Professional liability insurance is often one of the main reasons teachers are told to stay members of their union. But it’s a small fraction of Education Minnesota’s total spending.
According to the state union’s most recent federal financial disclosure, Education Minnesota spent $111,526 on Educators Employment Liability insurance between Sept. 1, 2024 and Aug. 31, 2025. That’s less than 0.2 percent of the union’s $67.9 million budget. The liability coverage is provided through the National Education Association, Education Minnesota’s national affiliate.
At roughly $1,000 a year, paying union membership dues isn’t the only way for teachers to get professional liability coverage. A handful of professional education associations offer similar liability coverage and other job protection benefits for a fraction of the cost. And these policies don’t require teachers to pay for union politics or advocacy campaigns they may not support.
With union dues increasing again this year, the cost (and value) of membership is worth a second look. September is the once-a-year-only opt-out opportunity that Minnesota teachers have to separate their professional liability coverage from union membership and the political agenda that comes with it.
Teachers questioning the value of rising dues and the union’s political priorities should take a closer look at these alternatives. They are not alone in doing so.
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Minnesota educators, learn more about your options regarding union membership and liability insurance here.
