notice of the claim to the Division of Claims and Risk Management.
You must complete the “Teacher’s Excess Liability Claim” form.

Please review additional guidelines listed on the claim form.

2) Download and complete the claim form

You may also contact us at (615) 741‐2734 and request a form be mailed, emailed, or faxed to you. Be sure to note the required information and documentation needed when submitting your claim form.

Download the claim form

3) Submit your claim

You and your employer must provide all of the relevant documentation relative to the claim or claims and attach it to the “Teachers Excess Liability Claim” form to determine coverage under the Act. Your written notice of claim to the Division of Claims and Risk Management should include any facts and details that are relevant to the claim. You must also provide documentation to support your demand for liability coverage.