Tech Directions - January 2009 - (Page 21) regarding insurance policies, “holdharmless” agreements, and waivers (Kaplin & Lee, 2006). Finally, risk retention may be the best course of action in certain circumstances. For example, for some risks the cost of insurance may be too high. In other instances, expected losses may be small or the probability of risk extremely remote. litigation, it would be wise to investigate the extent of coverage available through your school or community college district, including any deductibles, along with options that may be available for the purchase of individual professional liability insurance. Final Thoughts Clearly, CTE professionals should implement and practice a policy of “safety first” as protection against negligent behaviors that includes safety training that is as routine a component of the curriculum as is the technical subject matter (Hall & Marsh, 2003). Most important, a comprehensive safety program where safety is incorporated into every lesson, activity, and laboratory demonstration will help to minimize the potential for student injuries—as well as instructor and administrator liability. References Crosby, R. K. (1993). Safety and liability. In L. G. Duenk (Ed.), Improving vocational curriculum (pp. 203-214). South Holland, IL: Goodheart-Willcox. Professional Liability Insurance Even with the conscientious implementation of a comprehensive safety plan, CTE instructors may find themselves involved in a lawsuit that alleges negligence. Since nearly all instructors are financially unable to withstand the burden of a lawsuit, many have an interest in liability insurance (Kigin, 1983). It is important to note here that while school districts and community and technical colleges often provide liability coverage for their employees, these policies very often exclude the hazardous activities undertaken by science instructors, physical education instructors, and career and technical educators, particularly when negligence is alleged. Therefore, many CTE professionals take it upon themselves to obtain individual liability insurance. Many state teacher associations offer this type of coverage, and many professional organizations make individual liability insurance available to their members. For example, the International Technology Education Association provides professional liability insurance for its members, as does the Association for Career and Technical Education, including plans for W-2 employed educators and student educators. Educators can find descriptions of these plans at the organizations’ web sites. Finally, CTE educators can purchase a “business pursuits” endorsement or rider attached to their homeowners insurance that essentially provides professional liability coverage (Kigin, 1983). Although policies vary by state, situation “business pursuits” endorsements are usually very affordable. Even with the remote possibility of being involved in Frantz, N. R., Jr., Gregson, J. A., Friedenberg, J. E., Walter, R. A., & Miller, A. J. (1996, Fall). Standards of quality for the preparation and certification of trade and industrial (T & I) education teachers. Journal of Industrial Teacher Education, 34(1), 41-66. Gathercoal, F., & Stern, S. (1987). Legal issues for industrial educators. Ann Arbor, MI: Prakken Publications. Gregson, J. A. (1996, Winter). A critical examination of safety texts: Implications for trade and technical education. Journal of Industrial Teacher Education, 33(2), 29-46. Hall, B. H., & Marsh, R. J. (2003). Legal issues in career and technical education. Homewood, IL: American Technical Publishers. Kaplin, W. A., & Lee, B. A. (2006). The law of higher education: A comprehensive guide to legal implications of administrative decision-making (4th ed.). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. Kigin. D. J. (1983). Teacher liability in school shop accidents. Ann Arbor, MI: Prakken Publications. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (n.d.). Implementing a Safety Checklist Program. Retrieved May 24, 2008, from http://www.cdc .gov/niosh/docs/2004-101/ chap3.html North Carolina Association of Educators (2003, January). The Truth about the Teacher Protection Act. Retrieved May 24, 2008, from http://www.ncae .org/esea/protectact.shtml Schimmel, D., Fischer, L., & Stellman, L. R. (2008). School law: What every educator should know. Boston: Pearson. Storm, G. (1993). Managing the occupational education laboratory (2nd Ed.). Ann Arbor, MI: Prakken Publications. Zirkle, C. J. (1999). A primer on teacher liability. Tech Directions, 59(1), 32-34. www.techdirections.com CTE 21 http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2004-101/chap3.html http://www.ncae.org/esea/protectact.shtml http://www.ncae.org/esea/protectact.shtml http://www.g-w.com http://www.g-w.com http://www.g-w.com http://www.techdirections.com
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