So I’m sick… What do I do?  In most cases I go to work…  I know there are people in other professions who do the same thing, but for most teachers it is easier to go in sick than stay home.  You see if I don’t go to work it isn’t like they cancel school… now days to even get a half day in Indiana is impossible. Teachers need to turn around and create elaborate lesson plans for their substitute.  These plans should outline every minute.  Teachers also need to make sure that everything is ready for the class (even though they feel like the plague will take them in the next few minutes) the sub is probably going to show up at the last minute, and won’t know how to run copies.  So the dutiful (sick) teacher takes a couple hours and outlines everything that is supposed to happen that day and makes sure that everything is set up for the substitute.

Last time I checked most jobs if you got sick you went home- “Cancel my appointments tomorrow, Ms. Guignol” and off you are to rest at home, for as many days as it takes for you get better.  Your kid gets sick- “Cancel my appointments…”   Again, I know people in other professions who go in sick because they feel it is their duty, or there is a meeting that they can’t miss.  I have over 200 sick days accumulated because it is more work to be home sick than it is to just go to work.  Do you know what happens once I get a break?  I get sick having stayed somewhat healthy by pure willpower for 180 school days.

And I won’t even start to talk about what happens when I get back…