Business Details
38 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Partner for Educator Advocacy & Legal Protection
Association Of Professional OK (POE) was founded in 1988 with a mission to provide critical legal protection, liability insurance, and advocacy for educators across Oklahoma. As a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, we prioritize the needs of teachers, administrators, and education professionals without engaging in partisan politics or social issues. Our in-house legal team specializes in Oklahoma labor, employment, and education law, offering members immediate access to attorneys for employment-related matters, including terminations, contracts, and disciplinary issues. We also provide $2 million in liability insurance coverage and $7,500 in accidental death and dismemberment benefits to ensure comprehensive protection for our members. POEs government affairs team focuses exclusively on education policy, advocating for positive legislative changes based on member-driven priorities through annual surveys.Our commitment to professional development includes free, high-quality learning opportunities on topics ranging from legal issues to classroom instruction. Governed by a board of classroom teachers, retired educators, and business leaders, we maintain a statewide focus while avoiding affiliations with national organizations. POEs nonpartisan approach allows collaboration with all political parties to advance educational goals, ensuring our efforts remain aligned with the needs of Oklahomas education community. With over three decades of service, we continue to grow as the leading professional association for educators in the state, emphasizing transparency, affordability, and member-driven advocacy.
Services
Legal Representation
Liability Insurance
Government Advocacy
Professional Development
Disaster Relief Fund
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- We offer 24/7 legal representation for employment-related issues with licensed Oklahoma attorneys.
- Our $2 million liability insurance policy exceeds industry standards for educator protection.
- Nonpartisan advocacy ensures legislative efforts reflect member-driven priorities without political bias.
- In-house legal team specializes in Oklahoma education law with 24-hour response guarantees.
- Member dues stay in Oklahoma, funding local initiatives and unmatched cost-efficiency.
What people say
Peace of mind legal coverage
Nonpartisan legislative advocacy
Affordable member benefits
Quick legal response times
Local dues support Oklahoma values
Services
Legal Representation
POE provides licensed Oklahoma attorneys specializing in education and employment law. Services include termination defense, contract disputes, and disciplinary hearing representation. Members receive confidential attorney-client privilege and priority response within 24 hours.
Liability Insurance
Coverage includes $2 million liability policies and $7,500 AD&D benefits for job-related incidents. This protection extends to classroom activities, school events, and professional duties during employment.
Government Advocacy
POE focuses exclusively on education policy, tracking legislation from proposal to enactment. Member surveys determine advocacy priorities, with weekly updates provided during legislative sessions to ensure transparency and involvement.
Professional Development
Free workshops cover classroom instruction techniques, legal compliance, and professional ethics. Materials and sessions aim to enhance teaching effectiveness while addressing Oklahoma-specific educational challenges through member-driven content.
Disaster Relief Fund
The POE Foundation provides financial assistance to educators affected by natural disasters. Funds replace lost teaching materials and offer recovery support regardless of membership status, with distributions managed through the Heart Times initiative.
People
Ginger Tinney
Executive Director
Ginger Tinney leads POE's operations and foundation initiatives, focusing on educator support programs. With decades of experience in Oklahoma education, she directs legislative advocacy and disaster relief efforts while maintaining organizational nonpartisanship.
Eli Plant
General Counsel
Eli Plant heads POE's legal department, specializing in education law. He provides strategic legal guidance for employment disputes and represents members in due process hearings while ensuring compliance with Oklahoma statutes.
George Thomas
Associate Counsel
George Thomas assists with employment law cases and contract negotiations. He supports members through disciplinary proceedings and termination disputes, leveraging expertise in Oklahoma education regulations to protect professional rights.
Anna Vann
Legal Assistant
Anna Vann coordinates legal service requests and client communications. She ensures timely attorney referrals and maintains case documentation to support efficient resolution of member legal concerns.
Bill Bentley
Foundation Chairman
Bill Bentley oversees POE Foundation activities, managing charitable programs and educational initiatives. He directs fundraising efforts for disaster relief and literacy projects while ensuring alignment with organizational core values.
Questions
What legal services does POE provide for educators?
POE offers employment-related legal representation, including termination defense, contract disputes, and disciplinary matters, with 24-hour response guarantees.
How does POE differ from traditional teacher unions?
POE maintains nonpartisan operations, avoids political endorsements, and keeps all dues within Oklahoma for member-focused services rather than national affiliations.
What insurance benefits come with POE membership?
Members receive $2 million liability insurance, $7,500 AD&D coverage, and free legal consultations for personal matters.
How does POE influence education policy?
We conduct annual member surveys to shape legislative priorities and provide weekly Capitol updates while maintaining nonpartisan advocacy.
Does POE serve educators statewide?
Yes, we represent teachers, administrators, and education professionals in all Oklahoma public schools and institutions.
What professional development opportunities are available?
POE provides free workshops and training sessions covering legal issues, classroom instruction, and professional best practices.
