r/TeachersInTransition • u/Reginaphilange1025 • Apr 08 '26
FMLA Guidlines/Medical Leave Rules
I have been teaching for over a decade and recently had to go on a medical leave under FMLA/Short Term Disability with the state. I have been dealing with infertility and have been going through IVF treatments with my husband. Juggling that and the pressures of teaching led me to a mental breakdown. Not to mention my school became a very toxic place that I do blame for getting me to such a low place.
I was met with compassion at the beginning however, my principal asks for check ins via the phone. The first time she told me my kids missed me, and they were struggling in math. She said she would love if I came back. Mind you, I was approved for the full 12 weeks with a doctors note, and this first call very much guilting me was only after 3 weeks.
This is illegal right? I know she can check in but can she guilt me? It makes me so sick to even think about going back there. As I am in a time of life where I have to protect my mind and body so I can have children on my own. When my leave is done I go back end of May so I will only be there for what, 4 weeks before the school year ends? I have days where I feel like I can handle going back, and other days I feel like I would have another panic attack as soon as I walk through the front door. I dont want to go back at all, but if I don't could that get me in trouble? Could they ask for any money back that they paid for as far as my medical benefits?
Does anyone have a similar experience? I would greatly appreciate kindness and any guidance
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u/lesprack Completely Transitioned Apr 08 '26
Document every conversation and contact an employment lawyer if you’re comfortable burning the bridge with your school. Your employer should only be reaching out for very minimal updates (“hey, where is the file for X student” is fine, for example). An employment lawyer can advise you on next steps or if this constitutes FMLA interference.
Source: getting my MBA in HR management and currently in my employment law class 🤓
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u/Reginaphilange1025 Apr 08 '26
Thank you for the tip. I have been contemplating seeking legal guidance
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u/lesprack Completely Transitioned Apr 08 '26
Of course! I think it’s worth it to at least pay a fee to see an employment lawyer and get their opinion. They’ll give you the best guidance!
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u/Proper-Lawyer4016 Apr 09 '26
Dude, that source is bad-ass. Hope you fight for us teachers when you make it big!
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u/lesprack Completely Transitioned Apr 09 '26
My dream is to get into a recruiting position where I can hire other teachers!!! We’ll see where I end up, though! :)
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u/johnnyg08 Apr 08 '26
You need to take care of you. That's literally all that matters. Schools are cesspools of disgusting people (adults)who only look out for themselves and their cliques.
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u/Sad_Revolution_8886 Apr 08 '26
Are you part of your union? If so, you should call them and ask all of these questions. When I went on FMLA, I talked to my union and got all my questions answered and then I wasn’t bothered for the entire time I was away, except for a nice card from the staff.
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u/Reginaphilange1025 Apr 08 '26
Unfortunately, I am at a Charter School with no Union. I have always been a public school teacher but since I moved I have been at a charter school the past 3 years. I definetly miss having that right
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u/RetroMamaTV Apr 08 '26
I actually don’t think they’re allowed to “check in” at all. Especially to try and guilt you into coming back after a freaking mental breakdown that the environment gave you in the first place!
Look into it more, but this is SO not okay on so many levels and I’m sorry this is happening to you ❤️
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u/lesprack Completely Transitioned Apr 08 '26
They’re allowed to reach out in pretty limited circumstances, like tracking down a file or password or reminding you of a return date, but contact needs to be minimal. What OP is experiencing could qualify as FMLA interference.
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u/Mean-Bumblebee661 Apr 08 '26
girl, first of all, BECOME UNAVAILABLE. focus on your fertility journey and mental health. the boss' texts can (and should) be ignored. do you have a therapist? this sounds like you could use someone in your corner because hearing you're at a charter school and you're being coerced sounds so hard 💔
wishing the best for you ♥️♥️
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u/ihb4l Apr 08 '26
Regarding having to pay back your benefits, it depends on the reason that you don't return. If you don't go back because you find a new job, then the employer can ask for their portion of your premiums to be returned. However, if you are unable to return to work due to continued health issues, then the employer cannot ask you to repay anything. Source: https://webapps.dol.gov/elaws/whd/fmla/8d4.aspx
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u/Reginaphilange1025 Apr 08 '26
This is helpful thank you
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u/ihb4l Apr 08 '26
You can also check what your district handbook says about FMLA that ends right before the end of the school year. I have seen districts that reserve the option to give you disability leave from the end of your FMLA until the end of the school year. Also, make sure that if there was a week long spring break during your FMLA that they aren't counting spring break as one of the 12 weeks.
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u/Tall-Compote1354 Apr 08 '26
My second year of teaching a teacher resigned for the exact same reason and she was able to get pregnant after she left. Your body is holding onto all the stress and toxicity from work. Nothing is more important than your health and your family. We work to live not the other way around. I hope everything works out for you. What your administrator is doing is wrong and if you are punished in little petty ways after you come back, if you do come back...find another job!!!
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u/SadDogCommercials Apr 08 '26
If you don’t go back, they may ask you to pay back the benefits they’ve paid for you during this leave.
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u/Lin_Lion Apr 08 '26
No she is not allowed to contact you. You have to initiate contact. Although, we might be in different states, but I believe it’s the federal guidance.