Let VEA Be Your Safety Net

School employees need the legal safety net that comes with VEA membership. Working in education, while a noble profession, carries with it increasing risk. No one, from veteran educators to those brand new to the profession, is immune. One unfounded accusation or misrepresented occurrence can derail a career.

How We Protect Your Rights

Educators and support personnel have basic legal rights to safe, healthy and fair conditions at work.

You have the right to form, join, and support unions.

VEA’s Legal Division will help make sure your rights as a school employee are defended and protected. If you feel that you need guidance in the workplace or your rights have been threatened, contact your UniServ representative.

UniServ Directors work with VEA’s staff attorneys and can assist with:

Accessing & understanding local policies
Organizing to create or improve local policy
Applying for FMLA & other forms of leave
Applying for an ADA work accommodation
Applying for VRS disability retirement
Communicating with administrators
Responding to a reprimand
Creating a realistic improvement plan
Maintaining a safe work environment
Obtaining personnel and school records
Referral to VEA attorneys for legal representation
Representation if you face non-renewal

When You Need VEA Legal Services

VEA’s Office of Advocacy has staff attorneys and outside counsel to represent members throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia to defend their employment rights. VEA attorneys can assist you with:

Accessing and understanding your local school board policies
Accessing and understanding your rights under state and federal laws
Legal representation for grievance hearings before your local school board
Legal representation if you face dismissal for cause
Negotiating resignation or release from employment
Legal representation if you are accused of abusing a student and investigated by social services
Legal representation if you are accused of committing a crime or face criminal prosecution arising from and during the course of your employment
Liability insurance coverage for reimbursement attorney fees and costs up to $35,000 if you are acquitted of a criminal charge or if those charges are dismissed
Bail bond coverage in the amount of $ 1,000 if you are arrested for committing a crime during the course of your employment
Legal representation for expungement proceedings if you are acquitted of a crime during the course of your employment
Liability insurance coverage in the amount of $ 1 million to pay for the defense of civil suits brought against you in the course of your work and to cover damages assessed against you in such suits

Get Protected Now. Join VEA Online.

Become A Member

Let VEA Be Your Safety Net

How We Protect Your Rights

When You Need VEA Legal Services

Get Protected Now. Join VEA Online.

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