The issue of teacher absenteeism has become an increasingly important topic in educational policy, as teachers have gained generous sick day and personal leave benefits. The financial cost of teacher absenteeism is also problematic. In one national survey, the combined costs of absent teachers and substitutes came to $2 billion yearly. The…

Many recent studies have revealed a dramatic increase in teacher absenteeism. Some findings indicate that absenteeism increases following collective bargaining agreements that provide a set number of days that employees may be compensated for illness. There appears to be a growing public reaction to such absenteeism. A New York study noted that…

An incentive program was developed to reduce teacher absenteeism in a large community high school (2,200 students) in South Florida. The four-point program included improved record-keeping systems, increased communication and information dissemination, internal recognition, and a cash lottery system. Pre- and post-attitudinal tests were…