Research suggests teachers often find it challenging to take sick leave due to various pressures, including the need to secure substitutes and the burden placed on colleagues. A November 2023 working paper revealed that teachers are less likely to request time off compared to other professions, with 78% of 1,500 surveyed educators feeling they cannot take advantage of sick leave. Many teachers expressed that preparing for a substitute and catching up afterward often outweighs the benefits of staying home. One teacher commented: “Being absent is more work than just going in sick most times.” Additionally, factors like attendance incentives and district policies further discourage teachers from taking necessary time off. Despite supportive administrators, the pressure to be present remains a significant hurdle for educators.
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