Commentary
Reflect on your time as a student. How much learning occurred when your teachers were absent?
Chances are, not as much as when they were present. This is because substitute teachers may not be as well-versed in the subject matter being taught. Even if they are knowledgeable, they may not be familiar with the students, making classroom management more challenging. In essence, frequent teacher absences have a negative impact on learning. The more days a teacher is absent, the greater the potential for negative effects on student achievement and behavior.
Teacher absenteeism also has a significant impact on school board budgets. For instance, in the previous school year, each teacher in the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) took an average of 20 sick days, costing the TDSB $213 million, which amounts to 8.7 percent of the board’s total payroll.
Across Ontario, the average teacher uses around 16 sick days per year, a substantial amount considering there are only about 195 school days in a year. It is concerning that teachers are absent for nearly 10 percent of the time, on average.
Some school boards have taken drastic measures to address this issue. Both the TDSB and the Toronto Catholic District School Board have employed private investigators to catch teachers who misuse sick days. However, these heavy-handed approaches overlook the root causes of the problem. School boards should focus on why teachers choose to be absent rather than just punishing the misuse of sick leave.
A recent report by the auditor general found that both students and staff at TDSB do not always have a safe learning environment. Violent incidents increased by 67 percent between 2017/18 and 2022/23, while sick day usage rose by 58 percent during a similar period.
Teachers are more inclined to take sick days when they feel unsafe at school, highlighting the need for school boards to prioritize the safety of both teachers and students. This involves addressing student misbehavior and ensuring that violent students face consequences such as suspensions and expulsions.
Eliminating unnecessary trends imposed on teachers can also reduce sick days. Teachers want to be effective in their roles, which is challenging when they are subjected to endless diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) sessions.
The negative impact of DEI sessions on teachers is evident. In 2023, former Toronto principal Richard Bilkszto tragically took his own life after facing harassment for questioning his DEI trainer. Research indicates that mandatory DEI sessions do not promote tolerance and inclusion but instead create division and animosity. The TDSB’s call for mandatory DEI certification for all teachers in the province should be reconsidered.
Additionally, school board trustees and administrators should scrutinize their spending. Ontario school boards are often criticized for being top-heavy in administration. Growing administrative departments at the expense of classroom resources can lead to teacher burnout and increased sick leave.
Lastly, teachers are understandably frustrated by reports of extravagant professional development retreats for administrators and trustees using taxpayer funds for luxury trips. While these cases are not the norm, they contribute to a culture that may inadvertently encourage employees to take advantage of benefits. While this does not excuse sick leave abuse, it does shed light on the underlying issues.
A comprehensive approach is necessary to address teacher absenteeism. While addressing misuse of sick leave is important, focusing on the root causes of absenteeism is crucial for long-term solutions. Teachers should be present in the classroom as much as possible, benefitting both students and taxpayers.
Michael Zwaagstra is a public high school teacher and a senior fellow at the Fraser Institute.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
