Percentage of Minn. teachers taking leave on rise

In recent years, more and more teachers in Minnesota have taken medical leaves.

While there are many factors for this, some educators in the St. Paul district tell the Pioneer Press that leaves are seen by some as a way to deal with mounting stress placed on teachers.

A survey of 85 school districts in 2008 by the Minnesota School Boards Association found a 27 percent increase in days that educators spent on various types of leave, when compared with two years earlier.

The association also says more districts are reporting a spike in mental-health-related leaves because of growing class sizes and increasing expectations.

Tim Caskey, human resources director in the St. Paul district, says he doesn't know why leaves have increased there in recent years.

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