Hi,

I'm certainly not going to be drawn into a debate as to the reasons why teacher sickness is on the increase, I have no doubt that you have the capacity to research the evidence yourself. However, I will say that teacher sickness is still below the average of all public sector workers and the only reason people take offence to teachers being sick is the fact that they have holidays. I am just starting out in the teaching profession, currently doing my training, but when on placement I see teachers in daily at 7:30-8:00 and not leaving until 6:00. The Headmaster was in at 6:30 and left at 9:30/10 at night. Anyone who thinks that teaching hours are the same as school hours are in no position to make judgement as they are clearly ignorant of the facts.

All I have to say to anyone is that unless they are willing to put themselves in the role that teachers undertake the they are not in a position to criticise, all people see are the holidays and choose to ignore the rest. I certainly do not criticise about the fact that office workers can sit at a desk all day, chatting to colleagues, making coffee, getting a full hour off for lunch, not taking work home etc. I know this as I have worked in various offices for various companies. The reason why I do not criticise is because whilst teachers don't get these perks they do get holidays. My father earns a 6 figure salary in his office based job, but has a considerable amount of stress/pressure to warrant the pay. Teachers recieve a third of his salary, but are responding to the same level of pressure.

Anyway, I have rambled enough, thanks for the comments on the website.

Regards,

Mark.

http://www.markevetts.co.uk