I received a letter in my mailbox at school today informing me that I was to schedule an appointment with my superintendent because I had logged five sick days since September which was considered “excessive for any teacher or staff member to take.” I believe I used four last year and simply got a notice that my attendance issues need to be corrected on an end-of-year evaluation. This year, however, the specter of disciplinary action and possibly losing my job, or not getting renewed next year looms much larger. It was a rather sobering communication, really quite disturbing. This is one of those issues that you read in the handbook and gloss over because you’re excited to start your new job and don’t consider this as something that is “really” done.

Of course, this was a form letter and things could be fine once I speak with my superintendent. After all, I’m working hard and the administration knows that. I’ve been honored as teacher of the month and help out regularly when I see the need. However, I know that friends lost their jobs last year primarily because of this one factor. So, the specter remains.

Each of the five sick days that I used was legitimate. It sounds kinda funny, really, to put it that way. After all, I had earned enough sick days to cover the time I was taking off—in our school we earn one day per month, it’s not given to us at the beginning of the year. Three of the five days were for me taking care of my two kids, one day was for me taking care of my wife and kids and the other two days were because I had gotten a stomach virus (ironically, from the kids at my school).

Has your school brought this type of issue up with you? I know it’s an issue for pre-tenured teachers, but I’m curious to hear what others have to say.