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I’m wondering if the following situation applies to anyone else, or is it just me. This year, I have taken four family sick days to care for my sick kids, and two personal days to accommodate my oldest son. He is in kindergarten in a neighboring school district than the one for which I work, and has had days off that I do not. A few months ago I was without a voice and was barely audible. I still came to work. Today, I have some sort of awful throat condition and am in some serious pain when I try to speak. Not so easy when that’s the main part of my job. But, I’m still here. Now, I’m not asking for some sort of pat on the back for coming into work when I should be at home resting and keeping my illness to myself, but I have to wonder why I find it so difficult to take a day off for me, and me only.
Is it because I feel guilty not being at work and find it to be A PAIN IN THE BEHIND to plan for a sub (especially with 84 minute classes)? Or is it because I have that teacher complex that only I and I alone could possibly teach the material the way I want it taught? Or is it because I feel that I’ll probably have to take another four family sick days by the end of the year and then I’d be missing way too much work?
The thought of calling in sick today crossed my mind while I was whimpering in the shower this morning, but then I thought, “no way! I can’t call in sick! Toughen up!”
I must get this from my mother. She’s the toughest one out there I know, and since I’m so much like her in every other way, this must be from her, too.
I guess when my co-workers get sick, they can thank my mom.
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Shan,
Thank you for the compliments (I think?). Sometimes it’s easier to get through a few hours of pain than to face the consequences of what might happen if you stayed home. Besides, you’d be planning for a sub while you’re sick anyway, so may as well go to work! I hope the next time you exercise the character of being strong in the face of adversity, it’s for a reason other than being sick. And oh - I hope no one else catches what you have!
Love,
Mom
Hi. I just discovered your blog. I am a 10th grade English teacher in Ohio.
I, too, have young children. I ended up missing 11 days of school one year because of illnesses and a death in the family. My principal had “a talk” with me about all of my absences. I had accumulated around 80 sick days and there was no way I was going to send my boys to school with fevers of 102 and strep throat. However, my principal didn’t see it that way. Our union caught wind of his talks with teachers about absences and a grievance was filed about it.
I know what you mean about feeling guilty. I try to come as much as I can when I’m sick so I can save my absences for my kids’ sickness.
It’s incredibly hard to plan for a sub without leaving busywork. For a while, I thought of myself as a control freak. I read your post about misbehaved students when you were out and I know exactly where you’re coming from. I feel like it IS a reflection on me and my classroom management skills when my students are bad.
Do you suppose we’re too hard on ourselves and feel guilty too easily?
Hi Shannon:
I would just call in sick constantly. That way, my own employee would not have to call in. After all, I own have a few employees, while Gowanda has 100s.