More than half of teachers in the United States say they couldn’t take any paid parental leave after the birth or adoption of a child. Most had to rely on accrued sick days instead. Only two states currently offer 12 weeks of fully paid leave with coverage for long-term substitutes.
Roughly 15 percent of teachers who leave the profession cite personal or family responsibilities as a key reason. This turnover is costly for schools and students. Districts spend an estimated $25,000 to replace each teacher.
A new report from the National Council on Teacher Quality examines how greater investments in paid parental leave helps both teachers and the students they teach.
Keeping great teachers in classrooms means investing in the supports that help them thrive, both professionally and personally.
