Call the TSTA Help Center when you need answers ...

Toll Free 877-ASK-TSTA (877-275-8782) or via email.
During the school year the Help Center is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. central time, Monday through Friday.

When should I call the TSTA Help Center?

Always call us when you feel your rights are being violated. Don't wait to "see what happens." Also call us immediately when:

• Criminal conduct is alleged or might be alleged,
• Member will probably face dismissal for misconduct,
• Certification issues might arise,
• Illegal discrimination or retaliation might be alleged; or,
• Member is placed on administrative leave.

Please feel free to call with employment-related questions about issues such as:

• Planning time,
• Duty-free lunch,
• State minimum personal leave,
• Administrative leave without pay
• Overtime compensation (FLSA(

TSTA provides members with comprehensive legal coverage:

• TSTA spends over a million dollars each year representing teachers.
• TSTA has in-house attorneys who are experts in education employment law.
• TSTA also retains attorneys across the state to assist members.

Liability Insurance:

In addition to employment rights defense, TSTA provides comprehensive insurance that protects members against most legal claims while acting within the scope of your employent. Contact TSTA for details of coverage.

Employment Defense:

• TSTA assists you when your employment rights are being violated, or your employment is in jeopardy through our employment defense fund.
• When we take a case, the cost of an attorney will never be an issue.
• Other organizations provide an insurance policy with limits for attorney services. We go farther.

If you are called to a meeting with an administrator, and it turns into an accusatory proceeding:

• Be professional - do not overreact to the accusations.
• Do not fail to attend the meeting if ordered to do so.
• Do not make spontaneous replies to the allegations.
• If threatened with criminal allegations or termination, be calm. Politely request an adjournment of the meeting. Then immediately contact TSTA's Help Center at 1-877-ASK-TSTA.

Write down your recollection of the meeting immediately to use as a confirming memo to the administrator who call the meeting. This is absolutely essential.

If you receive notice of employment termination:

• If offered an opportunity to resign, DO NOT do so without contacting TSTA first.
• Make no public announcements about your case outside of the grievance system.