Question: How Does Your School Support Teachers Taking Sick Days?

Teachers taking a sick day should be simple, but for many, it’s not. Stigma, guilt, and the challenge of finding a substitute often make educators push through illness instead of taking the rest they need.

Schools that prioritize teacher well-being find ways to remove these barriers—whether through strong sub systems, clear policies, or a supportive culture that encourages self-care. How does your school handle teachers taking sick days?

Have you seen policies that work well? Strategies that make a difference? Share your school’s solutions in the comments below. Your insights could help other educators advocate for the time off they deserve!

Beyond Teachers Taking Sick Days

If you're looking for more ideas, check out our Teacher Wellness page. You might also find these resources helpful:

• Modernizing the Search for Substitute Teachers
• Defending a Teacher’s Right to Disconnect
• 7 Ways to Make Teaching a More Sustainable Profession
• Schools, Not Teachers, Must Reduce Stress and Burnout—Here’s How
• Process Improvement in the Substitute Teacher Office

At Edutopia, we're always looking for educators to share their strategies. If you have ideas that go beyond what can be shared in the comments, please be sure to visit our Write for Us page.

Thank you for sharing your school's strategies for teachers taking sick days. If you have questions of your own, feel free to post them here—our community facilitators are ready to help!