Teacher Absences Compared to Other Professionals

A new study comparing teacher absences to other college-educated workers shows that previous assumptions about teacher absence rates may be wrong.

A working paper published by the Annenberg Institute at Brown University examined data between the 1995 and 2019 school years. Results show that teachers take the same or fewer absences as other professionals. The professions examined included nursing, accounting, social work, and education support.

Teachers’ attendance behavior shows fewer demands for absences. They have fewer paid leaves, and they are more likely to attend work despite the need to be absent. Findings also show individuals who prefer fewer absences tend to enter the teaching profession.

For more information on the topic, check out the paper, Are Teachers Absent More? Examining Difference in Absence Between K-12 Teachers and Other College-Education Workers.