In the early 1970s, many national education associations began separating from the National Education Association (NEA) but found themselves bereft of an essential member benefit ‒ the NEA-sponsored insurance program.
One of these associations, the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), partnered with insurance broker Forrest T. Jones & Company (FTJ) to establish the Trust for Insuring Educators (TIE) in May 1973. The purpose of the Trust was to provide an insurance program for members of NAESP and other associations no longer affiliated with NEA.
TIE grew quickly. Within two years, 17 national education associations representing more than half a million members had joined, and the Trust continued to build steadily from there. Today, more than 60 national education associations with more than a million members participate in the Trust.
Why has TIE been so popular?
First and foremost, TIE associations retain their autonomy while deriving the benefits of a much larger organization. Unlike other trusts, TIE is governed by its participating associations rather than its administrator.
Each association admitted to TIE becomes a voting member of the Trust, which is an independent legal entity filed in the state of Missouri. Master group insurance policies for TIE insurance plans are issued to the Trust, for the benefit of members of participating associations. Forrest T. Jones & Company administers all activities of the Trust and is accountable to the voting members of the Trust, which are referred to as Settlors.
TIE's member insurance program offers of more than a dozen insurance plans, including life, accident, disability, health, long-term care, auto and professional liability coverages underwritten by some of the nation's leading insurance companies. Many plans are specially designed for educators, with features, benefits, and rates not readily available elsewhere in the market.
TIE insurance plans are available exclusively to members of participating TIE associations. TIE also provides insurance programs to state associations that are affiliated with TIE Settlors.
A list of associations currently participating in Trust for Insuring Educators can be viewed here.