Professional Oklahoma Educators

What is Professional Oklahoma Educators (POE)?

Professional Oklahoma Educators is a non-union, nonpartisan professional association for all public and private school personnel. POE is the fastest-growing education organization in Oklahoma.

Why should I be a member of POE?

If you work in any school in Oklahoma, you need to be a member of POE!

Oklahoma teachers often cite professional liability insurance as a major reason for becoming a member, and rightly so. Our $2 MILLION PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY COVERAGE provides members with the most liability protection of any organization in Oklahoma, and at the lowest cost. However, as a POE member, you actually receive two very important types of legal protection: (1) the liability insurance protection mentioned above; and (2) employment protection.

In reality, the employment protection coverage is much more heavily used by members than is liability protection. This fact is important because POE will provide EMPLOYMENT PROTECTION and legal assistance in many employment situations, including defending and/or representing you in general employment disputes, recommendations for non-reemployment, terminations of employment, and reductions in force. Unlike other organizations, where such employment protection is discretionary, POE has no committee or group of people who will decide whether you will be represented if you face such an employment situation. It is simply a part of your POE coverage. This coverage saves our members thousands of dollars in legal fees every year and provides immeasurable peace of mind.

What benefits would I get for being a POE member?

POE members receive the following benefits:
• $2 million liability insurance
• Direct access to an attorney
• Legal calls returned within 24 hours (including holidays and weekends)
• Legal representation on employment-related issues
• Free consultations on non-employment-related legal issues
• Attorney Referral Program (discounted rate on non-employment-related legal issues)
• Lobbying services
• Legislative updates
• Monthly newsletter
• Special Discounts
• Professional development opportunities
• Leadership Training
• Collaborative Communication

How do I become a member of POE?

It’s easy! Sign up online HERE or call our office at 405.321.3175 or 888.331.2763.
We have several payment options that make joining easy. Whether you send three checks, one check, pay online or over the phone with a credit card, set up a monthly bank draft or choose payroll deduction, we will be happy to do whatever is easiest for you.

How is POE different from a union?

POE is classified as a 501(c)(6) professional association. POE does not give money to any political candidates, ballot initiatives, PACs or other political groups. This protects our members from financially supporting issues with which they may not agree. Also, POE does not lobby on any non-education issues or tell its members how to vote in any election.

POE does not participate in collective bargaining. Rather, we use the Collaborative Communication Model that fosters strong relationships between teachers, administrators, school boards and parents while maintaining a focus on students.

Does POE only represent teachers?
No. Membership also is available to support personnel, administrators, education students and retired teachers.