Gender equity, inclusion, and diversity

Just as we demonstrate care and compassion toward students and account for the complexity of their personal and biological lives, we need to show the same care for teachers. We also must recognise that teachers are biological beings with associated events, issues and life stages that they need to manage. That’s why we are advocating for Reproductive Health and Wellbeing Leave for all teachers.

Working in a feminised profession, I think it’s particularly important that we provide women with leave to manage reproductive related issues. Life stages and cycles like menstruation and menopause are not illnesses but they are currently treated as such and teachers must use sick leave if they require time away from work. Instead, these natural processes should be recognised as life events that are not illnesses but that may require paid time away from school to manage.

In a profession with rising stress and burnout rates, it has never been more important to spotlight the importance of educators exercising self-care and this new leave is an important step in that direction.

We want teachers who are feeling sub-par to be able to take time to recover so when they are in front of our students they are at the top of their game. And the old adage is true – a great working environment is a great learning environment.