Professional Liability Insurance Information
Missouri State University and school district/agency policies require some students to obtain Professional Liability insurance. The insurance is required for all students enrolled in a course in which the student will interact with children or other individuals in some capacity. The Professional Liability insurance must be obtained to meet requirements of the course assignment(s). Students required to meet this policy will be notified by the Professional Education Services office. Verification of current professional liability insurance should be submitted to the Professional Education Services office.
Practice
Students may obtain insurance by joining either Missouri State Teachers Association (MSTA) or National Education Association (NEA), both of which provide professional liability insurance as a component of membership. Private Student Educator Professional Liability insurance can be obtained through Forrest T. Jones & Company. See notes below regarding Counseling, Special Education, and Child Life professional liability insurance instructions.
- Missouri State Teachers Association (MSTA): Insurance is obtained by joining or renewing an existing membership.
- To join, log in to MSTA through msta.org/Join-MSTA. Scroll down the page to either create an account or log in to a previously created account.
- Students may also enroll or renew by calling 1-800-392-0532 or by emailing membercare@msta.org.
- When the transaction is complete, a "Do Not Reply" email containing an Order Summary, electronic membership card, or welcome letter will be received. A valid verification of compliance must contain the student's full name, dates of coverage, and the MSTA name or logo. Email the verification document to ComplianceDocs@MissouriState.edu. If assistance is needed, contact Member Care Center by calling 800-392-0532 or via email membercare@msta.org.
- National Education Association (NEA): Insurance is obtained by joining or renewing an existing membership.
- OR join or renew by logging in to NEA through http://www.nea.org/
- Select Join Our Movement - Become a Member from the left menu
- Scroll down to the U.S. map and select state
- Select Join as an Aspiring Member option.
- When the transaction is complete, a "verification/welcome letter" email will be received which will serve as verification of compliance. A valid verification of compliance must contain the student's full name, dates of coverage, and NEA name or logo. Email the verification document to ComplianceDocs@MissouriState.edu.
- Forrest T. Jones & Company: Insurance is obtained by enrolling through Forrest T. Jones & Company - Association
of Teacher Educators
- To apply, log in to Forrest T. Jones & Company through ftj.com/home
- Under Association Members select (1) Education, (2) ATE/Association of American Educators, and (3) Enter Residential zip code.
- Choose Student Educator Professional Liability Plan.
- Select Enroll Now and follow the prompts.
- When the transaction is complete, a proof of insurance will be provided via email. A valid proof of insurance must contain the student's full name, dates of coverage, and Forrest T. Jones/ATE name or logo. Email the verification document to ComplianceDocs@MissouriState.edu.
Notes for Counseling, Special Education, & Child Life Students
- Counseling students are required to obtain insurance through American Counseling Association (ACA) or
American School Counselor Association (ASCA).
- ACA provides an "Evidence of Insurance" form that must be submitted for proof of ACA insurance.
- ASCA provides a membership card that must be submitted for proof of ASCA insurance.
- Special Education Students: An additional insurance option for Special Education students is the Council for Exceptional Children membership and insurance package. The student can opt to purchase CEC insurance rather than MSTA or NEA insurance.
- Child Life-specific professional liability insurance: Child Life students are required to obtain Child Life-specific professional liability insurance prior to enrolling in the following courses: CFD 354 Working with the Hospitalized Child, CFD 454 Therapeutic Play, CFD 499 Child Life Practicum, and CFD 466 Internship in Programs for Children, Youth, Adults, and Families. Coverage must include $1,000,000 per occurrence and $3,000,000 in aggregate.
Please use the instructions below to obtain Child Life specific professional liability insurance:
- Students can apply online at Healthcare Providers Service Organization (HPSO) and choose “child life specialist” for the profession or area of study. Note: A social security number is required for HPSO.
- Students can contact Mercer Inc. (formerly Marsh) at 1-800-503-9230. When setting up a policy, students may be required to enroll as either a rehabilitation therapist or child development/family services counselor. Once enrolled students can work with the insurers to have their policies amended to read "child life specialist." Note: A social security number is not required for Mercer Inc.
Procedure for Submitting Verification of Compliance
Submit the Order Summary, electronic membership card, welcome letter, or evidence of insurance form electronically to ComplianceDocs@MissouriState.edu, via fax to 417-836-6546, or to the Professional Education Services office (Hill Hall 212).
Expiration dates of compliance documents can be viewed in My Missouri State > My Student Records box/card > Test Scores.
Office information
Professional Education Services - Hill Hall 212
Compliance Documents - Hill Hall 212
Office Hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Monday through Friday)
Office: 417-836-8772
Fax: 417-836-6546