Teacher Explains Why Many Don't Call Out Even When Sick: 'Ridiculous'

A fifth-grade teacher has gone viral on TikTok after explaining why teachers hardly ever call out of work for sickness, following the nightmare she faced when she tried to take just one day off.

After a long term, Kate O'Neill, 27, explained on TikTok (@kateacheslittles) that she came down with a stomach bug the night before finishing for spring break in March. She told Newsweek that she woke up in the night "violently sick" and she knew "there was no way" she'd make it into work for the last day of term.

She attempted to log into the absence management system at around 2 a.m., which would alert substitute teachers in the area that there was an availability. Unfortunately for O'Neill, from New Jersey, she couldn't remember her login and resorted to sending an email to the school secretary instead.

O'Neill said: "I emailed my secretary to let her know that I came down with the stomach bug and wouldn't be in the next day. I specifically said in the email that I didn't remember my login for the absence management system so I couldn't put it in. I also told her that I would email my teammates my sub plans so that they can print them out and give them to the sub.

"After sending the email, I had to finish making my emergency sub plans for the next day. I was trying to do all of this in between running to the bathroom."

Despite her late-night efforts to ensure the lessons were covered, O'Neill awoke hours later to find a response from the displeased secretary. The secretary reminded O'Neill that she must contact her or the principal when taking sick leave if she can't put it into the absence management system, while adding that they didn't have a substitute ready.

O'Neill says she wasn't expecting a get well soon message from the secretary, but she didn't anticipate that she would receive so much "attitude from her" either.

"I was surprised that she made it seem like it was my fault that she didn't have a sub. I was also mad about the line about contacting her, when clearly I did by sending the email in the middle of the night. I hardly think she'd want me calling at that time," O'Neill continued.

The "ridiculous" experience left O'Neill feeling frustrated that the blame was placed on her for a lack of substitute teachers. She often shares the highs and lows of being a teacher on TikTok, so she didn't hesitate to post a video explaining "why teachers don't call out when they're sick."

The clip has resonated with many teachers and it's already gained over 31,400 views and more than 1,200 likes. The response to the video has been incredibly validating for O'Neill as she's heard from many people who were made to feel the same or were left chasing up work despite being sick.

She said: "I'd seen other teachers on TikTok share their biggest frustrations, but I hadn't seen many discuss this specifically. I never meant any ill intent towards my secretary or school, I simply wanted to voice a common concern among teachers and point out the extra hoops we jump through. I can't think of any other job that requires you to have minute by minute plans if you're going to be out.

"I don't think people realize that when teachers call out, it's not as simple as saying they're not coming in. Hours of preparation go into it and we're still made to feel guilty. With a country facing a teacher shortage, this needs to be addressed to help retain teachers."

Since going viral, many teachers have shown their support for O'Neill and shared their own experiences. Among the 260 comments on the post, one TikTok user responded: "It's actually easier to just work. Sub plans are way more work than knowing what I'd be teaching for the day."

Another person wrote: "I have gone in puking because was told no one could cover my class. Worst day of my life."

While another comment reads: "I was hospitalized and yelled at for more plans..."

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