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.

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?

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